A resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the lives of the people and communities of the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 122
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1633)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T01:18:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 122) aims to honor the work of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. It highlights their role in strengthening U.S. communities through national service programs and encourages greater public awareness and participation in volunteering during AmeriCorps Week (March 9–15, 2025).
Key Provisions
- Background and Recognition: The resolution outlines the history of AmeriCorps, established 32 years ago to unify service programs, build community strength, and provide education and career opportunities. It notes that programs like AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, NCCC, RSVP, Foster Grandparent, and Senior Companion have engaged 200,000 people annually across nearly 40,000 locations.
- Achievements Highlighted:
- Volunteers have provided millions of service hours to help vulnerable populations, protect the environment, enhance public safety, respond to disasters, improve education, and boost economic opportunities.
- Funds have leveraged additional donations and expanded nonprofit, educational, faith-based, and government capacities.
- Over 1.3 million members have served in the past 30 years, earning over $4.5 billion in education awards; programs also build leadership skills and civic engagement.
- AmeriCorps Seniors (active for over 50 years) share expertise to support communities.
- Senate Actions:
- Encourages a national effort to salute AmeriCorps participants and raise awareness of national service.
- Acknowledges 30 years of accomplishments by volunteers, members, alumni, and partners.
- Recognizes contributions to improving lives across the U.S.
- Urges people of all ages to explore service opportunities in AmeriCorps programs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or policies. It builds on the National and Community Service Act of 1990, which created AmeriCorps, by providing symbolic endorsement without altering program operations or funding.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: May inspire more volunteering and civic participation, potentially increasing service hours in areas like education, disaster response, and economic support, especially in rural, urban, suburban, and Tribal areas.
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces support for AmeriCorps (the federal agency overseeing these programs), possibly aiding future funding or expansion efforts through heightened visibility, but has no direct budgetary or operational effects.
- On International Relations: None, as the focus is entirely domestic.
- Overall, impacts are primarily cultural and motivational, promoting unity and bridge-building across diverse groups without enforceable outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- AmeriCorps Members, Alumni, and Seniors Volunteers: Directly honored, with encouragement for ongoing and new participation.
- Communities and Nonprofits: Benefit from recognition of their partnerships, which receive leveraged funding and volunteer support.
- Educational Institutions and Employers: Gain from members' earned education awards and career preparation.
- Federal and Local Governments: Including Tribal nations and territories, which host programs and see enhanced community capacity.
- General Public: Encouraged to engage in service, fostering broader civic involvement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires no presidential approval and has no binding effect, avoiding any legal challenges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting general welfare (Article I, Section 8) through non-coercive encouragement of civic duties, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties), signaling consensus on the value of national service. It could influence public opinion and future legislation on volunteering but carries no partisan agenda.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1633)
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the lives of the people and communities of the United States. — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (5 pages)