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 Sat, 18 May 2013 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=1064Six months ago, Hurricane Sandy struck communities all along the East Coast. In the aftermath of this devastating super storm, AmeriCorps and national service members trained in disaster response are proving to be a valuable and cost-efficient resource for America as they help victims and survivors begin to rebuild their lives. Disaster Response and RecoveryMon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1063In recent days, we have witnessed remarkable acts of courage and compassion in the wake of tragedy. From the first responders in Boston who ran into danger to treat the wounded, to the volunteers who built floodwalls to save their Midwestern towns, to the firefighters who rushed in to battle a raging fire in West, Texas, citizens came together to help when it was needed most. United We ServeFri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1062President Obama today celebrated the remarkable achievements of student science fair winners and extraordinary kid innovators from across the nation in the third White House Science Fair. The Fair brought 100 students from more than 40 states to an all-day, hands-on celebration of the power and potential of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.EducationTue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1061Every October, millions of people across the nation volunteer their time during Make A Difference Day to make their communities better places to live. This week, 10 projects and three cities will be honored with Make A Difference Awards, and several national service participants - including two AmeriCorps members - will be recognized.United We ServeMon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1060Don't miss this year's National Conference on Volunteering and Service… or the early-bird registration rate!United We ServeFri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1059This month is full of volunteering and community impact. National Volunteer Week is April 21-27, followed by a weekend where millions of young people across the country will participate in the 2013 Global Youth Service Day taking place on April 26-28. United We ServeThu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1058Every year, about 75,000 Americans raise their right hand and take an oath to get things done for America. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1057America is a nation of volunteers. Results from our annual Volunteering in America survey show how willing our friends and neighbors are to lend a helping hand. More than 64 million Americans volunteer each year, strengthening the nation's safety net and providing vital services to our communities. United We ServeWed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1056Today, 832 mayors from big cities to small towns and everything in between are participating in the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. What a great way to highlight the many ways that AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers demonstrate the power that every citizen has to make a difference.United We ServeTue, 9 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1055Next week more than 730 mayors, collectively representing nearly 100 million Americans in all 50 states, will join together to recognize the impact of national service participants in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs who are making a difference in their communities.United We ServeThu, 4 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1054The new School Turnaround AmeriCorps is an exciting initiative that will provide resources to serve disadvantaged students in underperforming schools across the nation. Today, April 2, 2013, is the deadline for applicants that wish to participate to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply for the grant program.EducationTue, 2 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1053Community leader and labor activist Cesar Chavez once said that, 'If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him ... The people who give you their food give you their heart."United We ServeThu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1052The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles 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.United We ServeWed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1051Whenever and wherever disasters strike, destruction and confusion trail in their wake. AmeriCorps and national service members trained in disaster response are proving to be a valuable and cost-efficient resource for America as they help victims and survivors begin to rebuild their lives.Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1050For more 40 years, the Presidential Citizens Medal has recognized Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." The Medal is among the highest awards a civilian can receive.United We ServeThu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1049Today's Wordless Wednesday focuses our recent celebration of AmeriCorps Week with a selection of photos from the AmeriCorps Facebook page. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1048The Corporation for National and Community Service wrapped up AmeriCorps Week with a day of service in Rockaway, NY. This event honored the effort of relief workers so far, and highlighted the work that still needs to be done.Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1047As an Iraq War veteran, I am honored to work at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). We are home to more than 70,000 AmeriCorps members, whom we are celebrating as part of AmeriCorps Week.Veterans and Military FamiliesFri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1046The future of the United States hinges on an educated workforce that's equipped with the skills they need to meet the challenges that lay ahead. AmeriCorps members across the nation are working to ensure that our students are up to the task.Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1045During AmeriCorps Week, many officials will step forward to recognize the contributions our members are making in their communities and states from coast to coast. We've collected a few highlights from the leaders of our statehouses across the nation. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1044For many AmeriCorps members, finishing a term of service is not an ending, but the beginning of a life dedicated to public service and improving the lives of others.Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1043Each generation of Americans embraces the belief that no problem is too big for a determined group of people to conquer. This challenge is central to national service, which gives thousands of Americans a chance to unite with like-minded people and work toward improving the lives of our most-vulnerable citizens.Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1042It hasn't yet begun, but the intertubes are already abuzz with activity about AmeriCorps Week. As we prepare to celebrate this great occasion of all things AmeriCorps, we wanted to share a few ways to connect with us throughout the week. Fri, 8 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1041The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles 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, including a new initiative to place AmeriCorps members in underperforming schools across the nation.United We ServeWed, 6 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1040The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today announced the five institutions that are the Presidential Awardees in the 2013 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement.EducationMon, 4 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1039Each year during AmeriCorps Week, we highlight the contributions of our AmeriCorps members and alums, and the impact they are making in communities across the nation. Mon, 4 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1038Recognizing the work AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs perform in communities across the nation, the National League of Cities (NLC) will join more than 275 city leaders to shine a spotlight on their service during the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on April 9. United We ServeTue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1037The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and U.S. Department of Education announced a new collaborative effort today to strengthen and accelerate interventions in our nation's lowest-performing schools. The new School Turnaround AmeriCorps program will support a dedicated unit of AmeriCorps members that will provide additional support and resources in persistently underachieving schools.EducationMon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1036The IRS filing deadline is less than two months away, reviving a task that ranks somewhere near having a root canal for a lot of Americans. However, there are many national service members who are ready and willing to tackle the job, free of charge, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Who says accountants should have all the fun?Economic OpportunityWed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1035The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently.United We ServeTue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1034Disasters like Hurricane Sandy not only cause physical damage, but they can leave confusion and anger in their wake for weeks and months. So it must have surprised FEMA Corps Team Leader Cassie Murray to be declared 'an angel' only a few hours after she was angrily confronted by one of the storm's survivors.Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1033Today Sen. Harris Wofford received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Obama during a White House ceremony. We salute Sen. Wofford as he receives this honor and for his role as a longtime supporter and former CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. We've created a video that pays tribute to his legacy and highlights his life in public service. United We ServeFri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1031In his State of the Union address, President Obama vowed to 'make high-quality preschool available to every single child in America,' and he traveled to Georgia today to discuss the need for early childhood education. Improving education is a priority at the Corporation for National and Community Service that we support through proven national service efforts that make a difference in the lives of millions of students.EducationThu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1030The cliché is that opposites attract, but we've learned that some members of our national service family found enough in common to build relationships that led all the way to the altar. These are their stories.Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1029So, tomorrow is Valentine's Day and florists will be scrambling to fill orders and chocolate consumption is expected to rise by maybe a jillion percent. Suppose we take this day dedicated to love and use it to show that we have big hearts by serving or giving to others?United We ServeWed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1028The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently.United We ServeMon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1027The blizzard that whacked the Northeast last weekend paralyzed the hardest-hit areas, and created a gigantic task for workers mobilized to clear roads and restore electricity to areas that lost power. The storm is a reminder that this season can pack a punch, and we need to be prepared to handle winter's wrath.Disaster Response and RecoveryMon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1026The Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor, recognizes American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. Sen. Harris Wofford will be honored along with other recipients at a White House ceremony on Friday, Feb. 15. United We ServeFri, 8 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1025The chance to get in on the ground floor and build something new attracted recent college grad Ben Barron to the FEMA Corps AmeriCorps NCCC unit. Last fall his class went to work with the Hurricane Sandy relief and recovery effort in New York, where he learned a lot about himself and the strength of the human spirit.Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 8 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1024The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles 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.United We ServeMon, 4 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1023As the big game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers approaches this Sunday, the mayors from those cities are taking a different approach to the traditional, friendly wager. This year, the focus will be on volunteering and community service.United We ServeFri, 1 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1022A new video and photos from the National Day of Service and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service show the enthusiasm of people around the nation as they used the time to volunteer during the holiday weekend. United We ServeThu, 7 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1021The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. This week, we're focusing on some of the great stories about the National Day of Service and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service from around the nation. United We ServeSat, 26 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1020This weekend was a major moment for national service, and I want to share some of the many highlights that inspired me.United We ServeThu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1019Volunteers packed the D.C. Armory in Washington, DC, on Jan. 19, 2013, to participate in Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service and National Day of Service activities. Participants assembled 100,000 care kits for Operation Gratitude and wrote letters to U.S. soldiers during the event. Watch this blog for more National Day of Service photos from around the nation.MLK DayWed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1018When people talk about mentoring, the discussion often focuses on the young people being served. But mentors will tell you that they also get something from these special relationships. Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, shared her mentoring story with us.United We ServeWed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1017This weekend, Americans will join their neighbors in the National Day of Service and Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) encourages everyone to take some time during the holiday to make it 'a day on, not a day off.MLK DayFri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1016On April 9, mayors across the country will highlight the impact of national service in their cities and thank the individuals who serve during the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. The initiative will be led by U.S. Conference of Mayors President and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), Cities of Service, and other organizations.United We ServeFri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1014President Obama encourages everyone to join him and the First Family for the National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. People all across the nation will be participating in service projects - watch the video and learn how you can participate in the event.United We ServeThu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1013Continuing a tradition he started at his first inauguration in 2009, President Barack Obama is calling on Americans all across the country to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participate in the National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013.MLK DayThu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1012In 1960, when she was just 6 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.MLK DayThu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1011Americans from all 50 states will join thousands of organizations and commit to service this weekend as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service coincides with the 57th Presidential Inaugural and National Day of Service.MLK DayTue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1010In a sermon delivered nearly 55 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described what he called the "Drum Major Instinct' to the congregation in Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. The words he spoke that day were the inspiration for a national service award that recognizes leaders who give their time serving others but seldom seek the spotlight.MLK DayMon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1009First Lady Michelle Obama lends her voice to encourage Americans to serve as part of the National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19. Read on to watch the video, discover more about the First Family's commitment to community service, and learn how you can join the effort.United We ServeMon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1008The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.gov blog. In this series, we showcase articles 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.United We ServeMon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1007One of the greatest things about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is that when we pause to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the civil rights leader, we are also inspired to answer what he called life's most persistent question: 'What are you doing for others?' We can respond with action via MLK Day projects and National Day of Service activities surrounding the upcoming inauguration. MLK DayFri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1006We continue to track news coverage of the role national service participants have played in the Hurricane Sandy relief and recovery effort for the last few months. This week, our collection of stories includes one about two AmeriCorps members who spent their holiday away from home, helping people in New York and New Jersey recover from the storm.Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1005Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the course of history and inspired us to build what he called "the beloved community." The King Legacy of Service video tells the story of how Dr. King's birthday evolved into a national day of service. MLK DayWed, 9 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1004This week, nearly 100 AmeriCorps members boarded planes from Sacramento, CA, to New Jersey and New York where they will help residents affected by Hurricane Sandy rebuild homes, remove debris, and manage volunteers. Southwest Airlines' decision to donate travel to these young leaders made this deployment possible.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 9 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1003At age 17, Congressman John Lewis was so inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 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.MLK DayTue, 8 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1002Lt. Brandon Williams, part-time soldier and full-time AmeriCorps member, currently serves in Baltimore, MD, with one of Catholic Charities' member programs, Project SERVE. Each day, Lt. Williams arrives at Our Daily Bread, Catholic Charities' hot meal center, and teaches new volunteers the significance of feeding those who cannot afford to feed themselves. Equally importantly, he teaches his volunteers to respect each man and woman that comes through the door. The time the hungry spend in the safety and warmth of Our Daily Bread's walls may be the only time throughout the day they are treated with respect at all. Tue, 8 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1001Do you have questions about volunteering, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, or MLK Day? Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service will be taking your questions during a session of National Service Office Hours on Twitter! National ServiceMon, 7 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=1000On Jan. 21, 2013, our nation will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day), a national holiday during which we honor the legacy of the civil rights leader Dr. King through a day of service and volunteering. Mon, 7 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=999The 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. United We ServeFri, 4 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=998Each new year draws millions to make resolutions designed to change their lives. And while the focus on self-improvement is fine, the arrival of National Mentoring Month gives us an opportunity to recognize men and women who channel their energy to helping and inspiring young people toward a brighter future.United We ServeThu, 3 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=997Last month, Corporation for National and Community Service staff visited several sites in New York and New Jersey where national service members were helping with the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort. Today, we'd like to share two of the videos from that trip. Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 2 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=996As an AmeriCorps VISTA at Habitat for Humanity International, I spend most of my days planning for events, attending meetings for upcoming projects, and supporting the wonderful and exciting things my fellow Habitaters (coworkers) are doing. Recently, I had an opportunity to see the impact Habitat makes firsthand as we led a project to help homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy. Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=995We've been tracking news coverage of the role our national service participants have played in the Hurricane Sandy relief and recovery effort for the last few months. Here are some of the latest stories, including two personal reflections by AmeriCorps members.Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=994Growing up, I was fortunate enough to live a different experience than most. My parents were treasure hunters and I spent a majority of my childhood on their boat traveling in the Bahamas. Looking back, I almost feel as if I took those years a bit for granted; I never would have thought that the very boat I grew up on would be lifted and dropped in someone else's yard. But when Hurricane George came through in 1998, that's what happened. Little did I know, 14 years later, I would be on the other side of disaster recovery.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 26 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=993Millions of Americans will be making the journey to their respective hometowns this weekend to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Today and tomorrow, a 26-member AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team will leave Denver, CO, for the East Coast to spend their holidays helping families recover from Hurricane Sandy.Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=992This is the final stretch for holiday shoppers, and you know who you are if you belong to the procrastinators club. But you can still give the gift of service and help to others, even while the rush to the malls reaches a fever pitch.United We ServeFri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=991In the spirit of the season, members of our AmeriCorps team offer a national service variation on 'The 12 Days of Christmas.' So if everyone is ready, let's sing along with AmeriCorps -- and a-one, and a-two ...Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=990I am Jeffrey D. Richardson, MSW. I am proud to be a social worker, super proud to be an AmeriCorps Alum, and honored to be stepping in the role as Executive Director of Serve DC - The Mayor's Office on Volunteerism and the District of Columbia Commission on National and Community Service.Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=989I am no stranger to the great goals and aspirations of Campus Compact. Years ago when Campus Compact got started, I had the opportunity to work with the leadership as the program was developing. While I was the state director for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) office in Pennsylvania, I worked closely with the Pennsylvania Campus Compact VISTA project, and I was able to watch as the Maryland Campus Compact was launched and grew to become the Maryland-DC Campus Compact.Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=988When AmeriCorps NCCC member Melissa Ettman was assigned to lead a Sacramento, CA-based team to help with the Hurricane Sandy cleanup in New York and New Jersey, she was familiar with many of the areas affected by the storm. In fact, her 87-year-old grandmother on Long Island was affected by the hurricane and had to live without electricity for a week.Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=987Civic leaders, community groups, and elected officials joined the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) today for a dedication of the new AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Atlantic Region Campus in the former Sacred Heart of Mary School of Baltimore, MD.Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=986'Where do you find the time?' is a question that could be posed to many parents, but the 2012 Volunteering and Civic Life in America (VCLA) report shows that many in this group are carving space in their busy schedules to help others in their communities. Allison Moore, a military spouse and mother of three young children in Missouri, is a prime example.United We ServeMon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=985The new Volunteering and Civic Life in America report gives researchers at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) a chance to examine some of the trends in these two important areas of life in these United States. This data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 51 cities provides a snapshot of how Americans are coming together to improve our communities and who is leading the way.United We ServeThu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=984As Hurricane Sandy efforts transition from emergency response to long-term recovery, AmeriCorps members are providing vital leadership in communities up and down the East Coast.Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=983Working together to strengthen our communities is at the core of our national values. New research indicates that this commitment to service burns brighter than ever.United We ServeWed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=982The Hurricane Sandy recovery continues with more than 1,660 national service participants deployed in response to the storm and 715 currently serving on the ground and working with the storm's victims. At this time 407 members of FEMA Corps, an AmeriCorps NCCC unit, have deployed or are being re-routed to New York and New Jersey to support FEMA Emergency Response operations in those areas. Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=981Our friends weigh in often on our Facebook page with comments, opinions, and all kinds of interesting observations. United We ServeMon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=980Around the country, December is welcomed as a month of hope and good cheer. It may be a season for the exchanging of gifts, or for the sharing of time and resources with community members in need. For many, it is also a time to gather together with loved ones to reminisce about cherished memories and create new stories that will be shared in the future. Such stories preserve the legacy of a family, the history of a generation, and perhaps most important of all, the story of a nation.Veterans and Military FamiliesFri, 7 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=979As military deployments became more common for National Guard and Reserve troops, the emotional strain hits children left behind especially hard. Operation: Military Kids (OMK) supports military youth age 5-18 with outreach programs to help them cope with the stresses of being away from their parents serving far from home. Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 6 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=978Even though there are plenty of distractions around the holiday season, let's not forget the victims of Hurricane Sandy who are still reassembling their lives in the storm's aftermath. The Corporation for National and Community Service joins other federal and national agencies in the recovery effort with a commitment that's used by our Disaster Services Unit: 'You can count on us to respond fast and stay last.'Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 4 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=977Did you know that some of the programs under the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) banner have been in existence for nearly 50 years? We've created a new national service timeline to show how we got to where we are today.National ServiceMon, 3 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=976On Saturday, Dec. 1, the global community observes World AIDS Day as the march continues toward creating an AIDS-free generation. AIDS United, a Social Innovation Fund and AmeriCorps grantee, is one of many groups supporting the work on the front lines of this epidemic.HealthFri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=975When asked how to best honor her husband, Coretta Scott King replied, "The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others." As the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service approaches on Jan. 21, 2013, teachers and students across the country are exploring the idea of service to others through an online curriculum created by the Corporation for National and Community Service and Scholastic. MLK DayThu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=974As the Hurricane Sandy recovery continues, the Serve.gov blog will highlight some of the best stories from the field. Today we have a personal reflection from AmeriCorps NCCC member Nicole Wojcik, who is serving with team Delta 10 and staffing a donation hotline in New Jersey.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=973The transient nature of military life can make life difficult for students in military families, and many are stationed at Fort Leonard Wood for less than two years or experience parental deployment. They often have challenges with making new friends, fitting into social groups, and connecting with the community.Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=972As President Obama said in his proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month, behind each service member "stands a parent, a sibling, a child, a spouse -- proud family members who share the weight of deployment and make profound sacrifices on behalf of our country."Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=971This Thanksgiving, as we gather with loved ones and give thanks for the blessings in our lives, let us also commit to share those blessings through service to others. United We ServeWed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=970As the Hurricane Sandy recovery continues, more stories are starting to come in about our national service members' experiences in the field. Whether they traveled across the country to affected areas or collected much-needed items far from the storm's path, their work continues to inspire.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=968AS220 Youth Studio, a Rhode Island program to help troubled youth get involved with the arts to bring positive outcomes in their lives and longstanding AmeriCorps VISTA project, was recognized as one of the nation's 12 most outstanding arts programs for young people during a White House event hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.EducationWed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=967The annual Veterans Day observance holds special meaning for veterans and military families across the Nation and around the world. It also has deep significance for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). We work closely with the Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force and have a long and special partnership with the National Guard Bureau, which has a counterdrug mission. We honor the service of all active-duty military and veterans and salute their dedication and commitment.Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=966A day designed around the idea of 'thanks' is a natural for those who want to give back. And as Americans have opened their hearts and wallets to disasters like the Hurricane Sandy relief and recovery efforts, there are many other ways to show thanks by helping those in need this holiday season.United We ServeMon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=965Last week, I led a delegation to New York and New Jersey to visit sites providing disaster assistance to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Throughout the day, we were joined by local elected officials who are working hard to meet the needs of their communities. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, New Jersey Lt. Gov. and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno, U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), and New York City Councilman Brad Lander each joined us for a portion of the day. Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=964President Obama visited with members of FEMA Corps, a unit of AmeriCorps NCCC, during his November 15 trip to survey the Hurricane Sandy damage in Staten Island, NY. A small contingent of the 428 FEMA Corps members currently serving in New York and New Jersey met the President at a Staten Island Disaster Recovery Center as the scene was broadcast across the nation.Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=963The work continues on the Hurricane Sandy recovery front in New York, New Jersey, and across the Northeast as approximately 1,200 national service members have been deployed in response to the storm. Read on to see some of the stories about service and volunteerism in the superstorm's wake.Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=962Today's Wordless Wednesday focuses on national service in action as members and volunteers from the Corporation for National and Community Service programs join others working on the Hurricane Sandy recovery.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST