06/12/2026 | Press release | Archived content
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Vice Chair of the National Service Congressional Caucus and the first AmeriCorps alum to serve in the United States Senate, announced the introduction of his bipartisan resolution to designate today, June 12, 2026, as National Service and Conservation Corps Day.
Heinrich introduced the resolution with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-N.D.), Co-Chair of the National Service Congressional Caucus.
"Being an AmeriCorps volunteer inspired my career in public service. I'm proud to recognize New Mexicans' service to their community and inspire the next generation to leave their mark by introducing a resolution designating today National Service and Conservation Corps Day," said Heinrich.
AmeriCorps by the numbers:
More than 185,000 members and volunteers in organizations dedicated to strengthening their communities.
Nearly 245,000 veterans and military families connected to education opportunities, jobs, and the benefits they have earned.
310,000 elderly Americans provided with independent living services annually.
Conservation Corps in New Mexico:
Conservation Corps New Mexico
Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
Southwest Conservation Corps
EcoServants
YouthWorks Sante Fe
The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).? The House companion resolution is led by U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.).
The resolution is endorsed by Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps; Conservation Corps New Mexico; Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; and Southwest Conservation Corps.
"For more than 30 years, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps has demonstrated the power of service to strengthen communities, conserve our public lands, and create opportunities for young people across New Mexico. We are proud to join Service and Conservation Corps nationwide in celebrating the designation of the second Friday of June as National Service and Conservation Corps Day. Every year, young adults from diverse backgrounds come together through our Corps programs to improve trails, restore ecosystems, respond to disasters, and complete projects that directly benefit communities throughout our state. These experiences not only leave a lasting impact on New Mexico's landscapes and communities, but also help participants develop the skills, confidence, and sense of purpose that will serve them throughout their lives," said Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. "As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this recognition highlights the enduring value of civic engagement, stewardship, and public service. We are honored to continue the proud legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps by investing in the next generation of leaders and connecting young people with meaningful opportunities to serve their communities and our shared natural resources."
"Every year, Corps programs across the United States engage more than 22,000 young people in service to our country, providing them with opportunities to lead, learn new job skills, and test their limits. National Service and Conservation Corps Day is an opportunity to celebrate and thank these young people for everything they do to help strengthen our communities, build our resilience, and improve our public lands," said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network, the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps. "On behalf of the Corps community, I sincerely thank Senator Heinrich for championing national service and helping make this day possible. We appreciate the support of our partners on Capitol Hill who understand the value of service programs for our young people, our communities, and our parks."
The full text of the resolution is here.
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