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Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service
The nation's mayors are increasingly turning to national service as a cost effective strategy to address city challenges. By unleashing the power of citizens,
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs have a positive and lasting impact - making our cities better places to live. To spotlight the impact of national service
and thank those who serve, mayors across the country will participate in the second-annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service on
April 1, 2014. On this day, mayors will hold public events and use traditional and social media to highlight the value and impact of national service to the
nation's cities. Last year, 832 mayors, including 24 in Arizona, representing nearly 100 million citizens participated in the inaugural Mayors Day of Recognition
for National Service. The initiative is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS); Cities of Service; the National League of Cities;
and Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
As solution-focused local elected officials, mayors have a unique role in this country. Mayors' focus on engaging citizens and meeting local needs matches CNCS's
mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement. CNCS's priority on expanding economic opportunity to create sustainable and resilient
communities directly aligns with the goals of mayors. A coordinated day of recognition presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the key role that national service
plays in solving local problems and challenges. Participating in the day will highlight the impact of citizen service, show support for nonprofit and national service
groups, and inspire more residents to serve in their communities. Participation in such a meaningful event is easy and flexible. We are asking elected officials to hold
public events and use traditional and social media to highlight the impact of national service to your cities. Your office could:
- Issue a proclamation
- Visit a national service program
- Invite national service programs to city hall for a roundtable on service
- Put out a press release or report on the impact of national service in your city
- Join with an AmeriCorps or Senior Corps program on a service project
- Use Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets to thank those who serve
- Take a group photo with all national service members in your city
What are the goals of Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service?
- Highlight how mayors use national service to solve their local challenges
- Thank national service members for their commitment and impact
- Build public awareness about the value and impact of national service to the nation's cities
- Highlight the role that national service plays in recruiting and managing citizen volunteers to focus and amplify their impact
- Provide opportunities for mayors to communicate about the impact of national service to national policymakers
- Generate press coverage and online discussion about mayors supporting service
As the federal agency for national service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages five million citizens in service at more than 70,000 sites in 8,500 cities across the country.
Through AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and other programs, CNCS leverages federal and private funds to support organizations that achieve
measurable results where the need is greatest. A significant portion of this investment is focused on cities. Whether supporting food banks and homeless shelters, restoring city
parks, building homes, providing health services, tutoring and mentoring students, and managing community volunteers, national service members help mayors tackle tough problems.
Thank you for your leadership, and please contact the Arizona state office at az@cns.gov if you have any questions about CNCS or the Day of Recognition.
Additionally, please click HERE to learn more about our federal agency and this
exciting initiative, as well as to register your participation for Mayors Day 2014.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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