Alliance Recognized With AmeriCorps Innovation Award
July 17, 2014
To mark the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, the organizations America’s Service Commissions and Innovations in Civic Participation joined together to highlight 28 AmeriCorps programs from around the nation in their publication, “Transforming Communities Through Service: A Collection of the Most Innovative AmeriCorps State and Volunteer Generation Fund Programs in the United States.”
Minnesota Alliance With Youth was honored to be included in this prestigious list of organizations creating change in their communities on pressing issues. The publication recognized the Alliance’s work with youth in rural Minnesota, calling special attention to our statewide public/private partnerships and our ability to align our work with community goals and caring adult partners.
“The publication highlights the role of states as laboratories for service and fosters new models for addressing a variety of pressing social issues,” says Tom Branen, Executive Director of America’s Service Commissions. Programs featured in the publication address a range of issues from early childhood literacy to public safety. “National and community service programs are providing opportunities for citizens to play an active role in addressing community needs,” says Susan Stroud, Executive Director of Innovations in Civic Participation. “We hope everyone who reads these profiles will be inspired by the tales of ordinary citizens transforming their communities through service.”
The Massachusetts Promise Fellowship, the only other organization in the country that also supports AmeriCorps Promise Fellows, received recognition for their impact on rural youth as well. Together, the Alliance and Massachusetts Promise Fellowship are leading the way in innovation and collaboration around high school graduation and youth success in our country! “We’re thrilled to be recognized with this prestigious award,” says Sarah Dixon, President and CEO of Minnesota Alliance With Youth. “The Alliance is constantly working to develop creative and innovative approaches to address some of our most serious challenges in Minnesota.”