A message from Service-Learning United:
In April, President Obama signed the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. The Act gives permission to significantly increase authorized spending levels for service-learning and Learn and Serve America as a first step toward creating a new era of service and civic engagement in America. Your grassroots support was essential to getting this legislation passed. Now, we need your help one more time to let Congress know how important it is to fully fund the Serve America Act.
While the Kennedy Serve America Act gives permission to establish new programs and additional spending, it does not actually provide the funding. The budget process is separate, takes place each year, and is happening now!
TOMORROW, July 8, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will begin deciding how much to invest in service and service-learning throughout our nation. This is a critical moment in the legislative process. It is important that we call on Congress and urge them, as a first step, to support President Obama's budget request for the Corporation for National and Community Service. In addition, as service-learning advocates, we also need to encourage Congress to provide an additional $10 million for Learn and Serve America for a total of $50 million and additional funds to support the Summer of Service Initiative. These programs are critical to ensuring a foundation for a lifelong commitment to service and need to be adequately funded.
It's important to act now. Please call and ask your legislators to fund the Corporation for National and Community Service at $1.159 billion for the following fiscal year, which would provide at least $50 million for Learn and Serve America.
Your outreach is extremely important as Congress faces some tough decisions on national funding priorities. House Appropriators are scheduled to hold their first markup session on July 8 and the Senate Committee is expected to meet on July 20.
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
1. To determine the members of your congressional delegation, visit here. This database will provide you with contact information for your elected officials.
2. You can call your Congressperson directly or be connected through the House Operator (202-225-3121) or Senate Operator (202-224-3121).
3. Once connected, identify yourself as a constituent and ask to speak to the Legislative Assistant in change of national service and education issues.
4. Let the Legislative Assistant know that you strongly support funding the Corporation for National and Community Service at $1.159 billion. Urge them to make sure K-12 age youth have the chance to give back as well by providing at least $50 million for Learn and Serve America and additional funds to support the Summer of Service Initiative.
5. Finally, forward this message to 5 friends and encourage them to speak up for service-learning as well.
Thank you so much for all that you do to give young people the opportunity to engage in service-learning.
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Service-Learning United is a national grassroots alliance of local, state, and national organizations committed to educating our nation's leaders and citizens about the positive and powerful impact service-learning has on young people, schools, and the communities they serve. Service-Learning United is supported by the State Farm Companies Foundation and is managed by the National Service-Learning Partnership at the Academy for Educational Development.
July 07, 2009
News Roundup: July 7, 2009
Many news stories came out over the holiday weekend. Below is a sampling of some intriguing stories. Also, check out the Partnership's page on facebook, see the badge to the right of your screen.
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 6, 2009 - Alyssa Schwenk, a senior of the University of Pennsylvania, wrote an op-ed piece in favor of the US Public Service Academy. Please click here to view it.
eNews Park Forest, July 3, 2009 - Prairie State College (PSC) wins the League of Women Voters Award. The school received the award from the National Student/Parent Mock Election for organizing a mock election with sixth grade students at Washington-McKinley School in Chicago Heights as part of the school's service-learning initiative. To view the press release, click here.
Jewish Exponent, July 2, 2009 - An interesting op-ed on service-learning and future leaders by Jeffrey A. Barrack. The field needs more pieces like this!
Vanderbilt University News Network, July 1, 2009 - Vanderbilt professor, Marshall Eakin, was named the director of the Ingram Scholars Program. Eakin has been a long supporter of service-learning initiatives. To see the full article, click here.
The Journal Times, June 29, 2009 - A recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Statewide Service-Learning Award, the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will host the 2009 Environmental Survival Challenge. For more information, visit here.
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 6, 2009 - Alyssa Schwenk, a senior of the University of Pennsylvania, wrote an op-ed piece in favor of the US Public Service Academy. Please click here to view it.
eNews Park Forest, July 3, 2009 - Prairie State College (PSC) wins the League of Women Voters Award. The school received the award from the National Student/Parent Mock Election for organizing a mock election with sixth grade students at Washington-McKinley School in Chicago Heights as part of the school's service-learning initiative. To view the press release, click here.
Jewish Exponent, July 2, 2009 - An interesting op-ed on service-learning and future leaders by Jeffrey A. Barrack. The field needs more pieces like this!
Vanderbilt University News Network, July 1, 2009 - Vanderbilt professor, Marshall Eakin, was named the director of the Ingram Scholars Program. Eakin has been a long supporter of service-learning initiatives. To see the full article, click here.
The Journal Times, June 29, 2009 - A recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Statewide Service-Learning Award, the Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will host the 2009 Environmental Survival Challenge. For more information, visit here.
June 30, 2009
News Roundup: June 30, 2009
We are in the last day of June, and it's heartening to see so much service-learning work being done and being recognized across the country.
Grand Island Independent, June 28, 2009 - John Buller, a Hampton native, devoted the last three years of his life to service. A recent graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Buller was part of a campus program called Global Service Learning, which revolves around volunteering locally and globally. Read the full article here.
Indianapolis Star, June 27, 2009 - Jeffrey T. Bryant, a social work professor at the University of Indianapolis was awarded a $3,750 grant, sponsored by the Indiana Campus Compact. He will use the grant to develop a global model for service learning. Read the article here.
Grand Island Independent, June 28, 2009 - John Buller, a Hampton native, devoted the last three years of his life to service. A recent graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Buller was part of a campus program called Global Service Learning, which revolves around volunteering locally and globally. Read the full article here.
Indianapolis Star, June 27, 2009 - Jeffrey T. Bryant, a social work professor at the University of Indianapolis was awarded a $3,750 grant, sponsored by the Indiana Campus Compact. He will use the grant to develop a global model for service learning. Read the article here.
June 26, 2009
News Roundup: June 26, 2009
ROXBURY TWP., June 26, 2009 - Roxbury High School teacher, Lori Baker is honored as the "Teacher of the Year." Baker was instrumental in developing the Service Learning Program at Roxbury High School and has created countless opportunities for her students." Read the full article here.
HARPERS FERRY, June 26, 2009 - A service learning project created by Harpers Ferry Middle School students about the story of John Brown's Raid was publicly unveiled Thursday to local, state and national officials. Read the full article here.
HARPERS FERRY, June 26, 2009 - A service learning project created by Harpers Ferry Middle School students about the story of John Brown's Raid was publicly unveiled Thursday to local, state and national officials. Read the full article here.
June 18, 2009
June 17, 2009
Learn & Serve Challenge Participant Honored
The Ohio Department of Education, Learn and Serve Ohio, recognized the Elida Local School District for their long-term commitment and leadership to service-learning. Elida hosted the first statewide youth challenge conference in Columbus during the 2008 Learn and Serve Challenge. Dave Desenberg, Marsha Jackson, and Jo Ellen Miller are to be commended for their dedication to service-learning and are leaders in helping to expand quality service-learning in Ohio and nationally.
Please go here to view the article.
Guam Speaker on Service Learning
Guam- Speaker Judi Won Pat has introduced three new measures before the next session occurs at the end of the month.
Among the three is Bill 154, which requires high school students to complete 75 hours of "service learning" before they can graduate. Won Pat says it was optional for students to perform community service tasks in the past, such as tutoring, but wants to make it a requirement to teach them more valuable lessons outside of the classroom.
The other two bills Won Pat has also introduced includes one that amends the hiring and training of substitute teachers, and another that calls for the extension of the adoption of textbooks. To view all of the speaker's new bills, log on to www.guamlegislature.com
Among the three is Bill 154, which requires high school students to complete 75 hours of "service learning" before they can graduate. Won Pat says it was optional for students to perform community service tasks in the past, such as tutoring, but wants to make it a requirement to teach them more valuable lessons outside of the classroom.
The other two bills Won Pat has also introduced includes one that amends the hiring and training of substitute teachers, and another that calls for the extension of the adoption of textbooks. To view all of the speaker's new bills, log on to www.guamlegislature.com
June 09, 2009
Illinois State First Public University in Illinois with a Service-Learning Minor
Students attending Illinois State University will receive a gift from State Farm Companies Foundation through the launch of a minor in an area that is important to both organizations—service-learning. The 21 hour minor, which is still in the proposal stage, will allow Illinois State students an opportunity to receive training in the fields of Civic Engagement and Social Leadership. Students enrolled in the new minor will be required to complete a course in Civic Responsibility, offered by shared faculty and staff across the academic board.
“Civic Engagement is one of Illinois State’s core values under the University’s strategic plan, Educating Illinois, and this new minor is another example of placing our values into action,” said President Al Bowman. “It also represents another important partnership with State Farm, a company that has a long-standing commitment to global service-learning programs.”
Civic Engagement and Social Leadership minors will choose from three main emphases; social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and political engagement. The curriculum will also be aligned with State Farm’s Semester of Service initiative to allow for service-learning to occur within normal coursework. With approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the University’s Board of Trustees, the new minor should be available for registration by the 2010-2011 school year.
“State Farm is proud to partner with Illinois State University,” said CEO and Chairman of State Farm, Ed Rust Jr., “because we feel that integrating service-learning into the curriculum of teacher education, can change the future of education.” Illinois State is the first public higher education institution in the State of Illinois to acknowledge service-learning as a minor.
“Civic Engagement is one of Illinois State’s core values under the University’s strategic plan, Educating Illinois, and this new minor is another example of placing our values into action,” said President Al Bowman. “It also represents another important partnership with State Farm, a company that has a long-standing commitment to global service-learning programs.”
Civic Engagement and Social Leadership minors will choose from three main emphases; social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and political engagement. The curriculum will also be aligned with State Farm’s Semester of Service initiative to allow for service-learning to occur within normal coursework. With approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the University’s Board of Trustees, the new minor should be available for registration by the 2010-2011 school year.
“State Farm is proud to partner with Illinois State University,” said CEO and Chairman of State Farm, Ed Rust Jr., “because we feel that integrating service-learning into the curriculum of teacher education, can change the future of education.” Illinois State is the first public higher education institution in the State of Illinois to acknowledge service-learning as a minor.
May 29, 2009
Congratulations to the raffle winner for the 2009 Learn & Serve Challenge!
Congratulations to Mrs. Valerie Lomax's class at North Dorchester Middle School in Hurlock, MD. They are the raffle winners for the early registrants to the 2009 National Learn & Serve Challenge.
Remember, you can now register your group/school/organization here.
Also, become a Proud Partner of the National Learn & Serve Challenge. To register as a partner, go here.
Remember, you can now register your group/school/organization here.
Also, become a Proud Partner of the National Learn & Serve Challenge. To register as a partner, go here.
May 27, 2009
New Information for Action Journal Now Available
The Partnership is pleased to announce the release of Information for Action: A Journal for Research on Service-Learning for Children and Youth, Volume I, Number 2.
The Journal is a peer-reviewed publication that features relevant, methodologically sound studies of service-learning impacts and examples of innovative instruction written by experts, scholars, practitioners, and youth. The Journal is filled with important reports from a variety of perspectives and includes information that contributes to the growing literature on service-learning research. In it, you will find studies from collegiate researchers, practitioners, and youth.
The Journal is a peer-reviewed publication that features relevant, methodologically sound studies of service-learning impacts and examples of innovative instruction written by experts, scholars, practitioners, and youth. The Journal is filled with important reports from a variety of perspectives and includes information that contributes to the growing literature on service-learning research. In it, you will find studies from collegiate researchers, practitioners, and youth.
Volume I, Number 2 includes the following articles:
ACADEMIC ARTICLES
- Service-Learning as Creative Productivity by Jane Newman and Larry Bailis
- Cultural-Based Service-Learning as a Transformative Learning Experience for Undergraduate Students and Community Recipients by Lori Simons, Elizabeth Williams, Nancy Hirshinger-Blank, Kimyette Willis, Cassandra Dry, Courtnery Floyd, and Brittany Russell
PRACTITIONER ARTICLES
- Service-Learning: What Motivates K-12 Teachers to Participate In and Sustain Service-Learning Projects by Marjori M. Krebs, Ed.D
- Nuestros Ninos: Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Educate Latino Migrant Children and Youth through Service-Learning by Rubén P. Viramontez Anguiano, Ph.D., CFLE, José P. Salinas, Ed.D., and Walter Garcia Kawamoto, Ph.D.
YOUTH-LED ARTICLES
- Youth-Led Action Research, Planning & Evaluation (Youth REP): A Vehicle for Service-Learning and Community Change by Tee J. Tagor and Sergio Cuellar
BOOK REVIEW
- Youth Participatory Evaluation: Strategies for Engaging Young People reviewed by Robert Shumer
May 19, 2009
What's In a Name?: MN School Seeks to Honor Obamas and Service-Learning
5/19/09 - St. Paul, MN - According to the StarTribune, "Webster Magnet Elementary voted earlier this month to change the school's name to "Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary." The change needs the board's stamp of approval."
The article goes on to say "Webster is in its first year of a service-learning program, and the school wanted a new name to reflect the shift in focus. The site council, made up of parents and community members, put the Obama name and "Webster Service Learning Elementary" on the ballot. Students, staff and St. Paul residents were invited to cast ballots."
Read the full article here.
The article goes on to say "Webster is in its first year of a service-learning program, and the school wanted a new name to reflect the shift in focus. The site council, made up of parents and community members, put the Obama name and "Webster Service Learning Elementary" on the ballot. Students, staff and St. Paul residents were invited to cast ballots."
Read the full article here.
May 12, 2009
Kennedy Serve America Listening Tour, May 13-28
The Corporation for National and Community Service is conducting a series of meetings to solicit ideas and input on the design and implementation of the Kennedy Serve America Act.
Let’s make sure service-learning supporters are SEEN AND HEARD
Step 1. Register to Attend. Below is the schedule of the upcoming meetings:
Let’s make sure service-learning supporters are SEEN AND HEARD
Step 1. Register to Attend. Below is the schedule of the upcoming meetings:
- May 13, 2009, Springfield, MO, 1:00 - 4:00pm (local)
- May 14, 2009, Columbia, SC, 1:00 - 4:00pm (local)
- May 20, 2009, Washington, DC*, 12:30 - 2:30pm (local)
- May 22, 2009, Boston, MA, 9:00am - 12:00pm (local)
- May 27, 2009, Salt Lake City, UT, 9:00am - 12:00pm (local)
- May 28, 2009, New Orleans, LA, 1:00 - 4:00pm (local)
- You can register here.
Step 2. Let Us Know You’re Attending. Once you register, let us know what session you plan to attend. We want to make sure service-learning supporters can connect to amplify our voice and collective priorities. We'll also make sure you have updated talking points and materials to help you communicate our message effectively. Connect to other service-learning spokespeople here.
Step 3. Prepare to Speak Up for Service-Learning. Here are tips to effectively speak up for service-learning at these sessions:
- Arrive on time, if not early.
- At the sessions you will sign up to speak on a "first come first served" basis.
- Each speaker gets 3 minutes and it goes until the 3 hours is up.
- The "flow" of the sessions corresponds to whoever signs up. With that in mind service-learning spokespeople in attendance should diverse themselves so service-learning issues are mentioned throughout.
- Use these suggested talking points to help communicate the collective priorities and concerns of the service-learning community.
Step 4. Spread the Word. Please spread the word to your networks and constituents, especially if you live or work in one of the communities hosting a listening tour session. Service-learning talking points and supporting materials for the Serve America Listening Tour will be available on http://www.servicelearningunited.org/
Service Agency Visited by First Lady Obama: Speaks Up for Service-Learning
Washington, DC - May 12, 2009 - First lady Michelle Obama says that community service changed her life.Mrs. Obama spoke Tuesday to about 250 employees of the federal agency that manages service programs, the Corporation for National and Community Service. She talked about her decision to leave corporate law and how she eventually helped to establish a Chicago chapter of an AmeriCorps program. Visit WJLA-ABC7 News for more information (and hopefully) video footage of the event (photo courtesy of WJLA-ABC 7 News).
Now I must admit, I am one Mrs. Obama's biggest fans (I know it's not cool to say that). But after reading these quotes, I'm almost certain that I will be a founding member of the Michelle Obama Fan Club in my hometown, assuming it has yet to be established (smile). Check out these quotes:
"And for parents in particular, now that I have my own children, service is a great way to demonstrate values and to teach children firsthand what it means to think outside of themselves. And we've relied on service so much as a tool of teaching and education for our kids. And when I talk to kids everywhere, I remind them that they're never too young to serve, that they're never too small to do something big, because that's the way that they learn what it means to make a lifelong commitment to service."
"The bill is going to invest in service-learning, a concept that now is a part of this culture, thanks to you. When I was coming up, no one knew what service-learning was. And now it's a part of educational experiences throughout this nation, so more kids are going to have the opportunity to serve, not just those who can afford it. And that goes back to my story."
I love it! You can read the full article by the Chicago Sun-Times.
April 24, 2009
I Heart New York: Mayor Michael Bloomberg launches city-wide initiative to make service a part of K-12 public school education
April 24, 2009 - A sustained culture of service can be created by developing programs that encourage young New Yorkers to think about volunteering as a core part of their lives. As part of the recently launched NYC Service, starting this fall, New York City will be the first large urban district to require all schools to have a service plan. In the fall, schools will submit individualized service plans as part of their schools' Consolidated Plans. Other school districts promote or require service among middle or high school students. In New York City, all 1.1 million students in 1,500 schools will have access to service and civic engagement programs.
Through a partnership with Children for Children, up to 100 AmeriCorps fellows will be deployed to provide training, technical assistance, data collection, and support to New York City educators to introduce or increase service in their schools. Other partners will include City Year, Common Cents, The League, and Global Kids, Inc.
New York will implement a Summer of Service through which 1,000 young New Yorkers participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program administered by the Department of Youth and Community Development will be engaged in large-scale service projects that will have a measurable impact on the City's most pressing needs.
New York will implement a Summer of Service through which 1,000 young New Yorkers participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program administered by the Department of Youth and Community Development will be engaged in large-scale service projects that will have a measurable impact on the City's most pressing needs.
April 22, 2009
Now Our Bill Becomes Law: The Signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
April 21, 2009 - This blog post has literally been 10 years in the making. Since the House approved the bill on March 31, we knew this day was coming and yet I am still at a loss for words.The National Service-Learning Partnership was among the small crowd of supporters invited to witness President Obama sign The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Also represented in the audience was Service-Learning United, the broad-based advocacy coalition of more than 100 local, state, and national organizations committed to advancing public policy for service-learning. The National Service-Learning Partnership convenes and administers Service-Learning United with generous support from the State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
As we've mentioned in earlier posts, the Kennedy Serve America Act will dramatically expand opportunities for all Americans to serve, and includes bold, new opportunities for young people to use their educations to make a difference in the world around them. It increases authorized federal funding for service-learning from $43 million to $97 million.
- Watch President Obama make service-learning history.
- Read the White House Blog for the Administration's report on the signing event.
- Check out a summary of the service-learning highlights from the bill--I mean law (smile).
#1. First on my list is interacting with and watching a high school student whom I met outside while waiting to enter the building. She was a student at the SEED School, a Learn and Serve America grantee and a school where service is embedded into the curriculum. "Service" was clearly her thing. In fact, she was selected to attend the event because of the contributions she made to her school and community through several service and leadership opportunities. I sat across from her during the event and watched her burst into tears when she saw Mrs. Obama step onto the stage. I don't remember her name, but I'll never forget her face in that moment.
#2. Second on the list is my favorite quote from President Obama's speech: "You don’t need to be a community organizer, or a Senator – or a Kennedy – or even a President to bring change to people’s lives." That's when I thought of all of the young people, educators, and community partners who engage in service-learning in schools and communities across the country. At the Partnership, we often talk about youth, educators, and community partners who dare to make a difference through service-learning. They challenge young people to make their own education even more relevant by using the content knowledge and skills they learn in school and community-based programs to find solutions to important community problems.
The work we service-learning practitioners do is not always in the spotlight, but the difference and the positive change we make in the lives of students and the collective health and vitality of the schools and communities we serve is undeniable. The Kennedy Serve America Act gives us a bold platform from which to spread that message and challenges us to engage even more young people in opportunities to learn and serve.
#3. My final favorite moment of the day is the picture that appears above. I struggled to snap this picture, trying to hold my camera high above the head of a much taller colleague seated in front of me. It's a nice shot of the Members of Congress who stood on one side of President Obama as he signed the bill into law. But notice who is standing on the other side: a group of eager and engaged students ready to be a part of the solutions we so desperately need. How symbolic.
It's time to roll up our sleeves. As the Corporation for National and Community Service prepares to implement the programs outlined in the Kennedy Serve America Act, we must continue to challenge government officials and ourselves to live up to the aspirations this law puts forward for service-learning. Now, our real work begins and I, for one, can't wait!
March 31, 2009
It's Done: U.S. House of Representatives Passes the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
March 31, 2009 - In case you have yet to hear, the U.S. House of Representatives voted today to pass The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act!
It was touch and go this week as service-learning and national service advocates waited on pins and needles for House approval. Conservative members of the House were rumored to be orchestrating an attempt to defeat the bill after the motion to recommit language included in the House bill was altered in the Senate version of the bill.
Alas, the bill passed today (despite the last minute drama) with a vote of 275 to 149--with strong bipartisan support.
Service-Learning United will sign on to a collective statement being put forward by Voices for National Service and Service Nation. We are also working on a service-learning message of thanks and congratulations, which will be posted to all of you tomorrow for review and sign-on.
We'll continue to keep you to speed on the latest developments--including plans for a possible signing ceremony or activities involving President Obama and Mrs. Obama.
For now--we breathe a collective sigh of relief and thank you all for being a part of such an amazing collective effort.
It was touch and go this week as service-learning and national service advocates waited on pins and needles for House approval. Conservative members of the House were rumored to be orchestrating an attempt to defeat the bill after the motion to recommit language included in the House bill was altered in the Senate version of the bill.
Alas, the bill passed today (despite the last minute drama) with a vote of 275 to 149--with strong bipartisan support.
Service-Learning United will sign on to a collective statement being put forward by Voices for National Service and Service Nation. We are also working on a service-learning message of thanks and congratulations, which will be posted to all of you tomorrow for review and sign-on.
We'll continue to keep you to speed on the latest developments--including plans for a possible signing ceremony or activities involving President Obama and Mrs. Obama.
For now--we breathe a collective sigh of relief and thank you all for being a part of such an amazing collective effort.
March 27, 2009
Still Speechless: Service-Learning Thank Yous and Next Steps
March 27, 2009 - It's been almost 24 hours since The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was passed by the U.S. Senate and I am still at a loss for words. I think sleep depreviation and a four-day diet of non-stop C-SPAN, popcorn, and Diet Coke will do that to you.
We understand the House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Monday. Since there was so much bipartisan and bicameral collaboration between the House and Senate, there is no need to send the bill to conference. Analysts expect President Obama to sign the bill as early as next week.
On Monday, we will urge service-learning supporters to thank Members of Congress for their support. As Michael Brown co-founder of City Year is fond of saying: "Thank yous are like hot pancakes. They need to be served right away." And of course, our job is only half-way done as our attention shifts toward promoting service-learning within the U.S. Department of Education and ensuring increased funding for 2010 (...just because Congress gave permission to spend more money on service-learning doesn't mean it will actually happen). But for now, we will enjoy the moment and gear up for Round 2 on Monday.
In the meantime, I want to publicly thank the amazing team of fierce and committed advocates working with and for you here in Washington, DC:
--Kelita Bak (Camp Fire USA)
--Ross Wilson (formerly with Youth Service America and Camp Fire USA)
--Vince Meldrum (Earth Force)
--Mike Minks (Youth Service America)
--Maureen Curley (Campus Compact)
--Teri Dary (SEANet) and
--our most recent recruits, Kari Arfstrom and Jodie (National Youth Leadership Council) helping with media outreach.
Of course we can't forget Alan Melchoir and Jim Kielsmeier who were always just a phone call or email away and ready to draft or dictate language for rapid response questions and requests for clarification from the Hill. Also special thanks to colleagues at Voices for National Service and ServiceNation: Jennifer Ney, Adam Donaldson, Emily Cherniack, and AnnMaura Connolly.
None--I repeat--NONE of this would have been possible without this team.
To our Merry Band of Service-Learning Advocates: there are a lot of congratulation messages circulating now--and each of you deserve every message that appears and more! I am proud to serve with you.
Get rest now because our next battle is just around the corner (smile).
~Nelda
P.S. - We should also recognize the staff members from both sides of the aisles in both the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: Denise, Alex, Kim, Amy, Fred, Emma, Chris, and Adam (and everyone else I'm probably forgetting). They each found the perfect balance between doing their jobs as Committee Staff and actively listening to voices from the field. We had opportunities for genuine input. While we didn't get everything we wanted, we always had the chance to make our case and they always listened. And for that, we are extremely grateful.
We understand the House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Monday. Since there was so much bipartisan and bicameral collaboration between the House and Senate, there is no need to send the bill to conference. Analysts expect President Obama to sign the bill as early as next week.
On Monday, we will urge service-learning supporters to thank Members of Congress for their support. As Michael Brown co-founder of City Year is fond of saying: "Thank yous are like hot pancakes. They need to be served right away." And of course, our job is only half-way done as our attention shifts toward promoting service-learning within the U.S. Department of Education and ensuring increased funding for 2010 (...just because Congress gave permission to spend more money on service-learning doesn't mean it will actually happen). But for now, we will enjoy the moment and gear up for Round 2 on Monday.
In the meantime, I want to publicly thank the amazing team of fierce and committed advocates working with and for you here in Washington, DC:
--Kelita Bak (Camp Fire USA)
--Ross Wilson (formerly with Youth Service America and Camp Fire USA)
--Vince Meldrum (Earth Force)
--Mike Minks (Youth Service America)
--Maureen Curley (Campus Compact)
--Teri Dary (SEANet) and
--our most recent recruits, Kari Arfstrom and Jodie (National Youth Leadership Council) helping with media outreach.
Of course we can't forget Alan Melchoir and Jim Kielsmeier who were always just a phone call or email away and ready to draft or dictate language for rapid response questions and requests for clarification from the Hill. Also special thanks to colleagues at Voices for National Service and ServiceNation: Jennifer Ney, Adam Donaldson, Emily Cherniack, and AnnMaura Connolly.
None--I repeat--NONE of this would have been possible without this team.
To our Merry Band of Service-Learning Advocates: there are a lot of congratulation messages circulating now--and each of you deserve every message that appears and more! I am proud to serve with you.
Get rest now because our next battle is just around the corner (smile).
~Nelda
P.S. - We should also recognize the staff members from both sides of the aisles in both the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: Denise, Alex, Kim, Amy, Fred, Emma, Chris, and Adam (and everyone else I'm probably forgetting). They each found the perfect balance between doing their jobs as Committee Staff and actively listening to voices from the field. We had opportunities for genuine input. While we didn't get everything we wanted, we always had the chance to make our case and they always listened. And for that, we are extremely grateful.
March 26, 2009
Senate Passes Historic Bipartisan Expansion of National Service
Washington D.C. , March 26, 2009 – Following House action last week, the United States Senate today voted 79-19 to pass the most sweeping expansion and reform of national service programs in a generation.
After renaming the legislation the “Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” the Senate burst into a standing ovation for the Massachusetts Senator, who crafted the legislation along with Senator Hatch and whose entire life has been devoted to public service.
The Senate’s action follows the 321-105 House vote last week in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act. The Senate passed a substitute that largely mirrors the House bill, and differences between the versions are minor. House leaders are planning for a vote on the Senate-passed bill as early as Monday.
“I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law. This legislation will help create new opportunities for millions of Americans at all stages of their lives,” said President Obama in a statement. “Our work is not finished when I sign this bill into law – it has just begun. While our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. I call on all Americans to stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.”
The legislation would update and strengthen national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency created in 1993. The Corporation engages four million Americans in result-driven service each year, including 75,000 AmeriCorps members, 492,000 Senior Corps volunteers, 1.1 million Learn and Serve America students, and 2.2 million additional community volunteers mobilized and managed through the agency’s programs.
President Obama called for passage of national service legislation in his joint address to Congress on February 25, and the House and Senate have responded with swift bipartisan action. The legislation would reauthorize the Corporation and its programs, create new opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve, increase efficiency and accountability, support social innovation, strengthen the nation’s volunteer infrastructure, and help usher in a new generation of service for America.
“At this time of economic crisis, we need service and volunteering more than ever. This bill will help unleash a powerful new wave of service and civic action to help tackle our nation’s toughest challenges," said the Corporation’s Board Chair Alan Solomont. “We thank the Senate for taking this historic bipartisan step for national service. We are especially grateful to Senator Hatch, Senator Mikulski, and Senator Enzi for their outstanding leadership, and to Senator Kennedy, who exemplifies the ideal of public service and who has been our friend and champion for decades.”
During four days of debate, numerous Senators explained how their own service experiences in the military, Peace Corps, and other organizations taught them valuable lessons and set them on a lifelong path of service. Senators shared real-life examples of volunteers and national service participants in their states providing vital services to address illiteracy, homelessness, disasters, poverty, and other social ills.
“Today’s Senate passage of the Serve America Act demonstrates welcome bipartisan agreement on the often neglected but indispensible value of citizen service in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing America and the world. The bill is a major expansion of existing national and community programs. Its goal is to tap much more deeply into Americans’ enthusiasm to serve, and direct it to areas and issues where it can make the biggest difference,” Senator Kennedy said.
“The passage of the Serve America Act is a significant milestone for our country. By increasing opportunities nationwide for Americans to serve and, thus, enabling private citizens to do more for their communities, personal and community responsibility will take the place of direct government aid,” said Senator Hatch. “This is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation. In my opinion, it is probably the most bipartisan bill we will see on the Senate floor this year. At every stage, Republicans and Democrats have been working together to craft this legislation in order to bring it where we have it today.”
“Even in the midst of the greatest economic crisis in a generation, Americans everywhere are looking to serve and give back to their country. They want to know how they can give and how they can help. They want to be part of an effort to improve society,” Senator Mikulski said. “This bill makes use of this new, invigorated spirit to serve, while putting people to work in specific areas of national need. This is a public investment that will pay dividends long beyond anything we can imagine.”
“A comprehensive reauthorization of our national service statutes is long overdue,” Senator Enzi said. “This is a fiscally responsible bill that will improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy and eliminate waste in our national service programs. This bill will leverage the efforts of a few to mobilize millions of faith-based organizations, church groups, non-profits, and individuals to volunteer their time and energy freely to serve their communities.”
(excerpted from a press statement by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Read the full statement here).
After renaming the legislation the “Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act,” the Senate burst into a standing ovation for the Massachusetts Senator, who crafted the legislation along with Senator Hatch and whose entire life has been devoted to public service.
The Senate’s action follows the 321-105 House vote last week in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act. The Senate passed a substitute that largely mirrors the House bill, and differences between the versions are minor. House leaders are planning for a vote on the Senate-passed bill as early as Monday.
“I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law. This legislation will help create new opportunities for millions of Americans at all stages of their lives,” said President Obama in a statement. “Our work is not finished when I sign this bill into law – it has just begun. While our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. I call on all Americans to stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.”
The legislation would update and strengthen national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency created in 1993. The Corporation engages four million Americans in result-driven service each year, including 75,000 AmeriCorps members, 492,000 Senior Corps volunteers, 1.1 million Learn and Serve America students, and 2.2 million additional community volunteers mobilized and managed through the agency’s programs.
President Obama called for passage of national service legislation in his joint address to Congress on February 25, and the House and Senate have responded with swift bipartisan action. The legislation would reauthorize the Corporation and its programs, create new opportunities for Americans of all ages to serve, increase efficiency and accountability, support social innovation, strengthen the nation’s volunteer infrastructure, and help usher in a new generation of service for America.
“At this time of economic crisis, we need service and volunteering more than ever. This bill will help unleash a powerful new wave of service and civic action to help tackle our nation’s toughest challenges," said the Corporation’s Board Chair Alan Solomont. “We thank the Senate for taking this historic bipartisan step for national service. We are especially grateful to Senator Hatch, Senator Mikulski, and Senator Enzi for their outstanding leadership, and to Senator Kennedy, who exemplifies the ideal of public service and who has been our friend and champion for decades.”
During four days of debate, numerous Senators explained how their own service experiences in the military, Peace Corps, and other organizations taught them valuable lessons and set them on a lifelong path of service. Senators shared real-life examples of volunteers and national service participants in their states providing vital services to address illiteracy, homelessness, disasters, poverty, and other social ills.
“Today’s Senate passage of the Serve America Act demonstrates welcome bipartisan agreement on the often neglected but indispensible value of citizen service in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing America and the world. The bill is a major expansion of existing national and community programs. Its goal is to tap much more deeply into Americans’ enthusiasm to serve, and direct it to areas and issues where it can make the biggest difference,” Senator Kennedy said.
“The passage of the Serve America Act is a significant milestone for our country. By increasing opportunities nationwide for Americans to serve and, thus, enabling private citizens to do more for their communities, personal and community responsibility will take the place of direct government aid,” said Senator Hatch. “This is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation. In my opinion, it is probably the most bipartisan bill we will see on the Senate floor this year. At every stage, Republicans and Democrats have been working together to craft this legislation in order to bring it where we have it today.”
“Even in the midst of the greatest economic crisis in a generation, Americans everywhere are looking to serve and give back to their country. They want to know how they can give and how they can help. They want to be part of an effort to improve society,” Senator Mikulski said. “This bill makes use of this new, invigorated spirit to serve, while putting people to work in specific areas of national need. This is a public investment that will pay dividends long beyond anything we can imagine.”
“A comprehensive reauthorization of our national service statutes is long overdue,” Senator Enzi said. “This is a fiscally responsible bill that will improve accountability, reduce bureaucracy and eliminate waste in our national service programs. This bill will leverage the efforts of a few to mobilize millions of faith-based organizations, church groups, non-profits, and individuals to volunteer their time and energy freely to serve their communities.”
(excerpted from a press statement by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Read the full statement here).
This Is It: Senate to Decide on the Serve America Act (S. 277) Today
Ten years of work now comes down to the next six hours. The U.S. Senate is in the final stages of debating and deliberating landmark legislation that will dramatically expand support for service-learning in our nation’s schools and communities. Senate leaders hope to vote on the bill around close of business today (approx. 6-7 p.m. eastern).
We’re so close to making history, but we need your help.
Please call your Senators NOW! Every phone call and electronic message counts and your voice matters.
Call the Senate operator at (202) 224-3121 to get connected to your legislators.
Send an electronic message to your senator via his or her website. Ask them to vote YES for the Serve America Act (S. 277). Urge them to vote against any hostile amendment that will undermine this important piece of legislation and ask them to vote in support of the Serve America Act.
Here are talking points you can use to call or email your senator.
During Wednesday's debate 31 amendments were filed, and 7 were accepted by unanimous consent. In addition, several amendments of concern to the national service community were also filed.
Read an overview and explanation of these amendments. Special thanks to Voices for National Service for compiling this information. Once you call or email your senator, send a quick email to nslp@aed.org so we can track our outreach. Encourage your colleagues and friends to take action too.
If you’ve been waiting to call or email your Senator—please WAIT NO LONGER. Now is the time. Now is our moment. Today is the day.
We’re so close to making history, but we need your help.
Please call your Senators NOW! Every phone call and electronic message counts and your voice matters.
Call the Senate operator at (202) 224-3121 to get connected to your legislators.
Send an electronic message to your senator via his or her website. Ask them to vote YES for the Serve America Act (S. 277). Urge them to vote against any hostile amendment that will undermine this important piece of legislation and ask them to vote in support of the Serve America Act.
Here are talking points you can use to call or email your senator.
During Wednesday's debate 31 amendments were filed, and 7 were accepted by unanimous consent. In addition, several amendments of concern to the national service community were also filed.
Read an overview and explanation of these amendments. Special thanks to Voices for National Service for compiling this information. Once you call or email your senator, send a quick email to nslp@aed.org so we can track our outreach. Encourage your colleagues and friends to take action too.
If you’ve been waiting to call or email your Senator—please WAIT NO LONGER. Now is the time. Now is our moment. Today is the day.
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