Delaware’s AmeriCorps Program to Mark 20 Years of Volunteerism with Sept. 12 Celebration

New Castle, DE – Delaware’s AmeriCorps program will mark 20 years of volunteerism and service to the state on Sept. 12 with the swearing-in of a new group of members and by celebrating the many contributions of AmeriCorps alumni during a recognition dinner at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall Conference Center in Newark.

The event, beginning at 5 p.m., is open to the public, alumni, current members, nonprofit organizations, prospective members or organizations, and anyone interested in learning more about the services offered through AmeriCorps. All proceeds from tickets sales and donations will further the work of the AmeriCorps program across the state.

Registration is required for attendance and open through Aug. 31, or until capacity has been reached.

Beginning in September 2013, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) launched a yearlong celebration of the impact of AmeriCorps and its 20 years of dedicated service to America. Through events, service projects and personal stories, Delaware will highlight the many contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni, while also highlighting important moments in AmeriCorps history.

President Bill Clinton signed legislation in September 1993 creating AmeriCorps, and the first class of members began serving on Sept. 12, 1994. Working through service commissions in each state, AmeriCorps matches a member’s interest to the area in which they would like to volunteer, meeting critical community needs in social services, the environment, emergency preparedness and education. Each year, more than 85,000 people join AmeriCorps. Since 1994, more than 900,000 members have contributed more than 1.2 billion hours in service.

“Over the years, AmeriCorps members have helped build a stronger Delaware,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “They bring vitality, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to making a difference in our communities. In exchange, the nonprofit organizations, government agencies and schools where they serve offer them valuable on-the-job learning experiences. It’s a win-win for our state.”

In Delaware, the AmeriCorps program is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers within the Department of Health and Social Services. Since 1994, more than 2,400 members in Delaware have contributed more than 3.3 million hours of service at a value of more than $66.9 million. On Sept. 12, Delaware will swear in 125 members who will serve for one year with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, the Delaware Economic Development Office, Habitat for Humanity, Ministry of Caring, Public Allies and Teach for America.

“For 20 years, AmeriCorps has been a remarkable force for good in our neediest communities here in Delaware and around the country,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “Without the efforts of these bright young men and women who make up the AmeriCorps, many great volunteering initiatives would not happen. I am so grateful to this program and its good works.”

“Welcome to AmeriCorps members who have devoted themselves to serving our communities, brightening the lives of everyone they help and improving the quality of living in our state,” U.S. Sen. Chris Coons said. “For the last 20 years, the work AmeriCorps members have done in Delaware, such as improving parks, tutoring children, and working with the homeless, has made a tremendous impact on an array of needs in our community. I thank the AmeriCorps members who have served in Delaware and encourage all who are considering serving to check out an event to learn more about how they can give back.”

“I’m pleased to welcome this group of dedicated young men and women to the AmeriCorps program,” Congressman John Carney. “AmeriCorps members have worked to make Delaware a better place since the program began two decades ago. They serve those in need, learn valuable skills that will benefit them in the future, and set a positive example for others. I’m a proud supporter of the AmeriCorps program and know that this new group of volunteers will inspire even more Delawareans to serve.”

In exchange for a year of service in Delaware (1,700 hours), members 17 and older receive:

  • Valuable work experience in their chosen field.
  • $5,350 to pay for college, graduate school or to pay back student loans.
  • Health coverage and loan deferment while in service.
  • In some cases, a living allowance of a minimum of $12,100.
  • The opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and travel.

For online ticket purchases please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/americorps-20th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-11779909025.  Tickets are $50 per person or $30 for AmeriCorps Alumni using promo code AC2014.

For more information about the nationwide celebration or details on AmeriCorps, please visit http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps20.

For more information about AmeriCorps, contact India S. Colon, Marketing and Media Coordinator, at the State Office of Volunteerism, at (302) 255-9745 or india.colon@delaware.gov.


Delaware State University students to present history activities for the public at four Delaware museums

On Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the four Dover-area museums operated by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be presenting interactive, history-related activities developed by a group of incoming freshmen from Delaware State University. Activities will take place at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located in the Delaware Public Archives building at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; at the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road; at the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St.; and at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green. Admission to all programs is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

These one-day-only public offerings are being developed as a partnership between the division’s Volunteer Program and Delaware State University’s Jumpstart Program, an academic-enrichment and leadership-development initiative that provides opportunities for first-time freshmen to get a “jumpstart” on their college careers.

As part of the partnership, the 28 participating students were divided into teams of seven members each with a separate team assigned to each of the four museums. During the activity-development process, which took place during July 2014, team members were given free rein to discuss any topic related to their respective museum’s history or exhibits and to develop enjoyable and educational activities that provide museum visitors with fresh perspectives on Delaware history. The partnership gave students a unique opportunity to experience how museums develop public programming through efficient time-management, teamwork, critical thinking and creativity—valuable skills that the students will need as they move forward in their lives.

For additional information about the partnership, contact Deanna Rishell, the division’s volunteer services coordinator, at 302-736-7411 or deanna.rishell@delaware.gov.

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


Governor’s Weekly Message: Giving Thanks to Our State of Neighbors


Wilmington – In his weekly message, Governor Markell expresses his appreciation for those who help others.

“I’m thankful every day for the incredible honor to serve in our state of neighbors, where we come together to help each other and improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities,” said Governor Markell. “I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.”

Every Friday, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/IOiH6CCAqI8
Delaware.Gov:  http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Trascript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Giving Thanks to Our State of Neighbors

 


Governor Announces Delaware’s Outstanding Volunteers

Recipients to Be Honored Oct. 22 in Dover Ceremony

Twenty-five individuals, groups, and corporate groups will be honored at the 2013 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards on Oct. 22 at Dover Downs. These exceptional Delawareans participate in such diverse activities as advocating for causes important to them, educating others about the state’s history, and raising thousands of dollars for community organizations.

“Carla and I strongly believe serving others binds us together as individuals and strengthens our connection to the larger community,” Gov. Markell said. “This year’s Volunteer Award recipients are just a few of the outstanding Delawareans who give their time and talents to make Delaware a better place to live and inspire others to do the same.”

First lady Carla Markell is a champion of volunteerism, and, with the Governor, is doing much to encourage more people across the state to volunteer.

The recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards represent the efforts of thousands of Delawareans who make positive contributions to society and inspire others to do the same.

“By working together we can improve the lives of many and create a positive and healthy future for all,” said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the state’s efforts to foster volunteerism and service.

At the Oct. 22 dinner and ceremony at Dover Down, more than 400 people are expected to honor the volunteers for their outstanding service. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $35 per person and are available by calling (302) 857-5006 or by visiting https://volunteer.delaware.gov to download the invitation and RSVP form.

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, UnitedHealthcare, WSFS Bank, as well as the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.


Delaware Citizen Corps Recognized By FEMA

 (Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is proud to acknowledge special recognition given to Delaware Citizen Corps.  Citizen Corps is a volunteer-centered organization that conducts public education and outreach about emergency preparedness, and conducts training to help volunteers play important roles during disasters.

Delaware Citizen Corps was honored by Region III of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in two categories.  The organization was awarded for Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives, and in the classification of Preparing the Whole Community.  This is the third consecutive year in which the Delaware Citizen Corps has received a National Citizen Corps Council award.

DEMA Director Jamie Turner joined with FEMA in hailing the Citizen Corps preparedness efforts: “I am proud of the work done throughout the year by Citizen Corps.   Their efforts are an important part in preparing Delaware for potential disasters of all kinds.  Through continued work with the City of Wilmington, New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties, state and local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and events such as the Family Emergency Preparedness Day, and Citizen Corps Preparedness Night at Blue Rocks Stadium, Citizen Corps provides a valuable service to the entire state. ”

Delaware Citizen Corps works under the umbrella of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).