U.S. Mayors unanimously pass resolution in support of employers of national service, submitted by Mayor Walsh

 The United States Conference of Mayors today unanimously passed a resolution submitted by Mayor Martin J. Walsh that supports Employers of National Service, an initiative that recognizes the unique skills and experience AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni bring to the workforce. The resolution encourages public and private sector employers to expand the job opportunities available to those who have served in a national service role.

Announced by President Obama at the White House in September 2014 as part of the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, Employers of National Service builds a talent pipeline which connects AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni with leading employers.

"Boston has a long history of embracing the tremendous value of National Service. We know it plays a vital role in connecting passionate individuals with the skills to bring positive change to their communities," said Mayor Walsh. "We've seen the impact that our National Service members have had on our City, and we are thrilled to sign on as an Employer of National Service. Whether you helped start a library in Western Africa through the Peace Corps, spent time in a classroom with City Year, or served in one of thousands of AmeriCorps programs around the country, Boston wants you on our team. We challenge all cities to join as Employers of National Service and increase their capacity to take on the most important issues of tomorrow."

The resolution passed this morning at the organization's 84th annual meeting in Indianapolis. The effort recognizes national service programs, such as AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, as a talent pipeline for dedicated employees with experience in public service, and urges cities employees to become Employers of National Service.

"Boston is a trailblazer when it comes to service, and today the city takes that commitment to the next level," said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "I commend Mayor Walsh for these bold new steps. Not only is Boston the silicon valley of service - the birthplace of innovative AmeriCorps programs like City Year, YouthBuild USA, Citizen Schools, and Jumpstart - but it has also been home to some of our most steadfast leaders in business and elected office. Mayor Walsh has continued this strong tradition, challenging his fellow mayors to match him in making their cities Employers of National Service."

"Alumni of our service corps are highly qualified leaders with experience addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and world today," Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. "Returned Peace Corps volunteers have so much to contribute to the workplace and we're thrilled to see Mayor Walsh and the city of Boston recognize these valuable skills."

The City of Boston joins 13 other cities across the nation that have signed the resolution, including: Kansas City, Mo.; Nashville, Tenn.; Newton, Mass.; New York City, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Penn.; South Sioux City, Neb.; and Avondale, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson, Ariz.

Since 1994, 980,000 Americans have given more than 1.3 billion hours of service to their country, earning more than $3 billion in education scholarships.

The full resolution is included below: 

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF EMPLOYERS OF NATIONAL SERVICE

WHEREAS, National service, including AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, grant individuals opportunity to gain experience in a variety of fields, including disaster services, economic opportunity and development, agriculture, education, environmental stewardship, health, youth development, and veterans affairs; and,

WHEREAS, National service develops essential skills, which make alumni strong leaders who are motivated, flexible, innovative, and outcome-oriented, who learn quickly, work well on diverse teams, and know how to mobilize others to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and our world; and,  

WHEREAS, National service makes AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni high-quality employees for any organization; and, WHEREAS, There are over 900,000 Americans who have participated in AmeriCorps since 1994 and over 215,000 who have participated in the Peace Corps since 1961; and,  

WHEREAS, on September 12, 2014, President Obama launched Employers of National Service; and,

WHEREAS, Employers of National Service is the name given to the initiative co-sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, the National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance, established to connect AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni with employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors; and,  

WHEREAS, Cities, in particular, stand to gain from an influx of motivated, passionate, dedicated civil servants, skilled and experienced in serving communities; and,

WHEREAS, 12 cities have already joined on as Employers of National Service and recognize the benefit to their workforce, and 4 additional cities have just recently joined;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors urges all cities, townships, villages, etc. to become Employers of National Service.