Governor David A. Paterson and Congressman Paul Tonko deliver remarks to AmeriCorps members about the importance of service to our State

On November, 20th more than 1,200 AmeriCorps members and staff from programs across New York State kicked off their year of service at the Convention Center in Albany. Members traveled in from Long Island, New York City, the Hudson Valley, Central New York, the Adirondacks, Rochester, Buffalo, the Southern Tier as well as the Capital District!

AmeriCorps members were thrilled to be joined by Governor David A. Paterson and Congressman Paul Tonko who each expressed their appreciation and articulated how critical AmeriCorps service is to help mitigate our current social and economic challenges. The members received a congratulatory letter from First Lady Michelle Obama, which was read to them by Commission Chair, Susan Stern (Click HERE to view the letter). Master of Ceremonies Ann Hughes of Fox 23 News in the Capital District reminded the members in attendance that few groups receive attention from such a high level – the work they do and the people they are is an example to us all!

Members received training and encouragement from Jeff Gaines, a respected motivational speaker from the Capital District who has presented to AmeriCorps members across the country. Mr. Gaines reminded members that they need to take care of themselves prior to taking care of others. Otherwise, they will burn out and be less effective.

The morning program continued as AmeriCorps members Shanterra Randle of the Rochester AmeriCorps program and Emily Rose Maher, an Alum of Western New York AmeriCorps program gave powerful testimonials about their service experiences. Next, Susan Stern administered the AmeriCorps Oath to all members in attendance as they committed to Get Things Done for America! Finally, AmeriCorps members were treated to musical inspiration from Matt Pezzula and Tom Techman of Self-Advocacy Association AmeriCorps, who sang “Circle of Life” from the movie Lion King.

During the afternoon, all attendees participated in a massive service project to benefit active members of the US Military, their families, and veterans. AmeriCorps and VISTA members as well as representatives of other national service programs from across the state partnered with members of our armed forces to complete the following service projects:

• 300 Care packages were filled and mailed to active troops overseas;
• An Operation Cooperation Quilt was designed and compiled and will be sent to travel with an activated unit;
• 500 Young Hero Packs were filled for children of deployed military personnel with “worry dolls” and worry doll cards, hug cards, Sesame Street Videos, and a Family Program Material Pack;
• 500 new toys donated to the State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Family Programs Unit were wrapped for children of active military personnel;
• 5 Yellow Ribbon Banners were created with special messages of appreciation and encouragement to be sent to active units; and
• 500 thank you letters were written and mailed to active members of the military.

Photos of the 2009 New York State AmeriCorps Kickoff are available HERE