About the Preserve WV Americorps Program
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Created in 2013, Preserve WV AmeriCorps is the statewide national service initiative where AmeriCorps members help main streets thrive, cultivate cultural heritage tourism, and preserve beloved West Virginia history.
Preserve WV AmeriCorps members serve directly with rural grassroots organizations and public agencies charged with preserving West Virginia history. Members’ service is site-dependent but generally involves historic preservation, communications, educational outreach, and volunteer management. The primary goal of this program is to build efficient, effective, and sustainable organizations working to improve economic, social, and cultural opportunities in West Virginia. Beginning in 2022, Preserve WV AmeriCorps expanded its mission to fill a critical gap in workforce development in historic trades. West Virginia, like much of the United States, has seen the number of skilled workers in the construction trades plummet in recent years. The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation has made historic trades training a critical priority, as did the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Preservation Partners Network. Preserve WV AmeriCorps is taking action by placing members at strategic sites where they will develop and execute hands-on, learn-while-you-work educational opportunities in the historic trades. AmeriCorps service is neither employment nor volunteering; it is a unique, paid National Service opportunity similar to the Peace Corps. AmeriCorps programs take multiple approaches to improving lives, fostering civic engagement, and addressing critical community needs through direct service. The official AmeriCorps motto is “Get Things Done.” More information about AmeriCorps is available at https://www.americorps.gov. |
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