Giving Compass' Take:

• This Johnson Center post profiles AmeriCorps with three personal stories that embody its mission of building stronger communities through public service across the US.

• How might this inspire your own giving time strategy? In what ways does volunteerism fortify civil society?

• Here's where to volunteer for the holiday season — and the rest of the tear, too.

Mahatma Gandhi famously said that, “the best way to find oneself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Service reveals to people the power they have within themselves to change the trajectory of another’s life — and in so doing change their own.  Service is part of our American fabric, dating back to the first volunteer firefighters in the 18th century and the launch of the Red Cross, YMCA, and other charitable organizations in the 19th century.

AmeriCorps embodies Americans’ commitment to serve others. Building on the foundation of domestic service programs established under presidents from John F. Kennedy to George H. W. Bush, President Bill Clinton founded AmeriCorps in 1993 to harness the energy and ingenuity of citizens to improve communities and get things done for America.

AmeriCorps’ mission is about activating our American community in service of the countless communities we belong to as individuals. By blending national and local programming and impact, we promote a stronger civil society. One that is built on knowing each other better.

Read the full article about national service, local action by AnnMaura Connolly at johnsoncenter.org.