On May 4, Congress passed the 2017 spending bill which protects funding for national service programs including AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, and YouthBuild. Service Year Alliance released the following statement in response to Congress' budget deal for FY17:

"We were relieved to see Congress reach a budget deal that includes level funding for AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, and YouthBuild in the FY17 budget. While this deal is far from perfect and cuts critical programs from the Corporation for National and Community Service, we are reassured that the tens of thousands of service year corps members will be able to continue to fighting poverty, supporting veterans, improving the environment, and revitalizing communities through these important programs. The value of service year corps members in local communities is felt in every in every corner of our country and around the world. As we set our sights on the FY18 budget debate in the coming months, we will continue to mobilize service year advocates to urge members of Congress to expand opportunities for young Americans to serve and invest in national service programs."

In the first episode of NationSwell’s 8-part mini documentary series on service years, the Chair of our Board, Gen. (Ret.) Stan McChrystal, shares his personal experience with service — both in and out of uniform.

Over 60 service year alums and champions gathered at Recessions Bar and Grill in downtown Washington, D.C. for a Service Year Story Slam, organized by Service Year Alliance’s D.C. chapter. Storytellers included military veterans and AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alums and highlighted the impact service years have on individuals, communities and the country.

Welcome to the first installment of the Service Year + Higher Ed Newsletter. We hope to use this space to build community, share resources, and celebrate the great work you are doing in the field.

Thank you to the 60 dedicated service year champions who joined us at the first annual Service Year Action Summit last week. Your presence and participation was greatly appreciated and — with 87 meetings on the Hill — resonated across the Washington. It’s up to all of us to make sure we build on the great momentum and energy we tapped into last week and continue to leverage it in our work across the country. 

President Trump's budget proposes the elimination of AmeriCorps - one of the most successful federal programs ever. Everyday, AmeriCorps members roll up their sleeves to alleviate poverty, improve struggling schools, and respond when distaster strikes.

Tell Congress to expand AmeriCorps, don't eliminate it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 29, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC - In response to the White House’s FY17 budget proposal that essentially eliminates the Corporation for National and Community Service, Shirley Sagawa, the CEO of Service Year Alliance, released the following statement today denouncing the disastrous cuts:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 16, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC - Service Year Alliance — an organization working to make a year of paid, full-time service a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans — released the following statement today condemning the White House’s plan to cut funding for national service programs, through the elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service — including AmeriCorps. 

In response to the White House including national service programs like AmeriCorps on a short list of programs that could be eliminated in their budget proposal, Rep. Long and Rep. Price testified at the House Labor, Health and Human Services subcommittee in support of national service. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQAUFo65rag