Volunteerism in America

Americans have long valued community service. Many students are required to donate a certain number of service hours, kids get awards for their hours and volunteering in the community is a foundational part of our society. Tocqueville even noticed this spirit of community in his "Democracy in America."

Photo: habitat-nola.org

In the early 1990s, a number of pieces of legislation were signed into law committing the government to aid citizens in their service to community. In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, creating AmeriCorps, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

 Photo: gpo.gov

On Friday, September 12, all across the country AmeriCorps alumni and current volunteers came together to recite the AmeriCorps pledge. For those who just began their service, it was a time in which they were truly welcomed into the "AmeriFamily" and it confirmed their decision to dedicate a year to national service. For those nearing their end of service, it was a time to reconnect. And for the alums, it was a time to reflect.

 Photo: Hilary Grabowska

Twitter was abuzz with AmeriLove. Alums wished the Corps a happy birthday and encouraged the new members by saying their service was one of the best decisions of their lives. And new members swelled with the pride of getting things done for America. 

Photo: nj.gov