1. 1 Corporation for National & Community Service Information on the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS): A federal agency established in 1993 and reauthorized in 2009 with the passage of the Kennedy Serve America Act to provide opportunities for ALL Americans to give back to their communities through service and volunteering CNCS mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering Structured volunteer service opportunities are provided through three major programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. Initiatives to be established with the Serve America Act reinforce CNCS’ commitment to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities

2. 2 Why Volunteer Through a National Service Program In addition to the many benefits, participants who volunteer in a National Service program are eligible to receive: –A living stipend –An education award –Health insurance, as needed –Child care benefits, as needed

3. March 31, 2009 House of Representatives passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. April 21, 2009 President Obama signed the bill into law. Reauthorizes the Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs through 2014. Information contained in this PowerPoint is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

4. “…ensure that students of different ages, races, sexes, ethnic groups, disabilities, & economic backgrounds have opportunities to serve together” “…includes as participants youths and young adults who are age 16 through 25, including …youth who are individuals with disabilities” “…collaborate with org’s with demonstrated expertise in supporting and accommodating individuals with disabilities, including institutions of higher education, to increase the number of participants with disabilities.” “provide and disseminate information regarding methods to make service-learning programs and programs offered under the national service laws accessible to individuals with disabilities”

5. 5 To help an individual decide which national service program is best suited to their needs, go to: http://www.nationalservice.gov/for_individuals/ready/selector.asp or http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/index.asp or newest site: http://www.serve.gov