AmeriCorps alumni across the country are leading the nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week, May 8-15, spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps members. Alumni of AmeriCorps are planning events to highlight and celebrate the effect that national service has had on their lives, and on the communities in which they live and work.

AmeriCorps Week, celebrated each 2nd week in May, recognizes and celebrates those who have served in, staffed or managed an AmeriCorps program and also the organizations and communities who support National Service. AmeriCorps offers opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.

"We are proud to have been a part of AmeriCorps and grateful for all the alumni who continue to get things done for America," said Amity Tripp, Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums. "Current AmeriCorps members and alums have made a significant impact on many lives and countless local needs, and AmeriCorps Week is a perfect opportunity to celebrate and recognize their great work."

More than 30,000 active AmeriCorps alumni engage through more than 100 chapters across the nation. Chapters stay active locally by, for example, helping students learn to read, mentoring at-risk youth, providing health services, building homes for low-income families, and helping nonprofits recruit volunteers and achieve their mission. Since 1994, more than half a million AmeriCorps alumni have given more than 770 million hours of service to this country.

"AmeriCorps Week is more than a way to honor AmeriCorps members for their service," said Michelle Nunn, CEO of the Points of Light Institute. "It's an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of volunteerism as a movement and the effect that AmeriCorps programs have on alumni, program staff and the organizations and communities who support national service."

To mark AmeriCorps Week, more than 200 events in all 50 states are scheduled, including an AmeriCorps Rally at City Hall in Philadelphia, an all AmeriCorps Community Cleanup in Washington, DC, an AmeriCorps Flash Mob in Austin, TX, Community Outreach events in Portland, Me, and a Humboldt Park Gardening Project in Chicago. More than 15 AmeriCorps Nights will be held at MLB stadiums including the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals. These events will allow community residents to learn and ask questions about AmeriCorps and national service. To search for events in your area go to: www.americorpsweekevents.org.

AmeriCorps alums typically remain actively engaged in their communities once their service is complete. They not only can be counted on as volunteers, but they also run nonprofits, marshal resources within their communities to address difficult issues, and frequently pursue public service careers.

AmeriCorps Alums create a force for change in America's communities by empowering national service alumni with the tools and resources they need for a lifetime of civic leadership. Providing everything from service engagements and organizing tools to networking opportunities and national recognition, AmeriCorps Alums serves civic leaders so they can serve America. AmeriCorps Alums has more than 100 chapters working to strengthen communities and create change at the local level. For more information visit www.americorpsalums.org. AmeriCorps Alums is a Points of Light Institute Civic Incubator Project.

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

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