I followed the link to send a message about saving AmeriCorps programing. Using it, you will be able to put in your location and the website, Voices for National Service, will generate your U.S. House & Senate legislators. The site will give you a pre-written letter. I edited and sent my message as follows:
***As your constituent, I am writing to ask you to provide $1.5 billion for the AmeriCorps Operating Accounts and National Service Trust Fund in FY25.
I served two terms with an AmeriCorps program called FoodCorps. My service site was Cedarville Elementary School in Cedarville, AR. I was able to increase the capacity of their school garden program, introduce kids to healthy foods, and gain professional development for myself in my service.
I helped maintain the school garden, wrote grants for that the school could use, taught around 429 hands on lessons, and offered cafeteria and classsroom taste tests. When the school shut down due to COVID restrictions, I helped keep the school garden in accessible to students and their families. I helped distribute school meals during those unknown times and helped connect families with SNAP applications. When the school reopened, I was in the cafeteria two hours each school day helping their cafe staff sanitize between each group of students to comply with COVID regulations. Building the school's capacity through my service made a difference for this Arkansas school and myself as well as my family.
I hope you will support $1.5 billion for AmeriCorps in FY25 so our community can continue to count on AmeriCorps for help where it’s needed most.***
You can do this, too, even if you've never served in an AmeriCorps position. It's important because these roles build capacity in the sites in which they serve as well as offer experience to those trying to start new careers.