Written By: Community HealthCorps Member Erin Maxwell of Chase Brexton Health Services

During a gorgeous sunny morning on September 12, 2014, hundreds of AmeriCorps members presented to the White House to celebrate AmeriCorps’ 20th anniversary with President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton, commemorating not only the efforts of 900,000 Americans who have served more than 1 billion hours over the past 20 years, but the impact this has had on their surrounding communities, as well.

In 1993, former President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, thus creating AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service in order to expand opportunities for Americans to better serve their community. Later on, VISTA and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) became apart of AmeriCorps. In doing so, thousands of Americans, both old and young, have aided in constructing homes, enrolling the uninsured in health insurance, and expanding the minds of youth through the teaching of science, technology, and engineering. As a result of these great acts, we are not only providing the underserved with opportunities, but we are making ourselves stand out as reliable, strong, and steadfast individuals.

As the AmeriCorps members recited the inspiring pledge to mark the beginning of their journey, I am reminded of just how much our contribution benefits the cities and states in which we serve, as well as how it shapes our futures and the people we become. Being my second year as a Community HealthCorps member at Chase Brexton Health Care, I am not only honored to work with such a wonderful and unique organization, but incredibly proud to serve alongside a great group of AmeriCorps members. It is a new year full of new experiences, but we are more than capable of meeting the challenge!

I will get things done for America-to make our people safer, smarter and healthier.

I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.

Faced with apathy, I will take action

Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.

Faced with adversity, I will persevere.

I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.

I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.