For almost four months now we have seen a systematic dismantling of federal agencies designed to protect us all from such problems as contaminated water to more guns on our streets. But now the axe has fallen on a program utilizing volunteers, who are not paid, but work to increase civic engagement: AmeriCorps.
Designed as a public-private partnership, AmeriCorps has engaged more than a million persons in community service. Volunteers had worked with local groups to bring people together, much needed in a time when there is so much dissension. Grantees have been told that their work “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”
Creating community should be a priority in our Nation. Although 148 members of the House and Senate have protested the destruction of AmeriCorps, there has been no response from the White House. This program cuts across party and ideological lines and helps us to meet and work with one another for a better America. Each of us, no matter our politics, needs to contact our elected representative to save this program.
Prayer for the Day
Bring us together, O God, beyond our politics,
Making us realize that we are stronger in community;
Help us realize, O Lord, that those around us are neighbors,
Living and working to create a more resilient society.
May we extend our hands to others, even those we do not know,
For it is in giving that we truly receive your blessing.
In the name of the One who reached out to others,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Slashing this program won’t just harm the people who work for the agency or the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who serve through its various programs. Our democracy is made up of reciprocal ties between and among all of us, and AmeriCorps strengthens these ties… [O]ur democracy will pay the price if we lose AmeriCorps.
Dana Fisher, American University
We are deeply concerned these actions will prevent the agency from continuing to deliver critical services, which include supporting veterans, fighting wildfires, tutoring in schools, combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and much more.
From the letter of 148 members of Congress to the White House
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding,
For her income is better than silver, and her revenue more precious than gold.
Proverbs 3: 14-15