FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2024
MEDIA CONTACTS: Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@cv.ca.gov, (916) 584-3620
Join the Largest Service Force in Nation
California is now recruiting 10,000 paid California Service Corps Members to help their communities, provide economic opportunities, tackle our state’s most pressing issues and address the crisis of social isolation and division.
Sacramento, Calif. – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom and California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday announced California is seeking 10,000 people to join the California Service Corps. Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money. Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and members will serve nearly five million hours. Service members help communities by taking climate action, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services. “As Californians, the spirit of service and giving back is in our DNA – it’s why we have the largest service corps in the nation, bigger than the Peace Corps and a model for other states,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “In the coming year, 10,000 service corps members will devote nearly five million hours to our communities as we work to build a California for all.”
California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, center, announces the California Service Corps recruitment drive alongside service members, from left, Wendy Parmelee, Chiena Ty, Chris Ashley, and Wendy Lizola. Together, they ignite a collective commitment to making a California For All.
The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps and AmeriCorps California. Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is addressing the climate crisis, post-pandemic academic recovery and how to shape the future of our workforce.
“These are California’s future leaders, and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “These programs pave pathways for prosperity, propel progress on our most pressing issues, and promote unity to help unravel the crisis of social isolation and division.”
California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Additionally, service experiences foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis – as declared by the U.S. Surgeon General. Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more about the benefits and impact of service at a virtual workshop on March 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. Register here to attend. Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.
INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov (916) 584-3620. Related Footage and interviews:
- B-Roll: California Service Corps
- Interview: California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday
- Interview & broll: Chiena Ty, California Climate Action Corps Fellow
- Interview & broll: Wendy Parmelee, AmeriCorps Alumni
- Interview & broll: Chris Ashley, Youth Jobs Corps Member
- Interview & broll: Wendi Lizola, College Corps Fellow
- Spanish Interview & broll: Wendi Lizola, College Corps Fellow
WHAT SERVICE MEMBERS ARE SAYING: Chiena Ty, California Climate Action Corps Fellow: “I started the program not knowing how strong and powerful my voice could be for climate action. But throughout my time with CCAC, I’ve been growing my skills in communications and marketing, learning how to network and make important connections – everything that helped contribute to my confidence in speaking about climate action and establishing a career in environmental communications.” Wendy Parmelee, AmeriCorps California Alumni: “I did not know what AmeriCorps was before I applied and I had no experience in social services. However, I learned so much and grew professionally during my two years of service. It really helped jumpstart my professional career.” Chris Ashley, Youth Jobs Corps Member: “This program has helped me and my cohort learn so much about food – how much we waste, how to recover it safely, and how to dispose of it properly. We can go anywhere now and feel like we can help save the planet, one meal at a time.” Wendi Lizola, College Corps Fellow: “Unfortunately, paid service opportunities aren’t usually available to Dreamers. But because this program is open to CA Dream Act Students, they also get a chance to earn while they serve. I decided to do a second year of College Corps because it is a great way to pay for college, while gaining experience working with kids. After I graduate, I want a career as a pediatric nurse, and I know that working with middle schoolers for the past two years has definitely prepared me with the communication skills for that.”
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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
