While our troops are serving in the Persian Gulf, it’s a good time for the rest of us to consider what we can do here at home. National service may not require the bravery and sacrifice of those who don a military uniform, but it is a necessary component of a healthy, patriotic society.
So, it might come as a surprise to some to learn that the AmeriCorps program is looking at tens of millions of dollars in cuts nationwide, barely more than a year after President Bush called for the program to be increased. That would translate to $5 million less for our state, along with about 400 fewer AmeriCorps volunteers.
Remember the president’s State of the Union address after Sept. 11 encouraging each American to give 4,000 hours during their lifetime to serve their neighbors and their nation? Somewhere along the way, the plan to expand national service fell by the wayside.
Hardly surprising, some might say, given the current climate of terrorism and war. But remember, this call for greater service programs — and the money to help them along — came after Sept. 11 and as part of the response to terror and building a patriotic country. And many AmeriCorps volunteers are considered "first responders" under the homeland security plan.
It’s not the first time these people have been called upon to help in times of disaster. In 2000, 49 of 50 governors, including then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush, sent letters to Congress asking it to keep the program alive. It turned out that the volunteers were very valuable in the effort to rebuild towns after natural disasters struck — not to mention the fact that it saved local communities and states from having to pay for that labor.
It always costs some money to establish programs. Think about a group for which you have volunteered. It takes money to keep these valuable organizations running. The tiny living allowance received by AmeriCorps members is less than minimum wage, and their commitment is full-time. These people are willing to live below the poverty level for the opportunity to serve others, and more are waiting to sign up.
This is a good time to encourage and promote national service and volunteerism. Congress must act by restoring money to the AmeriCorps program. As for the rest of us, we should consider how we can be of service to others. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out the Volunteer Expo at the Everett Mall from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
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