Fairfield Recognizes Impact of National Service, Volunteerism Tuesday

Fairfield will join in Tuesday for the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service when First Selectman Michael Tetreau issues a proclamation recognizing the nationwide, bi-partisan effort to highlight national service .

The proclamation will be issued during a short ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Great Hall at Fairfield University's Bellarmine Hall, according to a press release from the First Selectman's Office.

Throughout the nation on Tuesday, mayors and first selectmen will participate in a variety of activities, including visiting national service programs, issuing proclamations, and communicating about national service through social media, according to the release.

Participating in the day will highlight the importance of citizen service, show support for nonprofit and national service groups, recognize the role national service members play in focusing community volunteers and inspire more residents to serve in their communities.

At Fairfield's recognition ceremony, Fairfield University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. will welcome members of the Connecticut Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA project, a Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) program sponsored by and located at Fairfield University. As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages more than four million citizens in service at more than 70,000 sites across the country through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. 

Tetreau will then read the proclamation and Anne Ostberg, CNCS’s Connecticut State Program Director, will follow with a discussion on national service programs located in Fairfield County and throughout Connecticut. 

“Mayors are leaders who get things done, responding every day to needs in their cities,” Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS, said.  “I commend First Selectman Mike Tetreau for joining in this important effort to recognize the impact of national service.  We are proud to work hand-in-hand with local leaders to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

Representatives from Operation Hope, which is a service location for another AmeriCorps program, will also be in attendance. Additional AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers who serve throughout Fairfield are being invited.

“National service is a vital resource for our community. AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps participants have a positive and lasting impact, making our town a better place to live," Tetreau said. "I would like to thank these dedicated national service members for giving back to our community."

For more information on the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, including background and participating mayors, visit www.nationalservice.gov/mayorsforservice.