Virginia Becomes First State to Join Employers of National Service
AmeriCorps Alums Co-Executive Director with Governor McAuliffe
Could your state get more done with more alums on staff? The state of Virginia plans to be the first to find out.
Today, Governor McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe proclaimed the Commonwealth of Virginia would become the first state to join Employers of National Service. A new initiative to create recruitment, hiring, and advancement opportunities for national service alumni, Employers of National Service is gaining ground.
Over 150 companies, nonprofits, and public agencies have signed on. Governor McAuliffe shared this morning why Virginia is tapping into the national service talent pipeline.
“AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni have skills, dedication, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to the greater good – and we want more of them to join our team,” said Governor McAuliffe. The governor also put his words into action, and guidance has already been sent to state agencies on recruiting AmeriCorps alums.
The homepage of Virginia’s jobs website has also been modified to include a call for applications from national service alumni. Governor McAuliffe also called on local nonprofits and corporations to follow the state’s lead.
Governor McAuliffe and the First Lady were joined by Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS; top leaders from the Peace Corps; AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni, and a range of business, nonprofit, and community leaders.
AmeriCorps alum Jenny Callear speaks about the impact of service on her career.
With AmeriCorps alums like Jenny Callear presenting at the event, we imagine it would be tough for employers to turn away from the potential of our alumni. Jenny proclaimed, “I’m part of a dynamic force for good!” Currently the AmeriCorps Program Director of Virginia Commonwealth University, Jenny credits her AmeriCorps year with shaping her career and character.
“Like the AmeriCorps pledge says, you learn the skills you need to get things done.”
Celebrate today’s announcement by sharing on Twitter (click here to tweet) and Facebook what service taught you with @AmeriCorpsAlums using the hashtag #ServiceEmployers.
Could your state be the next to sign on as an Employer of National Service? Learn more about the initiative and challenge your city, town, state, and employer to become a Service Employer today by visiting nationalservice.gov/employers.
