WASHINGTON – Volunteer Florida and City Year Orlando joined Voices for National Service to recognize Congressman Daniel Webster for his strong support of national service today. Congressman Webster was formally presented with the Outstanding National Service Advocacy Award at the 12th Annual Friends of National Service Awards in Washington, D.C.
“It is an honor to receive this award and to continue to work with dedicated and talented Floridians in my district and across Florida,” said Congressman Webster. “Volunteers and members of the national service community meet critical needs in our community day after day, and I am honored to support their efforts.”
Congressman Webster joined a bipartisan group of advocates being honored, including Governors Terry Brandstad (R-IA) and Rick Snyder (R-MI), Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Patty Murray (D-WA), Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY), Mayor Chris Coleman of St. Paul, Jonathan Lavine of Bain Capital, and Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson.
Chester W. Spellman, CEO of Volunteer Florida, said, “Volunteer Florida is proud to join City Year Orlando in nominating Congressman Webster for this prestigious award. Congressman Webster is a true public servant, and we are grateful for his support of national service and volunteerism in Florida and across the nation.”
“As a two-time AmeriCorps alum, I have seen how national service can transform communities and the individuals who serve,” remarked Jordan C. Plante, Vice President & Executive Director for City Year Orlando. “I’m so grateful for Congressman Webster’s support and his advocacy for national service as a way for Americans to give back, address real challenges, and make a lasting impact.”
Voices for National Service President AnnMaura Connolly said, “Congressman Webster is an outstanding champion for national service. We are deeply grateful to him for his strong and public support of national service programs in Orlando and throughout the country, and we are honored to recognize his leadership with this award.”
Honorees were selected based on recognition and support for national service as a solution to some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Each award winner has helped to raise public awareness of national service and elevate national service as a legislative priority.
Volunteer Florida administers $24.6 million in high-impact national service programs throughout Florida, putting AmeriCorps members to work in direct service to Florida’s students, veterans, and job-seekers. Funding supports 33 AmeriCorps programs in Florida.
City Year is an education-focused, nonprofit organization founded in 1988 that partners with public schools and teachers to help keep students in school and on track to succeed. In 26 communities across the United States, this innovative public-private partnership unites teams of young AmeriCorps members who commit to a year of full-time service in schools. AmeriCorps members provide individual support to students who need extra care and attention, focusing on attendance, behavior, and course performance through in-class tutoring, mentoring, and after school programs.
Voices for National Service is a diverse coalition of national service programs, state service commissions and individual champions, who work to ensure Americans of all ages have the opportunity to serve and volunteer in their community. Founded in 2003, Voices for National Service has built strong bipartisan support among our nation’s leaders and helped position national service as a viable policy solution to tackle unmet needs, expand opportunity, and leverage human capital.
The event was hosted by Voices for National Service and sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal, CSX, Bain Capital, Sankaty Advisors, and The Corps Network.
Click here to see the full list of award winners and details regarding the event.