CNCS @nationalservice The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement. nationalservice.gov The History of AmeriCorps VISTA Community service and volunteerism have always been a vital force in American life. Throughout history, our nation has relied on the dedication and action of citizens to tackle our biggest challenges. The VISTA program was first envisioned by President John F. Kennedy to serve the needs of the poorest Americans. In his January 1963 State of the Union Message, President Kennedy suggested a national service corps to serve “our own community needs in mental health hospitals, on Indian reservations, in centers for the aged and young delinquents, in schools for the illiterate and handicapped.” (© 1963 Corporation for National and Community Service - Office of Public Affairs) In 1963, President John F. Kennedy envisioned a national service corps “to help provide urgently needed services in urban and rural poverty areas.” Less than two years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson realized Kennedys dream by launching the “War on Poverty.” Johnson welcomed the first group of 20 VISTA volunteers saying, “Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor often will be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.”
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:06:56 +0000