H.Res. 719 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 719 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 10, 2014 Mr. Price of North Carolina (for himself and Ms. Matsui) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Recognizing the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps on September 12, 2014. Whereas every day in communities across America, AmeriCorps members are making a powerful impact on the most critical issues facing our Nation; Whereas, on September 12, 2014, the Nation will mark the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps with a simultaneous, nationwide swearing-in of a new class of AmeriCorps members and recognition events saluting AmeriCorps members and alumni for their dedication and impact; Whereas AmeriCorps has proven to be a highly effective way to engage Americans in solving problems, strengthening communities, bolstering the volunteer sector, renewing the ethic of service, and expanding economic and educational opportunity for those who serve; Whereas since 1994, more than 900,000 Americans of all ages and backgrounds have joined AmeriCorps, serving more than 1 billion hours and improving the lives of countless Americans; Whereas AmeriCorps members address the most pressing challenges facing our Nation: educating students for jobs of the 21st century, expanding economic opportunity, addressing the needs of military families and a new generation of veterans returning from war, helping communities rebuild after natural disasters, promoting health and well-being, and preserving the Nation’s parks and public lands; Whereas national service expands economic opportunity by creating more sustainable, resilient communities and providing experience, career skills, and more than $2.7 billion in college scholarships for those who serve; Whereas AmeriCorps members last year mobilized more than 4,000,000 community volunteers, helping the organizations they serve significantly increase their reach and impact; Whereas AmeriCorps members serve in more than 25,000 locations nationwide, bolstering the civic, neighborhood, and faith-based organizations that are so vital to our Nation’s well-being; Whereas AmeriCorps is a model public-private partnership that generates hundreds of millions of dollars of nongovernmental resources each year to strengthen community impact and increase return on taxpayer dollars; Whereas AmeriCorps, working hand-in-hand with its network of Governor-appointed State Service commissions, has developed an efficient and effective structure for engaging Americans in results-driven service that is poised for further growth and success in the future; Whereas in response to the strong demand from nonprofit organizations and from individuals who want to serve, AmeriCorps has developed innovative and cost-effective partnerships with other Federal agencies and the private sector that meet critical national needs and expand opportunities for Americans to serve their country; and Whereas AmeriCorps members demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service, and after their terms of service remain engaged in our communities as volunteers, public servants, and civic leaders in disproportionately high levels: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) acknowledges the significant impact and value of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and community partners over the past 20 years; (2) promotes a national effort to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni for 20 years of service to America; and (3) encourages citizens of all ages to find ways to give back to their communities and country through AmeriCorps and other programs.