AmeriCorps Week Celebration and Secretary McGrane's Experience

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Secretary of State Phil McGrane during his time in AmeriCorps (pictured on the right).

This year’s AmeriCorps Week takes place March 8-14 and celebrates the theme “AmeriCorps in Action: Americans serving America.”

Secretary of State Phil McGrane shared his experience to illustrate how volunteering with AmeriCorps can shape a career in public service.

McGrane served for Habitat for Humanity, an AmeriCorps program, from August 2002–2003 in Anniston, Alabama. During his year of service, he oversaw hundreds of volunteers as a part of a massive team effort to build 40 homes for those in need.

“My service in AmeriCorps was amazing. I’ve always been drawn to public service and policy and the mission of Habitat for Humanity fit well with my desire to serve,” McGrane said.

While serving in Alabama, he also met the founders of Habitat for Humanity, Millard and Linda Fuller, as well as former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

McGrane’s first job in the public sector specialized in elections. He believes his experience working with volunteers at Habitat for Humanity led to his work in elections, which included training passionate volunteers to help run elections in Ada County.

In light of America’s upcoming 250 th birthday, McGrane also said he believes the American spirit is what drives volunteers to come together to make a difference on a local, state and national level.

“Serving is a unique and amazing opportunity to learn life skills. You interact with communities you might not engage with, and it opens so many doors and opportunities,” McGrane said.

AmeriCorps week is celebrated annually in March. Organizations across the U.S. host service projects, volunteer events, community outreach efforts and recognition ceremonies honoring the work of current AmeriCorps members and alumni.

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AmeriCorps members serve in all 50 states and U.S. territories, supporting local solutions to local challenges. Their efforts contribute millions of service hours each year and help mobilize volunteers to expand the reach of community programs.

Community members interested in learning more about AmeriCorps programs or volunteer opportunities are encouraged to visit serve.idaho.gov or contact Serve Idaho Program Manager Emily Straubhar, at Emily.Straubhar@labor.idaho.gov.

Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded through local support.

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