Serve Illinois to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps in State's Capital

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced the 2014 Illinois National Service Recognition Day will be held in Springfield on September 12. The Illinois National Service Recognition Day is an official way to honor programs and energize members for the upcoming service year. This year's events mark the 20th anniversary of when the first AmeriCorps members were sworn into service. The event will take place at the Prairie Capital Convention Center and the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

"The heart of Illinois is the heart of a volunteer," Governor Quinn said. "As AmeriCorps members get ready to begin their year of service throughout Illinois I would like to thank corps members and community organizations for their commitment to public service and all they do for the people of this state. New volunteers will become part of a strong tradition of public service, and join a long line of organizations that provide vital services for those most in-need."

The celebration will begin with service projects benefiting several Springfield organizations including Midwest Mission Distribution Center, Central Illinois Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, Central Illinois Blood Center and Northside Children's Library. At 10 a.m. (CST), President Obama will lead national service members in the oath of service on a live feed from Washington, D.C.

The state expects nearly 800 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members from across Illinois will take part in the event.

After lunch and a short program honoring all national service members in attendance and outstanding Illinois AmeriCorps alumni, members will parade from the Prairie Capital Convention Center to the Old State Capitol Complex. Participants will be in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps gear, and the programs will carry banners displaying their program name.

At the Old State Capitol, Executive Director of Serve Illinois Brandon Bodor and Fritz Klein, parade marshal and Abraham Lincoln impersonator, will lead the members in the oath, proclaiming their commitment to a year of service to Illinois. The Serve Illinois Commission hopes members leave the event with a renewed commitment and excitement for their upcoming year of service.

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40 member, bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor. Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. The Commission is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois' AmeriCorps program.

For more information on National Service and Serve Illinois, visit Serve.Illinois.gov.