Bill Passes to Expand Tenn. Volunteer Opportunities

March 19, 2009, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation yesterday to expand the nation’s federal volunteer service programs, like AmeriCorps.

“Each year, 17,000 Tennesseans participate in national volunteer programs and this bill will dramatically increase that number,” said Congressman Bart Gordon, who supported the legislation.  “In these troubling economic times, volunteers can play a critical role in rebuilding and strengthening communities, and the increased financial benefits will encourage more people to get involved.”

The bill, titled the “Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act,” will triple the number of volunteers nationwide from 75,000 to 250,000.  It would increase the education reward that full-time service volunteers receive to $5,350 for next year – the same amount as the maximum Pell grant.  In the years after 2010, volunteers will be awarded an amount equal to the annual Pell grant award.

“Traditionally, young people have joined our nation’s federal volunteer programs, which has been a great way for them to pay for their college education,” explained Gordon.  “This bill also expands our nation’s volunteer corps by creating the Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships – a program aimed at offering opportunities to older individuals.”

The Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships program will offer Baby Boomers and seniors, age 55 and older, opportunities to transition into service post-career as well as entrance into new careers in the public and nonprofit sector.

The GIVES Act is expected to pass the Senate in early April and be signed into law by the President shortly after.

For more information about how you can become involved in a national volunteer program in your community, call Volunteer Tennessee at 1-800-404-8183.