Powered by AmeriCorps

Celebrate National AmeriCorps Week - May 9th-16th, 2009

Did you know that over two thirds of the Hands On Greater Portland staff have served in an AmeriCorps program? Four members of our team are currently serving as AmeriCorps volunteers, and four more have served in the past! Hundreds of AmeriCorps members dedicate their time and talent across Oregon to improve local communities, so we’re celebrating the program’s achievements and sharing our experiences with you!

With President Obama’s signature still drying on the page, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act is poised to boost the 16-year-old AmeriCorps program from 75,000 volunteers to an outstanding 250,000 members serving across the nation each year. AmeriCorps members receive a basic living allowance to serve for a 10-12 month term within local communities to teach children, preserve the environment, combat poverty, improve healthcare, promote volunteerism, and so much more.

Learn more about the AmeriCorps program, its influence at Hands On, and how to get involved in the future!

Landmark National Service Legislation Signed!

April 21st will be remembered as the day that service became a national priority in America when President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which goes into effect on October 1st. The service act increases and enhances opportunities for all Americans to serve by expanding AmeriCorps from 75,000 to 250,000 over the next eight years. It will also strengthen America’s civic infrastructure through social innovation, increased opportunities for older adults and students to serve, and enhanced volunteer mobilization and nonprofit capacity.

Hands On Greater Portland has greatly benefited from AmeriCorps. Since the founding of the organization in 1996, Hands On has worked with hundreds of AmeriCorps members via our community partners and as a host organization for Hands On Network's Citizen Action AmeriCorps program for the past three years. Hands On Greater Portland would not be able to do what it does without the drive and passion of AmeriCorps.

“The broad bipartisan support for this legislation, and its remarkably swift journey through Congress, reflect the growing national consensus that service is a powerful response to the economic and social challenges facing America today,” said Alan Solomont, the Board Chair of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Across the country, people are looking for ways to help their neighbors and their communities. This bill will help us channel more of that energy into meeting local and national needs.” Learn more about this exciting legislation to expand national and community service.

Join Hands On for this historic time in history and join the thousands of people in our community making service a way of life. Find an opportunity today.

Potluck opens hearts and minds

Since September of 2008, Hands On volunteers have headed to O’Bryant Square to serve hot meals two Sunday afternoons a month with Potluck in the Park, a grassroots organization run by a few dedicated volunteers. Hands On volunteers return to this project because of the positive energy of the event and the visible impact it has on the lives of people who are in need of a hot meal. Laurie McGinnity is one such volunteer. She volunteered at O’Bryant Square in February 2009 and again with her whole family on Easter. Laurie says that “the experience of meeting regular people in need was touching and heart wrenching. We felt fortunate that Hands On Greater Portland gave us this chance to give back to those in our community that are in need of help.”

Laurie found in talking to the individuals coming through the meal line that the people she was serving were much more familiar than she had expected. “We had the realization that many of these people probably just fell into hard times and that this could be any of us. We left that day with a new appreciation of the life we have and a need to look for more ways to help those who are not as fortunate.” Laurie also appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere of Potluck in the Park: “Easter was especially rewarding as the entire family was able to volunteer together and it gave real meaning to the holiday. We find that volunteering together allows us to grow and flourish as a family.”

Follow in the footsteps of the McGinnity’s and start a tradition of volunteering with your family and friends. Join us for Potluck in the Park the second and fourth Sunday of every month or find another great project.

Show Our State Some Love!

Pick a volunteer project and roll up your sleeves – it’s time to celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday! Check out the variety of ways you can get out on May 16th to take part in Take Care of Oregon Days.