I spent my first two years in the Twin Cities as an Americorps member, so the fact that House Republicans have proposed eliminating the entire Americorps program is, quite frankly, appalling.

Here’s the info from the Save Americorps facebook page: “Earlier yesterday, 2/9, US House Republicans proposed the eliminiation of more than 60 government programs, including AmeriCorps. To cut federal support for AmeriCorps would be a devestating blow to America’s poorest and most at-risk communities. AmeriCorps members commit themselves to improving communities across America for very little pay. In exchange, these volunteers develop professional skills, learn about challenges facing fellow Americans, and make a measurable difference in thousands of ways. We believe that AmeriCorps is a critical thread in our national fabric, and its presence is even more critical in challenging economic teams. We call upon Congress to, at the very least, hold AmeriCorps harmless, as it moves forward with the budgeting process.”

What you can do:

1) Sign the change.org petition to Save AmeriCorps here: http://bit.ly/hnhoUN

2) Join the Facebook group and invite your friends at this link: http://on.fb.me/eGb3iQ

3) Spread the word about the petition and group on twitter using #saveamericorps as the hashtag.

My first year I was an Americorps VISTA volunteer coordinator in two St. Paul elementary schools, recruiting and scheduling reading tutors and after school program volunteers who helped kids with their homework.