AmeriCorps Board of Directors Visits Baltimore Service Projects and Hosts Public Meeting

National service agency board members traveled to Baltimore with CEO to see the impact of service firsthand [] [AmeriCorps] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 2, 2023 AmeriCorps Press Office [pressoffice[@]cns.gov](mailto:pressoffice@cns.gov) [AmeriCorps Board of Directors Visits Baltimore Service Projects and Hosts Public Meeting]( National service agency board members traveled to Baltimore with CEO to see the impact of service firsthand WASHINGTON, DC — AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and the AmeriCorps Board of Directors hosted a retreat and public board meeting on Feb. 27 and 28 to visit national service projects, meet with service participants and discuss agency priorities and initiatives. On Monday, Feb. 27, Smith and board members visited Baltimore to discuss the role of national service and volunteerism in Maryland. They met with senior officials from Governor Wes Moore’s administration at [Clifton Mansion](, a 200+ year estate that the City of Baltimore inherited in 1870 that has been restored in part by the AmeriCorps members working through Civic Works, which now operates the building. They then toured [Civic Works]( sites across the city, meeting with AmeriCorps members and hearing from the community members they support and work alongside. These stops included a visit to a vacant lot being revitalized into a green space by AmeriCorps members and the [Broadway East Community Association](; meetings with AmeriCorps members serving as tutors and mentors at [REACH! Partnership School](; a visit to [Real Food Farm](, where AmeriCorps members grow fresh, healthy food and provide farming education; and a [Youth Build]( site, where AmeriCorps members provide construction training and other professional development for at-risk youth. The board concluded its day in Baltimore with a community dialogue about building a strong pipeline of civic leaders and later participated in a town hall meeting with AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving across the state. During the public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28, Smith provided a report on recent agency accomplishments, and board member Alvin Warren provided an update from the oversight, governance and audit committee. Then board members participated in a virtual tour with AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving with [Cherry Health AmeriCorps](, [Illinois Recovery Corps](, both [Public Health AmeriCorps]( programs, [West Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center RSVP Program](, [AmeriCorps NCCC]( and [Oregon Health Authority AmeriCorps VISTA Partnerships Project]( to learn about their efforts to expand health access and equity. AmeriCorps Board Chair Catherine McLaughlin and members Alvin Warren, Fagan Harris, Leslie Bluhm, Lisette Nieves and Shirley Sagawa participated in the meeting. “Service opens up doors to new possibilities,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “Through service, people from all walks of life can have the opportunity to learn new skills, be exposed to career opportunities, and build connections that last a lifetime. I am grateful for the many ways our board supports the AmeriCorps team, members, and volunteers in creating pathways to hope and building a culture of service that can meet the urgent needs of local communities.” “AmeriCorps makes service a uniting force,” said AmeriCorps Board Chair Catherine McLaughlin. “Instead of homing in on our differences, we need to see each other's humanity. It’s hard to hate someone when you’re kneeling side-by-side with fingers full of dirt planting healthy food for your community.” The [board of directors]( sets policies and direction for AmeriCorps and oversees the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. [The public meeting can be viewed on AmeriCorps YouTube channel.]( ### AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at [AmeriCorps.gov](. AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. [Learn How to Get Involved]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Board of Directors]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Help us spread this exciting news by sharing on [Twitter](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [youtube]([instagram]([twitter]([facebook]( [AmeriCorps] --------------------------------------------------------------- [Unsubscribe]( / [Manage preferences]( / [AmeriCorps.gov]( We sent this email to [{EMAIL}](mailto:{NAME}%40gmail.com) on behalf of AmeriCorps. [Bookmark and Share]( --------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to {EMAIL} using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: AmeriCorps · 250 E. Street SW · Washington, DC 20525 · (202) 606- 5000 · (800) 833-3722 [GovDelivery logo](