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Press Releases
For immediate release:
June 16, 2008
Contact:
Carla Harris - 804-726-7107
Summer brings volunteer opportunities for Virginia student
Goal is to engage 3 million kids in volunteer efforts by 2010
Richmond, Va. - Research has shown that youth who volunteer do better in school, engage in fewer risky behaviors, have a better sense of themselves and feel more empowered to make a difference in their own lives. With schools and universities across the Commonwealth taking a break for the summer, Virginia's youth are encouraged to reach out to their communities in service.
Virginia is participating in a national initiative, Summer of Service, which is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service's (CNCS) goal of engaging 3 million children and youth from disadvantaged circumstances in service by 2010. The campaign is sponsored by CNCS in collaboration with USA Freedom Corps and supported by AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America and hundreds of nonprofit organizations nationally.
Any organization that works with youth ages five to 21 during the summer months is encouraged to become part of the campaign. Individual youth can also participate in Summer of Service by independently helping to meet a need, such as tutoring a child or helping an elderly neighbor, or by volunteering at a community-based organization. Youth can contact their local Volunteer Center or visit www.vaservice.org to find opportunities in their area.
Summer is also the primary recruitment period for AmeriCorps State programs. College students interested in earning money for school while bettering their communities have a unique opportunity to do both through national service. Virginians have the opportunity to provide intensive, results-driven service while receiving many incentives, including health insurance, a stipend for living expenses, and work experience. Virginia's AmeriCorps members serve with national nonprofit agencies, such as Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as many smaller community organizations.
Participation in AmeriCorps is open to all Virginians age 17 and older, legally residing in the Commonwealth. Although most AmeriCorps members are past or present college students, this is not required, nor is there an upper age limit. In the Commonwealth, the AmeriCorps State program is administered through the Virginia Department of Social Services' (VDSS) Office on Volunteerism and Community Service. To find opportunities in your region, visit www.vaservice.org and select "Join AmeriCorps," or contact the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service at (800) 638-3839 or (804) 726-7065.
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- Published on Monday, June 16, 2008