AmeriCorps, Senior Corps Members Honored for Community Service 

Local leaders throughout Utah will celebrate the impact of those serving their communities through the national service programs AmeriCorps and Senior Corps during the annual Day of Recognition.

The nationwide, bipartisan Mayor, County, and Tribal Recognition Day for National Service allows community leaders to thank those provide service and organize volunteers to address a wide variety of social needs. In Utah, 71 towns, cities, and counties will hold events to honor the 5,100 national service members serving in the state.

The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other volunteer programs, in partnership with the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and Cities of Service.

“We are proud to be working with city and county leaders across America as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Kim Mansaray, Acting Chief Executive Officer for the CNCS. “Local leaders get things done and they know firsthand the value of national service in tackling problems. I commend the participating mayors and county leaders for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

In Utah, the effort is being coordinated in partnership with UServeUtah, the Governor-appointed state service commission integral to $15.7 million in national service funding to nonprofits and other community-based organizations each year.

“National service shows the best of the American spirit -- people turning toward problems and working together to find community solutions,” said UServeUtah Director LaDawn Stoddard. “Today, as we recognize national service members for their dedication, let’s all recommit to reach out and find ways to volunteer and make a difference.”

Each year, the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members work in 900 locations to build safer, stronger, and healthier communities. These everyday heroes support veterans and military families, respond to disasters, assist the elderly, tutor and mentor children, restore the environment, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers. Participating mayors and county officials will visit AmeriCorps and Senior Corps service sites, join in service projects, present proclamations, and host thank you events recognizing the contributions of national service. 

Media interested in covering an event on April 4 can contact Josh Loftin, public information officer with the Department of Heritage & Arts, for more details. A full list of participating mayors and county leaders can be found on the CNCS website.