ACTION Press Kit
Sample Press Release
For Immediate Release:
Month XX, 2016
Contact:
[Press Secretary] XXX-XXX-XXXX
[Rep. XXXXX] Joins National Service Plan to Strengthen Communities, Improve Opportunities to Serve, and Address National Priorities
Washington – Today, Rep. XXXXXXXX (XX-01) joined the America’s Call to Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act. Service organizations already help hundreds of thousands of Americans each year through disaster relief, education initiatives, infrastructure and public works projects, and countless other fields. Elevating national and community service to a national priority will foster a more engaged citizenry and help millions of more Americans give back to their communities while gaining valuable skills.
“Fewer than one percent of Americans serve in AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, the U.S. Military, and other service organizations—combined,” said Rep. XXXX. “A democracy cannot long survive if we defer to the few the responsibility of us all. My proposal would support at least one million federal service positions each year, allowing Americans to help rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, keep our communities healthier, mentor our most vulnerable children, and do so much more. In return, young people who serve would see relief from the crushing burden of student loan debt.
“We know Americans want to serve. AmeriCorps alone turns away over 80% of the applications it receives simply because we lack the resources to accommodate all who hope to serve their country. We can and should do better. Over XXX AmeriCorps volunteers serve in [State] alone. Across the state and the country, we have all seen firsthand how service brings communities together. My plan would empower more Americans to give back to their country and help our communities thrive.”
The ACTION for National Service Act would achieve three goals:
- Reduce the burden of student loan debt by ensuring young people who serve two full terms of service are rewarded with four years of average in-state tuition – and that the benefit would be free from federal taxation.
- Advance national and community service as a civic and national priority by elevating the Corporation of National & Community Service (CNCS) to a new Cabinet-level agency.
- Support at least one million full-time federal service positions per year—providing all who wish to serve the opportunity to do so.
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