Voices for National Service applauds President Biden’s creation of the American Climate Corps, particularly after a summer of devastating weather events during which AmeriCorps service members have been on the front lines repairing communities.
The American Climate Corps demonstrates an increased commitment from the Biden-Harris Administration to utilizing the power of national service to address local needs related to climate change and conservation. Since 2000, AmeriCorps NCCC members have assisted over 20 million in disaster areas, including forest fires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes across the country. AmeriCorps members are currently responding to wildfires in Hawaii and New Mexico, Super Typhoon Mawar, flooding in Missouri, and Hurricane Ian. Last year, more than 14,500 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors were engaged in environmental conservation, protecting more than 3 million acres of state and national parks, training 360,000 Americans in conservation and energy efficiency, treating 25,000 miles of trails and rivers, and weatherizing 7,000 homes.
This is another sign of the need for robust AmeriCorps funding as AmeriCorps members are uniquely positioned to address the most pressing local issues across the US. To meet growing service needs, Congress must increase funding for AmeriCorps, and we need your help. Join us in calling on Congress to reject proposed cuts and to recommit to robust funding for AmeriCorps.
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