As an AmeriCorps NCCC and AmeriCorps VISTA alumnus, I’m asking that we take every opportunity possible to protect AmeriCorps, the national service program that brings communities together to help tackle their toughest challenges.

Last week, Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE took harsh steps to dismantle AmeriCorps. Nearly $400 million in grant funding was terminated, roughly 41% of the national service agency’s total grant funding. This decision to eliminate AmeriCorps funding has affected over 1,000 organizations and more than 32,000 AmeriCorps members and senior volunteers. Programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico received termination notices. Last week, DOGE sent home 750 AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps members; members serving in communities impacted by disasters and wildfires.

Every year, approximately 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve in nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations, working in disaster response, tutoring youth, fighting the opioid epidemic, combating hunger and homelessness, nature conservation, and much more.

AmeriCorps members continuously address pressing local needs in communities. AmeriCorps is a proven, low-cost way to expand the public services workforce, have members gain valuable job skills, leadership experiences and community relations that continue in careers in public service, non-profit leadership and education. AmeriCorps has provided valuable services to communities across the nation, addressing critical needs in communities.

I hope the administration will reverse these decisions to dismantle AmeriCorps and ensure continued funding for AmeriCorps programs. Our communities cannot afford to lose AmeriCorps members and programs. Please contact your Members of Congress and ask them to save AmeriCorps.

Katie McCormick resides in Talent. AmeriCorps NCCC Alumni 2000-2001, AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni 2001-2002.