During 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.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley

“AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for their service, have earned nearly $2.4 billion in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to further their own educational advancement at colleges and universities – including more than $14.6 million that has been earned by residents of Alabama; AmeriCorps members, after their terms of service end, remain engaged in our communities as volunteers, teachers, public servants and non-profit leaders in disproportionately high levels. …”

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe

“AmeriCorps Week is an opportune time to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni for their powerful impact, to thank all of AmeriCorps' community partners, and to bring more Americans into service … Arkansas AmeriCorps Week 2012 will focus on the critical issue of hunger relief by joining in partnership with community organizations to collect, pack, and distribute non-perishable food items for those in our State who do not have enough to eat …”

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory

“AmeriCorps members serve with more than 1,100 nonprofit, educational, and faith-based community groups nationwide; including more than 85 national service projects in North Carolina … last year, North Carolina AmeriCorps members recruited and supervised more than 85,000 community volunteers for the organizations they serve; residents of North Carolina have earned more than $39,480,000 in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to help pay for college or pay back student loans …”

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn

"AmeriCorps volunteers dedicate themselves to service and making a difference throughout the great state of Illinois. On behalf of the people of Illinois, I thank AmeriCorps members and its alumni for their service and salute them for their hard work and continued commitment to strengthening our neighborhoods and communities”

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley

“More than 18,000 men and women from Maryland, have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to ‘get things done for America' by becoming AmeriCorps Members since 1994, serving a total of more than 23 million hours … AmeriCorps in Maryland last year recruited more than 41,370 volunteers, tutored or mentored more than 51,540 disadvantaged children, provided more than 1 million hours of service valued at more than $21 million”

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder

“More than 24,000 Michigan residents have served as AmeriCorps members, including AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps National and AmeriCorps NCCC, providing our state with an excess of 29 million hours of service; each year, AmeriCorps provides opportunities for an additional 80,000 citizens across the nation to give back, including nearly 1,800 from Michigan…”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry

“Since 1994, AmeriCorps has tapped into that spirit, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with volunteer opportunities. Here in Texas, more than 40,000 AmeriCorps volunteers have served with incredible passion and energy. With assistance from the OneStar Foundation and the Texas state office of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps volunteers have proven highly effective in meeting critical community needs.”

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell

“Last year in Virginia, AmeriCorps members tutored or mentored more than 59,530 disadvantaged children and youth, provided more than 1.1 million hours of service valued at more than $23.2 million, recruited more than 21,530 volunteers, raised more than $2.6 million in cash or in-kind resources for the organizations they served, and strengthened the reach and impact of Virginia nonprofits and state and local governments … AmeriCorps members earn educational benefits that will improve their lives and strengthen the lives of their families, communities and the Commonwealth as a whole. …”

3 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.
 

Last 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.