Congress created AmeriCorps ten years ago. Since then, it has provided America’s youth with numerous opportunities for public service. Through a unique combination of federal monies and nearly $1 billion in matching private dollars, over 900 programs -- ranging from Teach for America to City Year -- have been created nationwide. More than 200,000 young Americans, including Unitarian Universalists, have worked in AmeriCorps programs:

• Tutoring, mentoring, and providing safe, educational, and caring after-school programs for thousands of at-risk children;
• Building urban playgrounds, restoring community centers, immunizing children, caring for senior citizens, and protecting our urban and rural environments; and
• Organizing thousands of volunteers and inspiring a “can-do” civic spirit across the nation.

This extraordinary public-private partnership is now in jeopardy. On June 16, 2003, the Corporation for National and Community Service announced dramatic cuts in funding--ranging from 50 percent to 95 percent in each state. Politicians have given AmeriCorps lip service. The President has called for all Americans to be "citizens," not just "spectators." In spite of these laudable sentiments, however, the federal budget has been stripped of the funds needed to make them a reality.

As a result, AmeriCorps programs are closing all over the country. The number of volunteers is being slashed from 67,000 to 28,000. Communities, schools, and children are losing their mentors, tutors, teachers, and builders. American youth have lost this outlet for their idealism. The United States is at risk of losing the chance to instill public spiritedness in a new generation.

The General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association therefore has a timely opportunity to put its weight behind this endangered program at a significant point in the decision-making process. Aware of the dynamism and talent of its own young members, this General Assembly is determined to see AmeriCorps survive and prosper.

The 2003 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association therefore resolves to urge Unitarian Universalists individually and in their congregations to prevail upon the President and the Congress to take all action necessary to restore the funding for AmeriCorps, including the passage of an immediate appropriation of $200 million, and thereby enable the federal government to meet its obligation in the public-private partnership. This modest investment will pay dividends to all of us vastly in excess of the cost