Senate Debates Elimination of Learn and Serve America

March 11, 2011

Next Tuesday, March 15, organizers are planning a day of grassroots advocacy and calls to U.S. Senate offices. Can you spare 10 minutes to save the largest supporter of service-learning and national service? How would your role or organization be impacted if Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and all programs of the Corporation for National and Community Service ended this year?

YOU CAN HELP

  1. TODAY: Visit saveservice.org and pledge to Make the Call to Save Service. This is a simple and powerful way for you to share the impact service is having in your community, and why you care deeply about this issue. These pledges will tally on the Save Service website and can also be promoted on your social networks.
  2. OVER THE WEEKEND: Review how your Senators voted March 9th on H.R. 1 (which eliminated funding for CNCS) and theSenate Alternative (which sustains funding for CNCS). By studying the vote tally, you will learn whether you are either thanking your Senator for their March 9th votes and urging them to stay strong as Congress continues to make tough budgetary decisions, OR asking your Senator to reconsider their March 9th vote.
  3. TUESDAY MARCH 15: MAKE THE CALL. Help us Save Service by putting 10 minutes on your calendar to use the tools and 1-800 number on saveservice.org to be connected directly to your senator.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS

As the Senate debates difficult issues like the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, Senators are looking to hear from their constituents and your call can make a difference! With competing proposals, the legislation now moves towards a compromise. We need to raise our voices to ensure that service-learning and national service receive continued support. Read more about the legislation and tips for what you can say on NYLC’s Talking Points.

*** NOTE: If you are a current grantee or corps member of the Corporation for National and Community Service, you must contact your Senators and Representative on this issue OUTSIDE time accounted to the grant or on service hours reported to programs like AmeriCorps or VISTA. For more detail, see posted guidelines. ***