Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach will join more than 2,800 mayors and county officials across the country in a nationwide bipartisan initiative to highlight the impact of national service in tackling local problems. Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Scott is also scheduled to participate in this event. This event will be hosted by the Economic Opportunity Authority for Savannah-Chatham County, Inc. along with Senior Citizens, Inc. and Step Up Savannah. It is open to the public and will take place at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5 at the Economic Opportunity Authority, 618 W. Anderson Street.
“National service is a vital resource for our city,” said Mayor DeLoach. “AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers make our communities better places to live. As mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these citizens, who are helping make our great city stronger, safer, and healthier.”
Given the many social needs facing communities, city and county leaders are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to meet local needs. More than 453 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers serve in Chatham County, providing vital support to Senior Citizens Inc., the Economic Opportunity Authority, Step Up Savannah, and other local organizations.
The Mayor and County Day of Recognition for National Service is a nationwide effort to recognize the positive impact of national service in communities, to thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities. The day is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, , and Cities of Service.
“I am proud to be working with Chatham County as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “County officials and mayors are leaders who get things done. They know first-hand the value of national service in tackling local problems. I commend Mayor Eddie DeLoach and County Chairman Al Scott for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”
As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages millions of Americans in service at more than 50,000 locations through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. National service participants address the most pressing challenges facing our counties and nation, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century and supporting veterans and military families to preserving the environment and helping communities recover from natural disasters.
County officials and mayors are participating around the country in a variety of activities, including visiting national service programs, hosting roundtables, issuing proclamations, and communicating about national service through social media. By shining the spotlight on the impact of service and thanking those who serve, local officials hope to inspire more residents to get involved in their communities.
“National service shows the best of the American spirit – people turning toward problems instead of away, working together to find community solutions,” said Mayor DeLoach. “As we thank national service members for their commitment, let us all pledge to do our part to strengthen our county through service and volunteering.”
For more information including background and a list of participating county officials and mayors, visit NationalService.gov/RecognitionDay.