Washington, DC (March 29, 2021) – Voices for National Service announced today that it is inducting Representative David Price into the National Service Hall of Fame for his vocal championship and unwavering commitment to strengthening AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors. This is the organization’s highest honor.
“Congressman Price is a fierce advocate for national service and believes deeply that the federal government has an important role to play in engaging citizens in solving the challenges facing their communities,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “He was instrumental in securing $1 billion for AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors in the American Rescue Plan Act. And as the lead author of The Pandemic Response and Opportunity Through National Service Act, he has led the charge to dramatically expand AmeriCorps at a time when our country needs national service the most. We are immensely grateful to him for his leadership, and it is our honor to induct him into the Voices for National Service Hall of Fame.”
“This is such a well-deserved honor,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Through his career, David Price has been a champion in supporting national service efforts. I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable work that AmeriCorps members have done for our community, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Whether it’s helping with food distribution, or rebuilding homes, they do what needs to be done, just like Congressman Price does.”
“Every day, volunteers and national service members make a positive impact on individuals and communities in need. We can count on their service during tough times and in the face of adversity,” said Congressman Price. “AmeriCorps fills critical gaps in communities across the country while also providing opportunities to serve and relevant professional experience for its members. Right here in North Carolina, AmeriCorps members are playing a key role in the rapid, efficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to help us recover from this pandemic. In every respect, AmeriCorps multiplies a modest federal investment many times over. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Voices for National Service, and will continue to be a strong advocate for AmeriCorps.”
Background on National Service
Every year, nearly 300,000 Americans serve in national service programs that provide critical services to fulfill unmet needs. National service members tutor and mentor students, help fight the opioid epidemic, provide job training and other services to returning veterans, preserve the nation’s parks and public lands, offer disaster relief and recovery assistance after natural disasters, and support independent living for seniors and Americans with disabilities.
Through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, national service allows citizens of all ages and backgrounds to play a pivotal role in their communities by serving with thousands of nonprofit faith-based and community-based organizations, including the College Advising Corps, Habitat for Humanity, MedServe, Teach For America, and Public Allies North Carolina. The economic value of this work is enormous. A July 2020 study found that every $1 in federal money invested in national service programs returns $17.30 to society, program members, and the federal government.
Congressman Price is working closely with Senators Coons and Wicker to expand AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors to support community response and recovery in the wake of the pandemic. Since the coronavirus outbreak last year, members of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors have acted quickly and creatively to address gaps in services and persistent inequities that have only been worsened by the pandemic, from providing virtual teaching, tutoring and mentoring to students, to conducting wellness checks, to delivering meals. National service is a proven pathway help prepare young people prepare for future jobs, particularly for populations hardest hit by the pandemic.
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Voices for National Service is a diverse coalition of national and local service programs, state service commissions, and individual champions committed to expanding opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve their communities. Founded in 2003, the coalition is the respected voice for the service community in Washington, DC, and has worked to educate our nation’s leaders about the power and potential of national service to meet local community needs, expand economic opportunity, and build leaders for the future at low cost to American taxpayers. Each year, the Friends of National Service Awards is the coalition’s opportunity to recognize leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who have contributed to building a culture of citizenship, service and responsibility in America.