; Whereas AmeriCorps was built upon decades-old legacies of citizen service established by the Peace Corps, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program, the Senior Companion Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); Whereas national service programs create understanding that unites citizens and bridges gaps across races, generations, social classes, and geographic boundaries; Whereas national service brings tangible benefits to the communities being served as well as to individuals providing the service, including improved health, expanded economic opportunity, and increased civic participation; Whereas AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers demonstrate commitment, dedication, and patriotism by making an intensive commitment to service and, after their terms of service, remain engaged in our communities as volunteers, public servants, and civic leaders at disproportionately high rates; and Whereas the Corporation for National and Community Service has led efforts to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in the United States for the last quarter century: Now, therefore, be it