According to a recent ranking by the federal agency Corporation for National and Community Service, more AmeriCorps members call New Orleans home than any other large city in the country (except Minneapolis/St. Paul). Baton Rouge also placed, coming in at 6th in the ranks of small cities, making Louisiana one of only three states to have multiple cities recognized for their citizens' commitment to helping those in need.
The other two states with multiple cities named in the CNCS rankings are Massachusetts and Utah. Little Rock holds the number 1 spot for AmeriCorps members in small cities. The top 10 lists were made by determining the number of AmeriCorps members per capita in each city-small cities having a population equal to or more than 100,000; large cities, 250,000.
Volunteer Louisiana, which coordinates volunteerism and disaster relief services in addition to giving AmeriCorps State grants, commented on the state's recognition in the rankings, stating that it "shows how integral AmeriCorps and national service have become to Louisiana's culture," evidenced by "the many Louisianans who choose to serve as AmeriCorps members and the impact they make on communities across the state."
Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have worked through more than 21,000 schools, nonprofits, and community- and faith-based organizations. Members have given over 1.6 billion hours of service to rebuild and revitalize communities, to provide increased access to educational and economic opportunities, and to combat crime and the opioid epidemic. More than 1,500 Louisiana AmeriCorps members will serve to improve the quality of life in our state this year.
AmeriCorps members receive educational scholarships, including funds to pay back student loans. Anyone interested in becoming a member can visit AmeriCorps.gov/Join.
Access more information about AmeriCorps programs @ nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/ameristates-and-americities.
Where Y'at New Orleans
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