Americorps Members Start Year of Service

The New York State Commission on National and Community Service has announced the New York State AmeriCorps Kickoff Celebration at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

More than 1,300 AmeriCorps members, representing 46 programs from throughout New York State, gathered to take the oath that begins their year of service to the state and country.

AmeriCorps is federally funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service, and administered in New York by the State Office of National and Community Service. This is the 14th

year AmeriCorps members have

provided service to New York and

104 BLOTTER the nation. "New York's AmeriCorps members continue to make significant contributions by helping to strengthen families, protect communities and build a brighter future for our State," said Paterson. "As we join together to begin another productive year of service, we celebrate the achievements made by these committed young people and look forward to their continued success in the year to come."

First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, Honorary Chair of the

Governor's Commission on

National and Community Service,

BLOTTER added: "I believe strongly in volunteerism and our common obligation to address community needs across our State. Through the hands-on service learning of the AmeriCorps program, the participants will develop the confidence, problem solving and critical thinking skills that they will need to become the leaders of the next generation."

Susan Stern, Chair of the Governor's Commission on National and Community Service and newly appointed member of the Governor's Cabinet, said: "Since 1994, more than 20,000 AmeriCorps members in New York State have strengthened their communities on a day-to-day basis, serving with care and dedication."

More than 3,000 AmeriCorps members ages 17 and above work to meet critical needs in a wide range of service areas. Members participate in activities that include tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, building homes, cleaning up the environment, helping seniors live independently, providing emergency and long-term assistance to victims of natural disasters, and meeting other community needs.

During the past year of service, AmeriCorps members contributed to more than 1,500 education projects, tutoring more than 15,000 students in grades K-12 statewide. Nationally, more than 50,000 Americans volunteer for AmeriCorps service each year.