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.