WHEREAS,  service to others is a hallmark of the American character and is central to how we meet our challenges; and

WHEREAS,  local governments in the nation are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to meet their needs; and

WHEREAS,  AmeriCorps and Senior Corps participants address the most pressing challenges facing our communities, including educating students for the jobs of the 21st century, fighting the opioid epidemic, responding to natural disasters and supporting veterans and military families; and

WHEREAS,  national service expands economic opportunity by creating more sustainable, resilient communities and providing education, career skills and leadership pathways for those who serve; and

WHEREAS,  AmeriCorps and Senior Corps participants serve in more than 50,000 locations across the country, bolstering the civic, neighborhood and faith-based organizations that are so vital to our economic and social well-being; and

WHEREAS,  national service participants increase the effectiveness of the organizations they serve, through both their direct service and their management of millions of additional volunteers; and

WHEREAS,  national service represents a unique public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages nonfederal resources to strengthen the effect of volunteer service in communities and increase the return on taxpayer dollars; and

WHEREAS,  by making an intensive commitment to service, national service participants demonstrate commitment, dedication and patriotism, attributes that remain with them in their future endeavors; and

WHEREAS,  the Corporation for National and Community Service works with local leaders nationwide to engage citizens, improve lives and strengthen communities and is joining with the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, Cities of Service and local leaders across the country for National Service Recognition Day on April 3, 2018; now, therefore, be it