Often called “the Godmother of community service,” Senator Barbara Mikulski has championed legislation in support of national service programs for two decades. On March 10th, Senator Mikulski issued a strong statement in favor of the bill before the Senate HELP committee, during a hearing to discuss the Serve America Act, which she chairs.

In her opening statement, Mikulski noted the incredible outpouring of civic engagement is currently sweeping the nation, saying:

I think this legislation is a way to revive this spirit of volunteerism and service to our country. I think it is a way to harvest what I’m calling the ‘Obama effect.’ There’s this new fascination with civic engagement hat President Obama inspired throughout his campaign. This last election unleashed an incredible energy. People want to know how they can give, how they can help, how they can make a difference.

Senator Mikulski focused not only on the rising tide of social engagement, but on the need to reshape and revitalize national service.

We’re here today to talk about the next generation of national service. How we can refresh, reinvigorate and reform our national service programs to meet the challenges we face today. This call not only to support national service, but to transform it, is at the heart of the social innovation agenda.

We are so excited about Senator Mikulski’s valuable support of the Serve America Act, and her longstanding commitment to national service!