For Immediate Release
Contact: Ranit Schmelzer
202-538-1065
ranit@schmelzerstrategies.com
Voices for National Service Applauds Launch of the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service
Washington, DC (January 18, 2017) – Voices for National Service today applauded the formal launch of the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service, which is engaged in a two-year effort to encourage and inspire more Americans to serve their communities and the country.
“The importance of the Commission’s work, and its potential impact on communities across the country, is profound,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service. “Its mission – to strengthen American democracy through service – will mean that more Americans, particularly young people, will answer the call to service and strengthen the fabric of our nation.
“For decades, national service has been a cost-effective strategy for engaging citizens, improving communities and strengthening the nation. In communities across the country, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members provide essential service that meets the needs of their communities. They tutor and mentor struggling students, help Americans lead healthier lives, provide job training and other services to returning veterans, preserve the nation’s public lands, offer relief and recovery assistance after natural disasters, and support independent living for seniors and Americans with disabilities. But too few have been given the opportunity to serve.
“The time is right to ask and expect Americans to serve their country, and to give everyone who wants to serve the chance to do so. The work of the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service will help us achieve that important goal.”
National Commission on Military, National and Public Service was created by Congress. It is charged with listening to the public, learning from those who serve, and making recommendations to the President, Congress, and the American people ideas to foster a greater ethos of military, national, and public service.
###
Voices for National Service is a diverse coalition of national service programs, state service commissions and individual champions, who work to ensure Americans of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to serve and volunteer in their community. Founded in 2003, Voices for National Service has built strong bipartisan support among our nation’s leaders and helped to elevate national service as a powerful strategy for tackling unmet needs, preparing young people for work, uniting our country and developing civic character.