Join Us, Be A Voice
Letter from the Co-Chairs
of Voices for National Service
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Dear Friends:
While the recent passage of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was a significant and historic accomplishment, our work is far from done. The expansion authorized in the Act cannot be fully realized without federal funding, and the bold policy mandates must be fleshed out before any changes or new programs can be implemented. As a respected voice for the service community in Washington, D.C., Voices for National Service is well positioned to represent the field during this next phase of critical work. But we know we cannot do this alone and before we can help to successfully launch a new era for service and social innovation, we must broaden our coalition’s representation and expand our membership. We hope you will consider joining Voices for National Service at this unprecedented moment of need and opportunity for national and community service.
On March 31, 1933, President Roosevelt signed the Civilian Conservation Corps into law, launching a highly successful program that engaged millions of young men in meaningful community service. On this same day, seventy-five years later, Congress passed the historic Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Just like the CCC bill, the Serve America Act ushers in a new and exciting platform for service and social innovation in America. The legislation will tap the energy and ingenuity of our citizens to address today’s critical problems, and it will expand the reach of innovative and effective nonprofit organizations by providing needed human capital.
Voices for National Service commends President Obama for making the passage of the Serve America Act an early priority of his new administration. The fact that the bill moved so swiftly though the legislative process – introduced, passed, and signed within the “First 100 Days” – was in large part due to the depth of knowledge and expertise within the national service field that was shared with our nation’s leaders. Voices for National Service is grateful to have played a role in securing the bill’s final passage.
Educating our nation’s leaders about the power and potential of national service and the need to reauthorize and expand opportunities for all Americans to serve has been a priority of Voices for National Service since the coalition’s inception in 2003. The national service programs and state commissions involved in Voices for National Service have extensive experience running successful projects and managing grants, and the best recommendations from the field were collected and shared to help inform the development of the Serve America Act. Voices for National Service is pleased that many of the ideas and experiences shared by the field were incorporated into the bill, and this input will continue to help determine the shape of national serve for years to come.
The Serve America Act passed at a critical moment in our nation’s history. As the economy continues to slow and organizations are being forced to operate on shrinking budgets, service is even more vital to the nation’s financial and civic health. The Act expands opportunities for national service and leverages greater numbers of community volunteers. This additional human capital will help to strengthen a frayed and stressed safety net at a time when increasing numbers of Americans need it. But this expansion – authorized in the Serve America Act – cannot be fully realized unless Congress provides appropriate levels of funding.
Between fiscal years 2004 and 2008, federal support for national service programs steadily declined and continued reductions in funding constrained programs and prohibited growth. Today, when resources are scarce and need is high, we must advocate for a renewed investment. We must work together to educate our leaders about the critical role service can play during challenging economic times, helping to meet the high demand for services and create more opportunities for Americans to serve.
Your help is needed if we are going to seize this opportunity and urge Congress to fully fund the Serve America Act. We encourage you to join Voices for National Service and to help educate our nation’s leaders about national service’s impact and potential and ensure that the federal government remains a strong and robust partner with the private sector. Please read further for information on how to join Voices for National Service. Your membership will help ensure the viability of our work, and together we can set the future direction for national service in America.
Sincerely,
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Nelda Brown
Executive Director
National Service-Learning Partnership
Co-Chair
Voices for National Service |
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David Mallery
Executive Director
Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service
Co-Chair
Voices for National Service |
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Paul Schmitz
President and CEO
Public Allies
Co-Chair
Voices for National Service |
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- Click
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for National Service.
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Benefits
of Membership
When you become a member of Voices for National Service,
you help to leverage and grow nearly $1 billion in federal
funds annually invested in citizen service. Your membership
supports our education and policy efforts and connects
you to up-to-date information about legislation and policies
affecting your program and the national service field.
Admission to Annual Events
- National Service Capitol
Hill Day, More than 100 member organizations
gather in Washington DC each September for a day of
visits to congressional offices to discuss the importance
of national service and share stories of impact from
local communities.
- Friends of National Service
Reception, As many as 400 guests attend this
Washington reception where we recognize distinguished
elected leaders and private citizens for their work
to protect and expand national service opportunities.
- Policy Forums, Voices
for National Service hosts regular gatherings of national
service participants, thought-leaders, and academics
to discuss the impact and future of national service.
Representation on Capitol Hill
Voices for National Service initiates, monitors, and supports
legislation that strengthens national
service. Your membership dues support a government affairs
committee, which works with public
policy leaders and decision makers to inform legislation
and agency regulations that affect
national service programs and their participants.
Ongoing Access to Information
A monthly E-Newsletter, Action Alerts, and www.voicesforservice.org
provide up-to-date information on national service funding
and legislation. The website also serves as an information
portal to research and other resources on the impact of
national service.
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Benefits
of Steering Committee Membership
Governance
Steering Committee Members shape public messages and legislative
strategies for Voices for National Service. They provide
oversight of all events and determine the annual agenda
and budget.
Branding
Voices for National Service has considerable recognition
on Capitol Hill. Steering Committee Members officially
represent the coalition at public events, and they are
listed on all official documents, correspondence, and collateral.
Special Committees
The Steering Committee appoints individuals to serve on
subcommittees to address issues of concern to its membership.
Participation in an Active Group
of Thought-Leaders
Steering Committee Members serve as thought-leaders for
the national service field, proposing ideas for new programs
and strategies to strengthen and expand national service.
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Dues Information
Membership is open to service organizations and state
service commissions seeking to expand opportunities for
all Americans to serve. Dues are calculated based on the
size of the organization’s operating budget and are
applicable for one calendar year.
Membership Type |
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Annual Dues |
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Steering Committee Member
Member (Organization Budget over $5 Million)
Member (Organization Budget $1 Million to $5 Million)
Member (Organization Budget less than $1 Million) |
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$10,000
$1,000
$500
$250 |
Click
here to become a member organization of Voices for
National Service.
Service organizations and current
participants in service programs wishing to contribute
to the work of Voices for National Service should familiarize
themselves with the rules set by the federal government
and the Corporation for National and Community Service
governing advocacy and lobbying activity. For more information click
here.
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Friends of National
Service
Corporations, foundations, and individuals wishing to
contribute to the work of Voices for National Service may
join the Friends of National Service sponsorship circle.
Friends of National Service receive the benefits of free
admission to annual events and up-to-date information on
national service funding and legislation through our E-Newsletter
and Action Alerts.
Friends of National Service |
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Contribution |
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| Corporation and Foundation Partners |
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$5,000 |
| Champion’s Circle (listed as individual) |
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$1,000 |
| Citizen’s Circle (listed as individual) |
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$100 |
| National Service Alumni/Teachers |
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$25 |
Click
here to join the Friends of National Service sponsorship
circle.
Corporations and foundations wishing to sponsor an event
should email info@voicesforservice.org for more information.
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Our
Members
Voices for National Service is supported by a diverse
membership of national service organizations, state service
commissions, local community initiatives, and alumni.
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Bellflower Unified School District/AmeriCorps/APPLE
Southern Association of RSVP Directors
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Our 2008 Friends of National Service
Champion's Circle
Citizen's Circle
- Diana Rodriguez Algra
- Gene Sofer
National Service Alumni/Teachers
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For additional information on Voices for National Service’s
history & accomplishments, click
here. |