The Mission of Serve Idaho is:
"TO ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEERISM AND
COMMUNITY SERVICE"

To achieve this mission, Serve Idaho will promote collaborative efforts among public, private and nonprofit, state and local agencies to advance community service programs and activities throughout the State -- we are here to Serve Idaho!

The activities of this Commission include:

• Program Administrations for the AmeriCorps Grants
• Leadership of Idaho's Promise: The Alliance for Youth
• Participation in the Homeland Security Initiative and Freedom Corps
• Hosting the annual Serve Idaho Conference to provide training related to national service, volunteer administration and service-learning. The target audience includes national service members, volunteer administrators, educators and community volunteers

Serve Idaho

Formerly the Idaho Commission for National and Community Service, Serve idaho was established through Executive Order by Governor Cecil D. Andrus in 1994 as a result of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 and the creation of AmeriCorps.

Serve Idaho is funded by grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service and through cash and in-kind donations from State and local partners.

The Corporation for National and Community Service provides federal funding for service-related programs and initiatives including AmeriCorps*State and National Grants program, AmeriCorps*VISTA, the Senior Service Corps and Learn and Serve America. All of these programs strive to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in community-based service to address unmet critical needs in communities throughout the United States.

Idahoans of diverse backgrounds have been appointed by the Governor to sit on the Serve Idaho Commission. These individuals graciously volunteer their time and talents to support efforts that engage more citizens in service and volunteerism throughout the State.

Serve Idaho serves on the executive committee for the Executive Office for Families and Children.

Freedom Corps

President Bush created USA Freedom Corps (USAFC) to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11th.  When he announced USAFC in his 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves.  Over the past four years, USAFC has helped Americans answer that call, and the American people are responding.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 65.4 million Americans volunteered in 2005.

Through their web site, the USA Freedom Corps can offer service opportunities to Americans of all ages who are looking for ways to serve their community, our country and the world.

Many Americans are already volunteering a few hours each week or month with a local service organization and many more are serving full time in the military or other programs such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and the Peace Corps. Many more are looking for new ways to serve.

Serve Idaho serves on the State of Idaho Citizens Corps Council.