AmeriCorps Members Join Community Volunteers For 2002 Signature Service Project

May 11, 2002

Contact

Kyle Caldwell, Executive Director

Michigan Community Service Commission

Phone (517) 335-4295        

Muskegon–Today, more than 350 Michigan AmeriCorps members from across the state gathered in Muskegon to take part in several major environmental projects in cooperation with the City of Muskegon and the Muskegon Conservation District.  Project sites include Richard’s Park, Ryerson Creek Nature Trail, portions of Seaway Drive, and the Conservation District in Whitehall Township.  In addition to the AmeriCorps members from across the state, 100+ community volunteers braved the blustery weather to participate in the day of service.

Activities kicked off at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing at 8:30 a.m. with Mayor Steve Warmington and Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director, Kyle Caldwell, on hand to rally the group.  Also greeting and inspiring the crowd were Representative Julie Dennis and Representative Gerald VanWoerkom.  Sponsors for the May 11^th event include the City of Muskegon, Muskegon Conservation District, Volunteer Muskegon, Michigan Department of Transportation, United Way of Muskegon County, Yoplait/General Mills USA, Rotary of Muskegon, Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Fresh Start, Redi-Rental, Home Depot, Agard’s Lawn & Garden, Ace Hardware Northshore, The Market Place, and Wesco, Inc.

“We are ecstatic to host this year’s Michigan AmeriCorps Signature Service Project,” said Kris Collee, Volunteer Muskegon’s AmeriCorps Program Director and AmeriCorps alum.  “We’ve gotten lots of support from our partner agencies, companies, and municipalities.  This is a great opportunity to let our community know the impact AmeriCorps makes every day throughout our country as well as right in our own backyard.”

Background

• AmeriCorps is likened to a domestic Peace Corps where individuals called “members” receive a living allowance and educational award for one year of service.  The AmeriCorps program enables communities to address assets and needs while giving American citizens the opportunity to give back to their community.
• The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) increases the capacity of Michigan’s volunteer community by promoting and supporting volunteer programs.  Annually, the commission grants almost $7.5 million in federal funds and $1 million in state funds to local communities for a variety of volunteer-driven initiatives. 
• Governor Engler recently charged the MCSC with oversight and implementation of the Michigan Citizens Corps, the statewide piece of President Bush’s new USA Freedom Corps initiative.
• As an MCSC grantee, Volunteer Muskegon’s AmeriCorps facilitates service-learning projects, mentors and tutors in schools, and sponsors after-school programs for youth throughout Muskegon County.
• The Michigan’s AmeriCorps Signature Service Project is an annual one-day event hosted by the MCSC in partnership with one of their grantees.  The goal of the project is to unite AmeriCorps members from across the state with community volunteers so that they may serve together to meet local needs.

###