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Senior Corps Seeks 100,000 Volunteers for America’s Communities

 (WASHINGTON, D.C.,  June 25, 2003 – In a nationwide search for 100,000 volunteers age 55 and over, Senior Corps of the Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation) today launched Ask a Friend, Share Your Volunteer Spirit, a campaign to recruit volunteers for activities that help support and strengthen their communities.

 “People age 55 and over have much to offer through their work and personal life experiences. We want them to put those valuable skills and experiences to good use in tackling some of the serious social problems in their communities,” said Tess Scannell, Director of Senior Corps. “Through this campaign we’re asking current volunteers to get their friends involved and asking non-volunteers to just get involved.” Scannell further states that they’re seeking 100,000 volunteers in response to a challenge to Senior Corps from President Bush in his Call to Service message to all Americans.

Currently, more than half a million Senior Corps volunteers are engaged in activities such as tutoring and mentoring children with special needs, working with local police and fire departments to keep neighborhoods safe, helping homebound individuals remain independent in their own homes, and building houses for the homeless. They serve in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Ask a Friend was designed to address the primary reason people volunteer, which is simply because they are asked. The campaign uses the friend method because the likelihood of someone getting involved increases when a friend or someone they know makes the request. The goal of the campaign is two-fold: to encourage current Senior Corps volunteers to get a friend involved, and to encourage older non-volunteers to serve in projects that strengthen their communities.

The campaign is supported by a website, www.volunteerfriends.org where individuals can find helpful resources in getting their friends engaged or access volunteer opportunities. Among the features included at www.volunteerfriends.org are e-cards, fliers, and posters for current volunteers to share information about volunteering with their friends, a Fast-Match link for individuals to match their personal interests to volunteer opportunities by zip code, and inspiring stories about current volunteers and the contributions they’re making in their communities. There is also a section that provides campaign information to Spanish speaking citizens. Individuals without web access can call a toll-free number (1-800-424-8867; TTY 800-833-3722) to get information about the campaign or sign-up to volunteer.

Persons interested in the Ask a Friend campaign or Senior Corps can log on to www.volunteerfriends.org or call 1-800-424-8867.

Senior Corps promotes using the experience, skills, and talents of older Americans to help local organizations meet community needs. Through its network of three programs – Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) – more than half a million Americans age 55 and over assist local nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations in carrying our their missions. Senior Corps, part of the USA Freedom Corps, is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that also oversees AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America. Together these programs engage more than two million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year.