The AP is reporting on a proposed massive expansion of the AmeriCorps program. The House voted 275-149 for a $5.7 billion bill that will constitute the largest expansion to the program, which was begun by President Clinton.

President Obama, who is currently in the UK, will sign the bill upon return. “I call on all Americans,” stated the President, “To stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.”

We all remember during the election when the Governor of Alaska dismissed President Obama’s history as a “community organizer.” Don’t remember? Ahem:

I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.

Good thing the rest of America has realized what community organizers do not only for their communities, but for all of us; applications to AmeriCorps have skyrocketed recently. This past Febraury, 9,731 applications were submitted, whereas 3,159 in February 2008.

Volunteers in the program work in such areas as:
* Tutor and mentor disadvantaged youth
* Fight illiteracy
* Improve health services
* Build affordable housing
* Teach computer skills
* Clean parks and streams
* Manage or operate after-school programs
* Help communities respond to disasters
* Build organizational capacity

takepart by joining up with AmeriCorps!