AmeriCorps: Stand Up for a Sound Investment

AmeriCorps -> An instrument for healthier communities

• Each year, AmeriCorps members manage or mobilize 2.3 million volunteers and leverage $1 billion in resources for nonprofit organizations. 

• In Illinois alone, over 13,000 members are currently serving in 2,000 sites, helping to provide critical services like youth mentoring, natural disaster response, affordable housing opportunities, veteran support, and much more.

• On average, local Habitat for Humanity organizations that host AmeriCorps members build 9 more homes per year and engage nearly 70% more volunteers than Habitats that do not.

AmeriCorps -> A pathway to better opportunity  

• In 2016, over 78,000 individuals received job training through AmeriCorps and other national service programs.

• Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have earned over $3.3 billion in education awards to continue their education or help pay off student loans.

• 80% of AmeriCorps alumni say AmeriCorps benefited their career path.

AmeriCorps -> A sound investment

• According to a Columbia University research study, for every $1 put into national service programs like AmeriCorps, $3.95 is returned to society in the way of earnings, output, and community wide gains.

• In 2016, AmeriCorps and other national service programs totaled only 0.02% of the federal budget. A minimal amount for a huge impact.

The impact of AmeriCorps is clear and its benefits far outweigh its costs. However, the most recently proposed federal budget cuts funding to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the agency responsible for AmeriCorps and other similar national volunteer programs.

Make your voice heard today. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, and congressman that you (and 83% of all American voters!) stand for national service and the better world it builds.