U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), along with Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), recently announced the introduction of the Volunteer Innovation Act and the Unity through Service Act, which seeks to unite the nation by supporting volunteerism and service opportunities. The bipartisan bills would modernize AmeriCorps’ national service programs and allow them to adapt to changing times.
Over 24 million Americans actively serve through the military, national, or public service opportunities. However, over the past two decades, rates of volunteerism have declined. The national volunteer rate has not surpassed 28.8 percent since 2005 and dropped to a low of 24.9 percent in 2015.
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“Civic engagement and giving back to one’s community are woven into the fabric of the American spirit,” Sen. Young said. “Service brings forth positive change and promotes unity across the nation. These bipartisan bills will help modernize our federal programs, establish new online platforms to help people find service opportunities, and provide more opportunities for volunteers to impact their communities, all while wisely using taxpayer dollars.”
“The combined impact of the Unity through Service Act and Volunteer Innovation Act would be tremendous,” said Marc McAleavey, Executive Director of Serve Indiana. “They would unite Americans together as leaders, neighbors, and citizens, as well as further amplify the deep assets in the corporate and social sectors to bring out the best in each other and in our communities.”
About the Volunteer Innovation Act
The Volunteer Innovation Act establishes a pay-for-results program within AmeriCorps. This will allow community-based entities to access reliable volunteer pathways to achieve measurable success. Community-based entities can partner with a B Corporation providing new opportunities for capital influx to communities in need.
Specifically, the bill does the following:
- Create an open format for community-based entities to submit an application demonstrating how to achieve measurable, clearly defined outcomes that result in federal savings and social benefits.
- Require the Chief Executive Officer for AmeriCorps to select between 4 and 6 projects reflecting the geographic diversity of the nation.
- Achieve results by requiring the selected participant to meet outcomes in order to receive payment.
- Ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely through a report to Congress and AmeriCorps.
Click here to see the full text of the bill.
About the Unity through Service Act
The Unity through Service Act would establish a Council to advise and coordinate action on policies and initiatives designed to foster an increased sense of service, promote and expand opportunities for service, develop and oversee cross-service initiatives, and cultivate pathways for Americans to develop critical skills to address national needs.
The legislation also promotes cross-service marketing, recruitment, and retention through joint advertising campaigns, shared market research, and cross-service referrals. Critically, the Unity through Service Act would create a service platform to enable individuals to learn about the full range of available service opportunities and match them with programs that fit their interests, qualifications, and goals.