AmeriCorps alumni across the country are leading the nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week, May 8-15, spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps members in communities since the national service program began 16 years ago. Alumni of AmeriCorps are planning events, projects and gatherings to highlight and celebrate the effect that national service has had on their life and 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 the organizations and communities who support National Service.

“We are proud to have been a part of AmeriCorps and grateful for all the AmeriCorps 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.”

There are more than 30,000 active AmeriCorps alumni engaging through more than 100 chapters throughout the nation. Chapters stay active locally by 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, there are more than a half a million AmeriCorps alumni who have given more than 770 million hours of service to their country while in the program.

To mark AmeriCorps Week, over 200 events in all 50 states are scheduled, including an AmeriCorps Rally at City Hall in Philadelphia, an all AmeriCorps Community Clean-Up in Washington, DC, an AmeriCorps Flash Mob in Austin, TX, Community Outreach events in Portland, Maine, and a Humboldt Park Gardening Project in Chicago. Plus there are over 15 AmeriCorps Nights planned at baseball stadiums including the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals. These events will allow community residents to easily 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.

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AmeriCorps Alums creates 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.