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Harpers Ferry is a historic West Virginia city and international tourist hub. But four years ago the national park and surrounding town were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Study Shows West Virginians Rank 5th for AmeriCorps Volunteerism
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Volunteerism is a strong part of West Virginia culture- neighbors helping neighbors in times of disaster.
A new study released this month says West Virginia has the 5th largest number of people signing up to join AmeriCorps. Those volunteers serve in West Virginia and across the country.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that was created by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and is often referred to as the domestic Peace Corps.
Some of the programs in West Virginia where AmeriCorps members serve include:
West Virginia has a long history of strong volunteer programs, going back to the sixties when VISTA volunteers came to help people in the coal fields. Bill Basl, director of AmeriCorps, says he thinks one of the reasons so many West Virginians are signing up for his program is because many of them grow up volunteering in their local community.
“It’s that neighbor helping neighbor ethic, that ethic of home grown service, that helps then an individual make that step. So a step to AmeriCorps may not be as big to an individual who has already volunteered in their community, and then says, ‘well maybe I can make that kind of commitment for a year.'”
Basl adds that another reason for the high number of AmeriCorps could be the lack of employment options in the state. AmeriCorps members serve 1-4 years and are paid a living stipend (usually between $900 and $2,000 a month) and receive health benefits. AmeriCorps members also receive an education award at the end of their service.
Winners of the 2023 Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters Awards were announced March 23 at the Awards Luncheon and Annual Membership Meeting at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. WVPB brought home five first place awards and seven second place awards in eight different categories.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s News Department has secured 11 nominations in eight categories in the 2023 Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters annual awards competition. This competition includes the best radio and television stations in both West Virginia and Virginia.
Brandon Maynard, a special education teacher at Cabell Midland High School, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Above and Beyond Award for November, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) recently aired a new documentary about the life of Medal of Honor recipient, Woody Williams titled, "Woody Williams: An Extraordinary Life of Service." The public is encouraged to join us for a special screening on Monday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m.