RIDE to Host November 5 Event to Celebrate AmeriCorps Opening Day

Published on Friday, November 04, 2022

AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith to Swear In Rhode Island Volunteers to Year of Service

PROVIDENCE, RI – On Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and ServeRI will host AmeriCorps Opening Day with U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Michael Smith, CEO of the AmeriCorps federal agency, to recognize the commitment and contributions AmeriCorps members make to Rhode Island communities. The event will take place at Millrace Kitchen located at 40 South Main Street in Woonsocket. Media and the public can participate in the event by registering at www.serverhodeisland.com/openingday or watch live at www.facebook.com/AmeriCorpsRI.

“Service is an indispensable part of the American experience,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “I thank the AmeriCorps members for pledging to get things done for Rhode Island and reminding us by example that we can all come together to strengthen our communities.”

“AmeriCorps is at its best when we are not only meeting the needs of local communities, but when we’re also creating pathways and possibilities for our members and volunteers. And these newly sworn in members will be doing just that,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “I will be honored to welcome new members to the national service family and am excited to see how these members transform communities and chart new pathways for their own lives.”

“We are excited to invite community members to celebrate our outstanding AmeriCorps members for stepping up to help our kids and communities thrive,” said RIDE Chief Strategy Officer and Chair of the ServeRI Commission for National and Community Service who is also an AmeriCorps alumnus. “Like it says in the AmeriCorps pledge, I know AmeriCorps members will continue to serve this year and beyond to make our communities and our state better for all of us.”

AmeriCorps Rhode Island members commit to long-term volunteer projects to expand high-dosage tutoring, run high-quality out-of-school learning programs, teach in classrooms, deliver meals, complete conservation and climate projects, provide housing and meet varied community needs across Rhode Island. In return, AmeriCorps members learn about public service careers and earn an AmeriCorps Education Award for student-loan repayment or future university tuition. They will join more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving in more than 45,000 locations nationwide.

RIDE operates ServeRI, the Governor-appointed state service commission that coordinates Rhode Island’s AmeriCorps programs and promotes volunteering across the state. RIDE and ServeRI awarded $2.5 million in AmeriCorps grants and $1.2 million in AmeriCorps Education Awards for Fiscal Year 2023. This year, Rhode Island’s ServeRI AmeriCorps members will serve with Children’s Friend and Service, Family Service of Rhode Island, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Highlander Charter School, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Providence After School Alliance, SAGA Education, Segue Institute for Learning, Teach For America, and TerraCorps.

Immediate opportunities are available to serve in AmeriCorps. You can learn more at www.americorpsri.com.