By Wendy Spencer
City boosts job opportunities for AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni
Philadelphia is a trailblazer when it comes to service, and today the city takes its commitment to the next level.
A short while ago, I stood with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to announce that the City of Brotherly Love is now the first city in the country to grant civil service preference points to AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni.
This step, which is part of the Employers of National Service initiative, recognizes the contributions and unique skills of the 900,000 people who have participated in AmeriCorps and the more than 200,000 individuals who have served in the Peace Corps.
Like the city of Philadelphia, employers across the country recognize their value, too.
President Obama made note of this when he launched Employers of National Service during the AmeriCorps 20th anniversary event at the White House last September.
The President said, “If you’re an employer who wants to hire talented, dedicated, patriotic, skilled, tireless, energetic workers, look to AmeriCorps, look to the Peace Corps…”
By awarding civil service points to AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni, the city of Philadelphia is now a major player in building a pipeline for the most civically engaged employees that our country has to offer.
I hope the city’s leadership will inspire others across the country to join the Employers of National Service initiative. I know that if we continue to work together and take Philadelphia’s lead, we will give our best to those who have given tirelessly and selflessly in service to others.