August 13, 2017

At Clothing Drive, Duckworth Highlights AmeriCorps Deployment to Chicago Cares

 

[CHICAGO, IL] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) at a clothing drive to highlight the deployment of volunteers to Chicago Cares, an organization dedicated to mobilizing volunteers to improve local communities. During the event, Duckworth also discussed her efforts in Congress to make national community service opportunities available to more Americans. A photo of the Senator at the deployment is available here.

"Expanding national service opportunities is vital to the strength of our nation," said Duckworth. "Just as picking up a gun to defend our country is 'American Service,' so is delivering water filters to communities afflicted by lead-contaminated water, picking up a stick of chalk to reach low-income children or a hammer to rebuild homes for those devastated by natural disasters. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect and strengthen AmeriCorps and other national community service programs, and to ensure more Americans have an opportunity to give back to their communities."

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential service program that supports local communities by engaging young adults in national and community service. Team members will enhance the capabilities of Chicago Cares to execute more projects during the year, increasing volunteerism and improving the community at large.

Throughout her personal and professional life, Duckworth has also been a strong advocate for the expansion of national service opportunities for all Americans. Duckworth served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and continued to serve her fellow Veterans as Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and then as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She has also made a point of volunteering with community partners at local schools, food pantries and community centers. Last year, she introduced the 21st Century American Service Act with Reps. John Lewis (GA-5) and Seth Moulton (MA-6) to increase service positions available through civilian national service organizations and ensure all young Americans are informed of the opportunities available to them. She plans to continue working to expand service opportunities for young Americans across the country in the Senate.