[nativestudies-l] Yet another attempt to cut funding that helps American Indians and tribes...

[Kathleen A. Brown-Pérez]

Dear all,

One of my capstone students from last year (enrolled in my federal  
Indian law & policy course) has been working with Americorps*VISTA  
(Volunteer In Service to America) since graduation. Specifically, as a  
VISTA serving in a tribal community, she has created a high school  
senior class post-graduation readiness program, a youth leadership  
program, a workforce resource binder, and she is working on a job  
shadow program. I am very proud of this student's work, but - upon  
researching Americorps on my own - was saddened to learn that funding  
may end.

Cutting to the chase -- the US government has not approved a FY2011  
budget for the program. The government is operating under a continuing  
resolution of the FY2010
budget but must approve a 2011 budget by March 4. Currently US House  
Republicans have created a proposal for FY2011 that would completely  
end funding for all Americorps program. Without funding, volunteers  
will no longer be able to serve in some of the most vulnerable  
communities in our nation. By removing funding, elected officials are
devaluing national and community service.

Please contact your Representatives and let them know federal  
financial support for
Americorps is important to you and our nation needs the continued work  
of Americorps to create educational, heath, economic, conservation,  
and anti-poverty programs in America.

Make sure to contact your rep and please send this message to anyone  
that you know.

Best,
Kathleen

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Kathleen A. Brown-Pérez, MBA, JD
Assistant Professor, Commonwealth Honors College
Chair, Five College Native American Indian Studies Certificate Program

University of Massachusetts Amherst
408 Goodell, 140 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9272

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