[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E711-E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERISM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in favor of H. Res. 1276, 
commemorating the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service 
legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
  Since its enactment 1 year ago, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America 
Act has cemented the importance of volunteerism and community 
involvement in American society. This legislation reflects the 
willingness of Americans to dedicate their time and effort to help 
their neighborhoods through a common goal of community improvement.
  The success of the Serve America Act is apparent not only in its 
progress so far, but in those results yet to come. The creation of 
175,000 new volunteer opportunities, through existing service programs 
such as AmeriCorps, is increasing volunteerism in America to the 
highest level since 2003.
  The Serve America Act has demonstrated that even in this period of 
economic uncertainty, investment in communities continues to reap the 
highest rewards. The Serve America Act has allowed Americans to play an 
active role in our economic recovery through their volunteerism by 
empowering individuals to initiate real and lasting development within 
their communities. And by rewarding those who volunteer their services 
even during their full-time education, this legislation has enabled 
countless diligent students to combine community activism with greater 
educational possibilities.
  I am particularly proud that this legislation created the Musicians 
and Artists Corps that I championed to train and deploy skilled 
musicians and artists to low income communities, schools, health care 
and therapeutic settings, and other areas, where they promote music and 
arts engagement programs. As someone who knows firsthand the proven 
social benefits of music and creative arts programs, I believe this 
program will have tremendous rewards.
  The Serve America Act has been a call to service to all Americans, 
and undoubtedly it has inspired American citizens from all walks of 
life to give back to their communities. The Musicians and Artists Corps 
allows musicians and artists who are eager to serve to contribute their 
special skills and diverse talents to this community of activism.
  The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act has contributed significantly 
to increasing service in our country, and I am proud to commemorate its 
passage and support its continuing good work.

[[Page E712]]



                          ____________________