FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2008

More Than 1,300 Members Throughout New York State Take Oath in Albany

The New York State Commission on National and Community Service today 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 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 Governor 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. Our AmeriCorps members embody the spirit of service that can be found across the State. Here in New York, nearly three million volunteers contribute an average of over 366 million hours of service each year. This figure translates into more than $6.6 billion of community resources that help produce stronger communities, healthier families and a more hopeful nation.”

First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Commission on National and Community Service, said: “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. With Governor Paterson’s support, AmeriCorps members have helped meet urgent local needs of communities across the State and touched the lives of many New Yorkers.”

Mark Walter, Executive Director of the New York State Office of National and Community Service, said: “It is inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm in our New York State AmeriCorps members who serve as the foundation of service in our State. They bring to life the concept that individuals who are committed to making a positive difference can play a major role in meeting the needs of others. I am thankful to Governor Paterson for his leadership and for his commitment to supporting service and civic engagement in our State.”

More than 3,000 AmeriCorps members age 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.