Recognizing March 9-17, 2013, as AmeriCorps Week.
The resolution serves to acknowledge not just the volunteers but also the vast network of nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based organizations that collaborate with AmeriCorps in Texas. The contributions of these members to communities in need underscore the value of service in addressing local issues. Furthermore, the resolution mentions the financial benefits participants have gained through the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards, totaling over $103 million, which assists in education or student loan repayments.
House Resolution 720 recognizes March 9-17, 2013, as AmeriCorps Week in Texas. The resolution highlights the significant impact AmeriCorps has had on both local communities and the nation since its inception in 1994. Emphasizing the program's effectiveness in promoting volunteerism, HR720 notes that nearly 775,000 Americans have engaged in service through AmeriCorps, including approximately 40,000 Texans. In 2012 alone, over 3,000 Texans participated, contributing more than 51 million hours of service in various capacities such as tutoring, health services, affordable housing, and supporting veterans.
The sentiment expressed in HR720 is overwhelmingly positive, portraying AmeriCorps as a cornerstone for community development and engagement in volunteer work. By formally designating a week to honor AmeriCorps, the legislature aims to foster awareness and encourage greater participation in the program. This recognition serves to heighten appreciation among Texans for those who serve their communities and to inspire others to follow suit.
While HR720 is a non-controversial resolution and does not anticipate significant opposition, it implicitly calls attention to the ongoing need for volunteer and service initiatives in Texas. By enshrining this week of recognition, it prompts discussions around funding and support for such programs, ensuring they continue to thrive and meet the needs of diverse communities throughout the state.