While the University of Wisconsin is considered one of the highest volunteer contributors to volunteer organization AmeriCorps and its supporting organizations, college students who wish to partake in these programs may have to wait a few years because of financial constrains.
These service organizations have been facing economic troubles since the U.S. Congress declined a $100 million appropriation for AmeriCorps Sept. 19.
With the House of Representatives declining to support additional funds, the appropriation failed to pass with a vote of 71-21, leaving volunteer organizations without sufficient funding.
As a result, hundreds of service organizations nationwide have been forced to dramatically cut back programs and the number of volunteers it can support.
Had it been passed by Congress the appropriation would have gone to support 20,000 volunteer positions who would have met the needs of hundreds of local organizations, thus keeping numerous services open in poor neighborhoods.
Alison Franklin is the director of media relations for City Year, which works to bring tutoring and teaching services to urban neighborhoods across the country.
As Franklin noted, the declining federal support for programs like City Year is having drastic effects.
“Last year we had 1,000 volunteers at a dozen sites nationwide, and this year we have to cut our program in half,” Franklin said. “Three programs in one of the poorest cities in the Mississippi Delta had to close their doors. Now volunteers and children who just wanted an education are left with nothing.”
In joining AmeriCorps students work to make a difference in communities struggling with poverty, hunger and illiteracy, and at the same time gain an experience which holds numerous benefits. Along with receiving experience in community service, volunteers receive up to $4,725 to pay for tuition and loans and a yearly living allowance of $9,000.
“[The program] is efficient and effective. Our volunteers don’t come for the money, they come to learn leadership, problem solving and to make a difference,” AmeriCorps spokeswoman Sandy Scott said. “Volunteers see the worst places of America but meet the best people.”
In light of these far-reaching benefits, supporters of these volunteer programs are hoping to fight against the financial troubles and continue to serve America.
As Tom Devine, executive director of Wisconsin National and Community Service said, the organizations are continuing to pursue funding from the 2004 budget.
“We hope Congress supports the president’s request for an increase. The president completely supports AmeriCorps and wants to increase the number of volunteers from 50,000 to 75,000 volunteers annually,” Devine said, adding that volunteering for AmeriCorps allows students to not only make a difference, but to also gain valuable experience.
Scott and Devine both noted that the congressional decision is resulting in a reduction in funding, volunteering and program options.
Nonetheless, both have faith that the 2004 budget could help them out, but Devine sees a bigger concern at hand than just funding.
“The underlying issue is that we have become such a quick-paced world and are giving less of ourselves. We’re losing community values; a local problem is best solved by local people, and [Americorps] is a tool to get the community involved,” Devine said.
