ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore recently participated in the All-Corps Service Meeting hosted by the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation.

The governor was joined by Maryland Corps and Service Year Option members, first-class graduates from the Service Year Option program, and leaders of the Maryland Corps Advisory Board.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the governor to hear first-hand about the experiences of the program’s first-ever class of participants.

“Our state needs your service. You’re the ones who are helping us recognize there is more that unites us than divides us, and you’re the ones who are helping us find new ways to come together again,” said Gov. Moore. “Thank you for raising your hands and for your contributions to making Maryland the state that serves–all of you are a part of the Maryland story.”

The Maryland Corps and Service Year Option provide volunteer and service opportunities for Maryland residents. The two programs are created to enhance workforce development, promote community benefit, and increase civic engagement.

Moore also took the opportunity to thank the veterans and volunteers who have served their community. He also recognized the newly-formed Maryland Corps Advisory Board which will provide oversight of the development and expansion of the Maryland Corps, Service Year Option, and other aspects of the Department of Service and Civic Innovation.

To round out the visit, the governor met with Department of Service and Civic Innovation employees and recipients of the 39th annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, which recognize Marylanders who provide significant volunteer contributions to communities around the state. Across eight different categories, awards include:

• Schai Belair-Toussaint Schairer, Individual Award recipient
• Naomi Ling, Youth Award recipient
• Partners in Care Maryland, Inc., Nonprofit Volunteer Program Award recipient
• Clarksville Youth Care Group, Hometown Hero Award recipient
• Brandon Revels, Veteran Award recipient
• Ishaan Busireddy, Emerging Leader Award recipient
• Dr. Anwar Khokar, Volunteer Program Award recipient
• Captain Michael Zoeller, First Responder Award recipient

“It’s been a banner week for service in Maryland, from celebrating AmeriCorps Week with AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Smith to hosting the all-corps training in Annapolis and meeting some of our incredible new board members,” said Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro. “The Department of Service and Civic Innovation team has truly been creating a state that serves and I am so proud to serve alongside them everyday.”

Photo via the Maryland Governor’s Office