State Service Commissions
Created in the National and Community Service Trust Act in 1993, state and territorial service commissions are major partners of the AmeriCorps agency. They administer AmeriCorps State, Volunteer Generation Fund, and related programs in their state or territory to address critical community needs and engage citizens in service. There are service commissions in 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.
Service commissions are governor-led public agencies or private nonprofit organizations, made up of more than 1,200 private citizens, leading the nation's philanthropic and service movement. Commissions subgrant more than $250 million from federal national service funds in addition to more than $100 million annually from local sources to support citizen service and volunteerism in America, making it possible for millions of Americans to serve through AmeriCorps, Volunteer Generation Fund, and AmeriCorps Seniors programs.
Commissions make a difference in local communities by:
- Supporting community service agencies that depend on volunteers to meet community needs
- Recognizing volunteers through volunteer awards programs
- Increasing literacy in the community through before and after school tutoring and mentoring programs
- Increasing environmental education and awareness through weekend service activities
- Promoting volunteering and providing training to nonprofits on volunteer management
- Aiding those in need of adequate housing through constructing and repairing homes
- Mentoring youth in detention programs, foster children, and teen mothers
- Helping to prevent family violence by assisting victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault
- Rebuilding neighborhoods by participating in relief activities after a natural disaster
- Helping save a life through suicide prevention and crisis intervention services
Service Commissioner Openings
Interested in serving as a commissioner or board member for your state or territorial service commission? Watch our "How to Become a State Service Commissioner" webinar, presented in partnership with AmeriCorps Alums, or contact your service commission for more information.
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