17 City and County leaders recognize critical role of Ameri-Corps and Senior Corps in local communities across Nevada

The Fernley Reporter

On April 4, 17 mayors and county leaders across the State of Nevada, including Fernley Mayor Roy Edgington, recognized the impact AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have made on their local communities. Given the many social needs facing communities – and the fiscal constraints facing government at all levels – cities and counties are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to meet local needs.

The fifth annual Mayor, County, and Tribal Recognition Day for National Service is a nationwide bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service, thank those who serve, and encourage citizens to give back to their communities. Across the country, 4,520 elected officials representing more than 194 million Americans participated.

The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other volunteer programs, in partnership with the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and Cities of Service.

“We are proud to be working with city and county leaders across America as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Kim Mansaray, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Local leaders get things done and they know firsthand the value of national service in tackling problems. I commend the participating mayors and county leaders for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

In Nevada, the effort is being coordinated in partnership with Nevada Volunteers, the Governor-appointed state service commission, which is integral to the $15.6 million in national service funding to Nevada nonprofit and other community-based organizations each year.

“Today, we thank national service members for their commitment, and pledge to do our part to strengthen our state and country through service and volunteering,” said Amber Martin-Jahn, Executive Director of Nevada Volunteers, who has helped support Day of Recognition activities in Nevada.

This year, more than 2,920 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members are “getting things done” for Nevada – building safer, stronger, and healthier communities. At more than 388 locations throughout the state, these everyday heroes support veterans and military families, assist the elderly, tutor and mentor children, restore the environment, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers.

Participating mayors and county officials visited AmeriCorps and Senior Corps service sites, joined in service projects, presented proclamations, and hosted thank you events recognizing the contributions of national service. Other officials will participate throughout April with proclamations, presentations at local council and commission meetings, or visiting AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members in action. A full list of participating mayors and county leaders by state can be found here. By shining the spotlight on the impact of service and thanking those who serve, local officials hope to inspire more residents to get involved in their communities.