http://www.serve.gov/stories_all.asp Serve.gov is the most comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities ever created. Americans can enter geographic information about where they want to get involved, such as state or ZIP Code, and areas of interest ranging from education to the environment, to access volunteer opportunities offered by a range of partner organizations across the country or around the world. Formerly the website for the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House (under President Bush), Serve.gov is managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service on behalf of the White House. en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST 0 http://www.serve.gov/images/common/logo_servegov.jpg http://www.serve.gov 204 28 http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=806On April 20, Nebraska young people paused for seven seconds of silence. These students and young adults were illustrating the fact that every seven seconds someone in our country is bullied. Together, 61,709 students and youth in communities across Nebraska made a personal pledge to fight bullying and stand up for those who are bullied. United We ServeWed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=805May is a time of graduations, fresh spring air and new beginnings. But for many, graduation from high school or college is far from a reality, and opportunities for a fresh start are out of reach. At least one in six young people ages 16-24 are disconnected from school and work - the two pathways that provide the greatest hope for a bright and productive future. Yet, these young people dream of building careers and making important contributions to our communities. That's why we see them as 'Opportunity Youth.' White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=804For an aging individual coping with the loss of mobility, lack of proper foundations in and around a home can lead to difficulties remaining independent and mobile. This is especially true of our nation's veterans and as a nation, we have a duty to take care of these individuals how have sacrificed so much for our country. Veterans and Military FamiliesFri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=803At 58, Dyann Brown of Rochester, New York found herself in early retirement after a long career in nonprofit management. Seeking to reflect principles rooted in her faith, Brown sought to share her talents and resources with her community. National ServiceThu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=802Shrinking budgets are creating new holes in support services for our most vulnerable citizens at a time when their needs are growing. At the same time, many in the largest and most-influential generation are at a stage in their lives where they are looking for ways to give back. It's almost a perfect storm of supply meeting demand National ServiceWed, 9 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=801This week, communities across the nation are taking part in Senior Corps Week, an annual event designed to celebrate the powerful impact of Senior Corps volunteers and encourage more Americans 55+ to give back. Want to learn more about what Senior Corps is all about? Take a look at these videos explaining the three programs of Senior Corps - Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, and RSVP. National ServiceTue, 8 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=800There are people working every day at all levels - and across all sectors - to improve our communities and find lasting and sustainable solutions to expand opportunity for young people. We spoke with Judith Rodin, a member of the White House Council for Community Solutions, who has shown a commitment throughout her professional career for community solutions that support and cultivate the next generation. White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 4 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=7993 Billion. That's the number of hours, on average, contributed by Americans aged 55 and older in service between 2008 and 2010. Some of these individuals serve with Senior Corps programs like RSVP while others may give back through local faith-based or community organizations, but all provide valuable human capital which communities in need are able to depend on. United We ServeTue, 1 May 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=798Youth aren't waiting for the call to serve --they are ready to make their mark today. This last weekend, young people around the world celebrated Global Youth Service Day in 100 countries on six continents as children, teens, and young adults demonstrated why they are the most service-oriented generations ever. United We ServeTue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=797While the economy continues to show signs of improvement, there are still many workers who are facing challenges in connecting to new careers. The Department of Labor has encouraged dislocated workers to pursue education and training to improve their skills and better position them to compete for employment opportunities. Many workers have taken advantage of these opportunities, but it is also important to lay a path forward for those workers who have not enrolled in training and seek other options to build their skills and increase their chances to find employment. United We ServeMon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=796If you took a snapshot of Americans' volunteer service, what would it look like? What work would attract the most volunteers? Will Boomers be able to teach Millennials a thing or two about helping others? And should you look north, south, east, or west to find the state that spends the most doing it? United We ServeThu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=795I was inspired early in life to try to make a mark on the world. And even though I'm a bit of a natural caretaker -- working as a lifeguard and even helping find jobs for folks suffering from traumatic brain injury -- meetings and organizations just weren't my style. United We ServeThu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=794National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, is a chance for Americans to recognize the volunteers within their community. Here on the Serve.gov blog, that's exactly what we hope to do with our posts this week.Today, this Wordless Wednesday features photos of all kinds of volunteers. Do you have a favorite volunteering photo? Share it with us on the Facebook! United We ServeWed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=793Good news. A recent LinkedIn survey found that 41 percent of professionals considered volunteer work as much as paid work when evaluating job candidates. Now here's the bad news: Slightly less than half of the 89 percent who had volunteer experience included it on their resumes. That's a mistake -- put your volunteer experience to work for you.National ServiceTue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=791It's an old saying and a profound truth that it is better to give than to receive. During National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, we celebrate the millions of Americans who volunteer and recognize the extraordinary benefits of service to individuals, communities, and our nation. National ServiceMon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=789On Monday, I joined the Corporation for National and Community Service as CEO. It's been a great first week on the job.National ServiceFri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=788Having just wrapped up National AmeriCorps Week, another big week for celebrating service is on the horizon: National Volunteer Week. Happening April 15-21, 2012, National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for nonprofit organizations and national service members and alumni to be recognized and celebrated for their efforts. It's also an opportunity of AmeriCorps Alums to tell their story of service, and shine a light on the value of national service in our nation. United We ServeFri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=786Last year, 64.3 million Americans gave their time in service. These volunteers spent hours in schools and shelters, hospitals and hotlines, and faith-based and community-groups. They are the everyday heroes who show up day in, day out and make a difference for millions of women and men around the world. United We ServeTue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=785Today, Wendy Spencer begins her first day as new Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service. While you'll hear more from Wendy in the coming weeks, we wanted to help you get to know her a bit better. Learn more about Wendy and the service experiences that shaped her life with this video below. National ServiceMon, 9 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=784Every day, researchers, policymakers, teachers, counselors, and business leaders continue to make the case for the importance of earning a high school diploma and obtaining some post-secondary study. For young adults who drop out of high school, their options and future earning potential become extremely limited. Sadly, 1-in-6 young adults are completely isolated from school and work - and are less likely to become the independent, productive citizens needed to help our nation grow. White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 6 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=783Everyone has a story, as the saying goes, and the Corporation for National and Community Service wants to hear ones about the most innovative leaders and programs that are making a difference in our communities. If you know of one, it's time to nominate them for the 2012 National Service Impact Awards. National ServiceWed, 4 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=782These words sit at the heart of my father's tireless efforts to advocate for change. He believed that protection from the hazards of pesticides; fair wages and improved working conditions were not achievable if not founded upon an improvement in the overall well-being of the community. United We ServeFri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=781The Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), a New York City-based Social Innovation Fund (SIF) grant recipient, recently won Harvard University's noteworthy Kennedy School of Government Innovations in American Government Award for its powerful approach to fighting poverty in New York and across the country. Social Innovation FundFri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=780AmeriCorps Week, held this year March 10 to 18, is traditionally an opportunity for the Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps grantees to celebrate members in service and build community awareness for the impact of AmeriCorps. In recent years, it has also been an opportunity for AmeriCorps Alums, Points of Light's enterprise engaging alumni of national service, to accentuate their passion for service and their continued commitment to a lifetime in service. National ServiceFri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=779National service leaders, social entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and innovators from across the country will converge in Chicago for the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS), sponsored by the Points of Light Institute, June 18-20, 2012, to exchange ideas about and share solutions to some of the nation's toughest problems. National ServiceTue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=777Growing up, I had dreams of what my future would look like. But reality taught me that achieving a dream and building a future is a learning process and can't be done alone. White House Council for Community SolutionsTue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=776The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceTue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=775My grandmother lived in Texas, and she would remind me that everything was bigger there -- including their hearts. The work of one person, empowered by a Corporation for National and Community Service program, demonstrates how thousands of people are making a Texas-sized impact on the lives of our nation's veterans. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=774Today, to celebrate AmeriCorps Week, I served with a group of volunteers - including five enthusiastic AmeriCorps members - at a Habitat for Humanity build site in Washington, DC. National ServiceFri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=773On a daily basis, the employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency look into the eyes of disaster survivors and convey a calm strength and compassion to assist them on the road to recovery from disasters. Similarly conveying strength and resolve to make our nation stronger are the thousands of Americans who are part of AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=771I began my AmeriCorps journey when I was recruited into the program by the Community Action Agency in Annapolis, MD. My first job was to create a mentoring system for families of Head Start students. The next year, I continued serving in the program by training others in mentoring as a regional coordinator, and I returned for a third year with AmeriCorps to lead the program as a state coordinator with Volunteer Maryland. National ServiceWed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=770A new chapter in the history of national service began today with the announcement of a partnership with FEMA to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to and recover from disasters and expand career opportunities for young people. The five-year agreement provides for an additional 1,600 AmeriCorps NCCC members annually to supplement our current NCCC force. Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=769National service is one of America's most hallowed traditions. As Alexis De Tocqueville noted in 1835, we are a nation of joiners. Ours is a country where people take collective action for the good of all.National ServiceTue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=768Year-round AmeriCorps Alums, the national network for all alumni of national service, seeks to positively support and impact the professional life of its members. It is fitting tribute then that this year's AmeriCorps Week theme is AmeriCorps Works, perfectly aligning with the mission of AmeriCorps Alums. National ServiceThu, 8 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=767Earlier this week, Chief of Program Operations, Idara Nickelson, accompanied Kelly DeGraff, Senior Advisor for Disaster Services on a tour of disaster areas throughout Missouri -- Joplin, Branson, and Kimberling City. Her first time at a disaster site, she snapped the above photo and had this to say: Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 7 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=766More than a quarter of Colorado's third-graders are not reading at grade level, a concerning statistic as early childhood literacy is one of the most important predictors of school success and high school graduation. Stakeholders across diverse sectors including federal, state, and local governments, educators, nonprofits, business leaders, and foundations have teamed up to improving childhood literacy as a top priority for the state. Social Innovation FundTue, 6 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=765Last week, I joined a community conversation organized by the United Way of the Bay Area. It was one of five forums in my region, of more than 100 gatherings in 30 cities across the country this spring. These events are bringing together local leaders, youth, and citizens to map out a plan to help young people find paths to economic independence.White House Council for Community SolutionsMon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=764African American History Month has ended, and while the official celebration is over, our contributions to society don't end on any given particular day. Likewise, our African American service members continue to contribute and make history, even after they take off their uniforms for the last time. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 5 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=763Every four years, we're given one extra day, a leap day. That's 24 extra hours to spend however you wish. Why not spend a few of those hours making a difference? United We ServeWed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=762During Black History Month, we pause to salute and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to the rich fabric that makes up the United States.There are many untold stories that reveal the best of Americans who stepped up when duty called, broke color barriers, or quietly made their communities better one person at a time. United We ServeTue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=761Service has many meanings. To a member of the Armed Forces, service is duty, pride, and honor. Those of us who wear - or have worn - the uniform have a deep sense of conviction and purpose. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=760Today, I was thrilled to be with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Memorial Middle School in Orlando, FL to announce Together for Tomorrow, a new initiative to expand community engagement and citizen service to improve low-performing schools. EducationFri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=759Throughout time, a community has often determined the success or failure of its members. A youth's environment shapes the adult they will become, so it is critical that young people are surrounded by positive role models and caring adults in a nurturing community. White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=758As the Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums, the national network for all AmeriCorps national service alumni, I'm often asked how Alums are leveraging the AmeriCorps experience after their year of service. Today, we're launching a series on the Serve.gov blog to answer those questions and more. National ServiceThu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=757Each year, African American History Month gives us a chance to remember the often unsung heroes who are living examples of Dr. Martin Luther King's belief that 'Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.' United We ServeWed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=756Communicating the scope and impact of national service is an important component of an organization's work. The service story is one we strive to tell daily, and CNCS is dedicated to helping members of the service community do so. National ServiceTue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=755Communities have a long history of coming together to revitalize and transform their areas. From the settlement houses of the late 19th century to the 1960s War on Poverty, communities have been collaborating for centuries to improve their surroundings. White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=754February 10, we announced the 2012 Social Innovation Fund Grants Competition and we encourage all qualified grantmakers to consider applying. Applications will be due by Tuesday, March 27, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Social Innovation FundTue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=753This Valentine's Day, volunteers across Montana are showing love for our veterans, mobilizing in an effort to help America's heroes prepare tax returns at several Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites around the state including Billings, Bozeman, and Helena. Economic OpportunityTue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=752The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceMon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=750America's young people have always been a particular passion of mine. Maybe it's because I have three children or perhaps it's because I work with a staff of young professionals who keep me thinking young. In working with young people, I've come to hold one truth above all: the youth of America have the power to change the world if we give them the tools, the mentorship, and the opportunity to do it. White House Council for Community SolutionsThu, 9 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=749Today, a group of young men and women, many of them veterans, will stand up and pledge to 'get things done for America'. They will join a legion of more than 750,000 Americans who have served in AmeriCorps and become the first class to also serve as VetCorps members. Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 9 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=748Use social media to share how AmeriCorps works for you, and the communities you impact. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter (@AmeriCorps), and don't forget to use hashtag #acweek. You can also read stories about AmeriCorps Week on the Serve.gov blog. National ServiceThu, 9 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=746While Juliana Ko was serving with Teach for America on the outskirts of a Navajo Nation Reservation, she tragically lost one of her students to suicide and knew that she had to do something for her adopted community. Community RenewalWed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=745Helping homeless veterans get off the streets feels like work Duane Magee was made to do, and his tireless quest puts him behind the wheel for thousands of miles each year to find them. He is living proof to vets that recovery from homelessness and incarceration is possible because their story is his story, and his quiet mission to assist them led to his nomination for a 2012 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service Award. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=744The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceMon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=743As a former high-tech entrepreneur, CEO, and philanthropist, I have tried to tackle challenges that were similarly daunting and seemingly intractable. I've found that the 'path forward' is almost always the same - large scale social change requires an 'all hands on deck' approach that is proactive, focused, and inclusive.White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=740Eight months ago, one of the deadliest tornados in U.S. history touched down in Joplin, Missouri, and took the lives of more than 160 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. The federal response began immediately. Within hours, Federal Emergency Management Agency teams were on the ground to work hand in hand with state and local officials to assist in response and recovery.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=739Just hours after a deadly EF-5 tornado struck Joplin, MO, in May 2011, AmeriCorps members began arriving to help with the recovery efforts. Now Missouri state officials are recognizing the national service volunteers who came to the city's aid after the devastating storm. Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=738Of the 130,000 veterans in Idaho, more than 30,000 are registered with the Idaho Department of Labor to receive employment resources and job training. However, budget cuts have put this program in jeopardy. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=737The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceFri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=736Today, too many young people in America are struggling. More than a million students drop out of high school each year and one in every three do not graduate on time. The problem is even more severe among African American and Latino youth, and those from low-income backgrounds. EducationWed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=735To those who have lived through devastation as complete as a tornado, every minute following the horror of wind and chaos is a perpetual memorial to the many who did not survive to see the skies run clear again. Disaster Response and RecoveryMon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=733Many years ago, I stepped off a plane from Iraq and onto the tarmac at Pope Airfield in Fort Bragg, NC. The scene was filled with open arms, cheers, the sound of muffled grunts of joy as weeping kids jumped into the arms of their parents, and spouses' soft cries of love and longing. The sounds of reunions were deafening as they bounced off the high walls of the hangar -- it was a sound that I welcomed, and remember to this day. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=732Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have given more than one billion hours and mobilized tens of millions of volunteers to help their fellow citizens. AmeriCorps Week (March 10-March 18) recognizes their commitment and impact. National ServiceFri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=731Today, President Obama, the First Lady, and Malia Obama volunteered at a local elementary school as part of a national day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King, who devoted his life to helping others, once said that 'everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.' United We ServeMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=730Monuments are built to those who change the course of history. It is right and fitting that a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. now stands in the heart of our nation's Capital. Even as we renew our understanding of Dr. King's legacy by visiting this beautiful monument; we can honor the legacy of Dr. King by following his example, by serving and volunteering in our communities. United We ServeMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=729On March 16, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his last visit to the city of Los Angeles. He used that occasion to deliver a speech calling for an end to poverty, and to build support for a Poor People's Campaign to demand jobs, health care and housing for the country's poor. United We ServeMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=728As residents returned to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, a group of young black Catholics from the Archdiocese of New Orleans formed the IMANI Team (IMANI meaning 'faith' or 'belief' in Swahilli), a youth group from black Catholic parishes and schools that united to serve the African-American community of the archdiocese, to encourage and to help rebuild a sense of spiritual community and renewal across the Crescent City. The efforts by this group of young leaders are being recognized with a 2012 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service award. Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=727Thanks to so many of you, the momentum of the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is building and the results will be extraordinary! The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides - today and throughout the year. United We ServeFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=726Hurricane season is an anxious time for Americans living along the coastal regions of the United States. But when Tropical Storm Lee spread its destruction inland last September, volunteer leaders like Bruce Barney and Sharon Early made a difference in their community's recovery efforts. Their commitment led to their selection as 2012 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service award recipients. United We ServeThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=725As America's heroes return from war zones and transition back into civilian life, many are facing challenges finding work. Last month, more than over 857,000 veterans were unemployed, and the jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans is 13.1 percent. Veterans and Military FamiliesWed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=724James 'Major' Adams was raised on Chicago's Westside and served in the Army during World War II. When he completed his military service, Adams returned to Chicago and worked for various agencies including Jane Addams' Hull House, one of the city's oldest social and human services programs. United We ServeTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=723As America's heroes return from deployments abroad and transition back into civilian life, many are facing challenges in finding employment. With the unemployment rate among recently returned veterans hovering around 12 percent, these men and women who volunteered to courageously serve our country should not have to return home with bleak opportunities in sight. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=722In 1960 when she was just six years old, civil rights leader Ruby Bridges was one of four children to integrate the public school system in New Orleans. Every day, she crossed a screaming mob to enter her classroom. United We ServeThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=721In this video, Reverend Lowery remembers his friend 'Martin' and urges us to 'look around and see who's not enjoying all the benefits that they should.' Reverend Lowery asks us, 'How can we fill the gaps? How can we meet the needs of those who need the most?' United We ServeTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=720In this video, Wofford talks about his memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and the origin of MLK Day. United We ServeFri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=719At age 17, Congressman John Lewis was so inspired by Dr. King that he wrote a letter to King asking to meet him. Dr. King wrote back and sent Lewis a round-trip Greyhound bus ticket to meet with him. United We ServeWed, 4 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=718New Year's resolutions are a great way to check in with ourselves and reflect on our priorities. Resolving to eat healthy, exercise more, or spend more time with our loved ones can all be a part of using the New Year as an opportunity to become better versions of ourselves. United We ServeThu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=717On December 20th, Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Robert Velasco, II, and Director of AmeriCorps John Gomperts joined volunteers at DC Central Kitchen. They helped prepare fresh produce that would later be added to delicious meals for area hungry. Each year, more than 14,000 volunteers work side by side with the men and women of the Culinary Job Training program, preparing more than 4500 meals, 365 days a year. United We ServeTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=716The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is a National Day of Service, and a time to re-commit ourselves to serving each other and our communities. This year, CNCS will shine a spotlight on the connection between service and economic opportunity, and promote the MLK Day of Service as the first of many opportunities throughout the year for Americans to come together and tackle critical challenges for the greater good. United We ServeThu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=713The mood was merry when Dr. Jill Biden hosted a fourth-grade class from White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, Virginia at the Vice President's Residence on Monday, Dec. 12. The festive event focused on helping children understand the challenges faced by military families during the holiday season. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=712I am honored to be recognized as a Champion of Change through President Obama's Winning the Future Initiative. I have volunteered with the President at service projects in Washington, DC and along with my colleagues at HandsOn Greater DC Cares and the volunteer community of our region, share his commitment to achieving change through service. Community RenewalWed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=710This week I am being recognized as a Champion of Change for my work empowering Arab and Muslim Americans nationally through civic engagement, direct service and advocacy campaigns. Born in Brooklyn, New York to parents who emigrated here from Palestine and attending NYC public schools my whole life, I would say I was an ordinary kid with an ordinary life. United We ServeThu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=709Madison Street Veterans Association began about three years ago with a group of homeless veterans living in an emergency shelter in Phoenix. The veterans decided that they should band together to improve the conditions in the shelter for themselves and any veterans who showed up in the shelter. What a difference they made! Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 3 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=707This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to deliver hundreds of toys that White House staff donated to Toys for Tots, an annual holiday toy drive organized by the Marines. She thanked volunteers and military families for their hard work and dedication to the 60-year old program. United We ServeMon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=706Earlier this month an important meeting was held in Washington. It wasn't a meeting you would have heard about on the nightly news, but it was a meeting that addressed critical issues facing a core constituency of this nation - American Indians. National ServiceFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=705Last week the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) convened more than 200 leaders in the disability and service communities at the 2011 Symposium on Service and Inclusion. Our goal: to discuss strategies to recruit, engage, and support more people with disabilities in national service. National ServiceThu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=704Every day, AmeriCorps members across the country are making a powerful difference in communities and their own lives. Each year during AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums and highlight the extraordinary value AmeriCorps brings to our nation. National ServiceWed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=703The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceMon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=702Operation Honor Card has successfully collected 14,000,000 pledged hours of service from Americans who want to honor military families and veterans through acts of kindness, big and small, showing appreciation for their sacrifice. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=701Jennifer Byerly, 47, of Rockport, Indiana weathered the trials and tribulations of life, but has made the most of her circumstances through her service with AmeriCorps. She has also become a champion for those with intellectual disabilities. National ServiceFri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=700On the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service this January, President Obama will recognize unsung heroes around the country who have answered the call to service. Inspired by Dr. King's historic speech on the Drum Major Instinct, the MLK Drum Majors for Service program --facilitated by the White House and the Corporation for National and Community Service -- welcomes the nomination of people in organizations and businesses who are serving their communities, often without recognition. United We ServeTue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=699Native American students and educators face a unique set of circumstances surrounding tribal communities, including poverty, loss of culture and identity, and high suicide rates, all threatening students' academic success.National ServiceWed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=698The holidays are a time when the spirit of kindness and generosity abound. So what better time to recognize your school for its year-round commitment to community service? EducationTue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=696Within tribal communities, Native Americans are uniting to combat the dire problems affecting their populations, including poverty, addiction, and high suicide rates. Native American youth leaders have taken the lead, inspiring their communities to take action and tackling these issues head on. Community RenewalFri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=695'We can re-build him. We have the technology.' Remember that classic opening line for the show The Six Million Dollar Man? A version of that line has been going through my head as we observe this year's World AIDS Day. HealthThu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=694Hispanic leaders in Colorado, like so many in the United States, are committed to addressing challenges and improving opportunities for their community. They want to work with the Federal government to understand policies, access information, leverage resources, and build collaboration that will help provide solutions to pressing concerns. In Denver, I saw this commitment first hand. EducationWed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=693As one of the coordinators of the White House Mentorship Program I was moved by HandsOn Greater DC Cares' new initiative to encourage for-profit corporations to provide mentoring opportunities for under-served youth in the Greater D.C. Community. The organization demonstrates the importance of bringing public and private sectors to together to better serve our communities.Community RenewalTue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=692When our armed forces return from combat, the impact it has on their lives is lasting, though not always evident. For many, they are returning with invisible wounds, that left untreated, can turn into scars.Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST