About OregonServes
OregonServes, the AmeriCorps State Service Commission , was created in 1994, as Oregon Volunteers, to provide Oregonians with a statewide entity to focus service and volunteer efforts, to enhance the ethic of service and voluntarism in the state and provide funds for state-based AmeriCorps programs. As a state commission, OregonServes’ role is to promote and elevate service, volunteerism and civic engagement in Oregon Communities.
OregonServes advances national and community service in Oregon by:
Establishing and implementing a statewide vision for volunteerism, national service and civic engagement.
Promoting initiatives for expansion of service opportunities and impacts.
Introducing policy and supporting legislation that furthers the Commission’s service goals.
Acting as a central hub for the national service network in the state and administering funding to AmeriCorps State programs to make impactful contributions in local communities.
Championing greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in Oregon’s service and volunteer opportunities.
Coordinating national and community service resources to ensure communities are equipped to prepare, respond, and recover from disaster.
From youth to adult, promoting activities that instill a lifelong commitment to service, and lead to personal, educational, and career achievements.
OregonServes is an entity of the State of Oregon, housed within the Office of Workforce Investments (OWI), within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). OregonServes is supported by an Executive Director, program staff, and a Commission Board.
As stated in the National and Community Service Act of 1990, state commissions must exist in order for a state to apply and accept national service grants. According to the Code of Federal Regulations §2550.2 (l), a State Service Commission is a bipartisan or nonpartisan state entity, approved by the Corporation, consisting of 15–25 members (appointed by the chief executive officer of the state), that is responsible for developing a comprehensive national service plan, assembling applications for funding and approved national service positions, as well as administering national and community service programs in the state.
OUR VISION
Engaged individuals, empowered communities, and an equitable Oregon.
OUR MISSION
We advance volunteerism, service and civic engagement to enrich lives and strengthen Oregon communities.
OUR VALUES
Impactful: We engage individuals in purpose-driven service.
Innovative: We commit to continuous learning and creative solutions.
Collaborative: We build relationships that strengthen Oregon communities.
Inclusive: We elevate equity, diversity, and belonging.