Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service

In Homer, almost everyone volunteers for something! For many of us, it is that community minded spirit that has drawn or kept us here. On April 1, 2014 our Mayor Pro Tem, Francie Roberts, will join mayors across the country in recognizing a unique kind of volunteer: those involved in national service. By unleashing the power of citizens, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have a positive and lasting impact – making our cities better places to live. To spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve, over 1,500 mayors from across the country will participate in the second annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service.

Homer has benefited from AmeriCorps volunteers in the past through Sustainable Homer, seeing the positive effects of national service at the Farmer's Market, among other things. Currently, Tara Schmidt, originally from Nome, is serving as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer at Haven House, working on violence prevention. Other AmeriCorps volunteers have and still serve in locations in the Homer area and across the bay. 

Last year, on April 9, 2013, the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service united Mayors across the country to spotlight the impact of national service and honor those who serve. Altogether 832 mayors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico officially recognized the work that AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers are doing to make cities better and stronger. Together, these Mayors represent nearly 100 million citizens, or nearly one-third of all Americans. The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service; Cities of Service; the National League of Cities; and Mesa, AZ, Mayor Scott Smith, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Thanks to those who serve, and thanks to our Homer Mayor and Mayor pro term for their support!