Largest Service Force in the Nation Unites for Historic Statewide Pledge

Members of #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California form a service force larger than the Peace Corps

Fresno, Calif. – Today, California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday administered the California Service Corps Pledge to thousands of new members of #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps California launching the largest service force in the nation.

“These paid service programs are about restoring the social contract between government and its citizens,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This public investment builds upon California Volunteers’ army of service members, which is larger than the Peace Corps, and exemplifies the spirit and idealism I see in young people across California.”

Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and members will help communities by taking climate action, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services.

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, Assemblymember Joaquín Arambula, California Volunteers Commission Chairwoman Lindsay Fox, and several California Service Corps Members, representing #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jops Corps and AmeriCorps California, gather in Fresno, after taking a pledge to serve Californians.

“This year in California, service members have stepped up to bridge divides and help their communities by serving with a program in the California Service Corps,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “These members are the state’s future leaders and we need their energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges.”

The event highlighted California Volunteers, Office of the Governor’s commitment and momentum to scale up its programs which are made possible by the leadership and budget investments of Governor Newsom and the State Legislature.

California Service Corps Members from across the Central Valley participate in the Service Oath at Fresno City Hall, in Fresno.

California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while making new friends and gaining satisfaction from making a positive difference. Members receive living stipends and many can receive up to $10,000 after completing their service to be used for college, trade school or to pay back student loans.

Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity are encouraged to attend an upcoming recruitment webinar on October 26, 2023, at 1 p.m., to learn more about the benefits and impact of service.

California Volunteers is currently accepting applications for California Climate Action Corps, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps and AmeriCorps California.

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH:

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. Contact Katie Vavao, Katie.Vavao@CaliforniaVolunteers.ca.gov  (916) 584-3620 

Livestream of Pledge Ceremony:  

Statewide Pledge Ceremony – YouTube

B-Roll:  

California Volunteers, Office of the Governor Programs In-Action

Vimeo Content:

Full Length Ceremony

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday Interview – English

California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday Interview – Español

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About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor  
Led by California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, California Volunteers, Office of the Governor empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting young Californians to engage in public service.