Mayor Walsh joins nationwide effort to recognize the impact of national service

On Tuesday, April 1, Mayor Martin J. Walsh recognized National Service Day. The day focused on the impact of national service and appreciation for the 4 million service members serving at 70,000 sites across the country. Mayor Walsh was one of over 1,600 mayors supporting the 2nd Annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, an initiative led by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the National League of Cities. 

“I’m proud of the work these national service leaders provide, continuing their commitment to service and making a difference in the lives of others, “said Mayor Walsh. “They help make Boston a stronger community by supporting the work of our nonprofits and advocacy organizations. There are several AmeriCorps alumni working for the City of Boston.”

There are 2,723 national service members in Boston making a difference in lives of residents, serving at 172 service locations.  AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members serve with organizations that are working to alleviate poverty in the community, providing mentoring opportunities to support our seniors or our youth, supporting our youth to succeed in school and any many more service opportunities to improve the quality of life for the residents of Boston to across the country.

“This is an important opportunity for the City, service members and organizations to recognize the work and dedication of the national service members.  These leaders are doing incredible work that helps our city to thrive,” said Emily Shea, Boston’s Elderly Commissioner. “I look forward to seeing this collaborative effort continue so that we can achieve all our goals.”

This year, in response to Senior Corp Week, May 19 – 23, Senior Corp volunteers who participate in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Senior Companion and Foster Grandparents Program, are being asked to help survey older adults with disabilities in Boston Housing Authority’s (BHA) housing.

These efforts are a part of the BHA and Elderly Commission collaboration: “Making Connections,” which connects BHA elderly residents with disabilities to useful resources provided by the City.

In September, thousands of national service members serving in Boston will celebrate the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps and the awarding of several RSVP grants, funded by the Corporation for National Community Service.

For more information on the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, visit www.nationalservice.gov/mayorsforservice.