Congress is preparing to expand service programs in the U.S., more than tripling the number the AmeriCorps positions, and creating other new volunteer opportunities and programs. The bill would provide $5 billion over five years for living expenses and educational stipends for people of all ages to volunteer in the fields of health care, energy, education and the environment. An expanded service program would create work opportunities in the shrinking job market, plug some of the holes in the suffering nonprofit sector, and make a dent in addressing social and environmental challenges in the U.S. And as the largest U.S. commitment to civil service since the New Deal, it would boost the culture of service, creating a large new corps of Americans who are more likely to continue to serve their communities in the future.

You can help to make sure that the U.S. receives this much needed infusion of civic participation by signing on to become a co-sponsor of the legislation, urging your Congressional representatives to pass the bill. ServiceNation makes it easy for you to do that here. If you’re ready to serve, you can explore service opportunities here. And you can keep the momentum going and help ignite America’s civic spirit by spreading the word.