Duckworth Releases 2016 Eighth District Community Service Guide During National Volunteer Week

Press Release

Following a panel discussion on civilian national service opportunities she hosted in Hanover Park this month, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) today released her Eighth District Community Service Guide to provide her constituents an easy reference of the many service opportunities they can take advantage of to give back to their communities. The guide, released to help kick off National Volunteer Week and available online here, highlights national service programs affiliated with AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps and the Social Innovation Fund in addition to several local, Eighth District volunteer opportunities. In addition to providing resources for individuals looking to volunteer, the guide also details best practices for organizations applying for AmeriCorps grants or looking to partner with the Corporation for National and Community Service.

"Citizens who are committed to serving others can be a powerful force for good in our communities and affect real change in American lives--and we should do everything we can to encourage and support them," said Congresswoman Duckworth, who recently authored an op-ed on the value of serving one's nation that appeared in the Huffington Post. "I hope my Eighth District Community Service Guide will help Illinoisans young and old discover new opportunities to serve their community and their country."

In the coming weeks, Duckworth plans to introduce her 21st Century American Service Act to provide all young Americans an opportunity to serve their country through national service programs such as City Year, Teach for America and the National Civilian Community Corps. The legislation would expand service positions available through civilian national service organizations, enhance educational awards to those who serve and ensure all young Americans are informed of the opportunities available to them. By guaranteeing that all young Americans have an equal opportunity to decide for themselves whether they wish to engage in national service, her new legislation would promote civic engagement, enhance national unity, foster a sense of shared sacrifice through service and help make college more affordable.

In Congress and in her personal time, Duckworth is a champion for civilian national service and an avid volunteer. She spent her MLK Day of Service volunteering to improve public school with City Year Chicago and then hosted an Air Force Veteran and current AmeriCorps member who has spent her career serving others as her guest for President Obama's final State of the Union Address. On New Year's Eve, the Congresswoman donated her time in Schaumburg to help feed starving children abroad. In advance of Thanksgiving, the Congresswoman also helped distribute turkey dinners to less fortunate families at Schaumburg's Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry. The food pantry is managed by LaVerne Horgan, a long-time church volunteer that Congresswoman Duckworth hosted as her guest for His Holiness Pope Francis' historic Joint Address to Congress.

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