New class of Americorps members graduates in
Anchorage

by Jackie Bartz      Friday, January 22, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Newly minted Americorps members will be launching
volunteerism across the state in the weeks to come.

The graduation was held Friday at the Millennium Hotel. The 35 graduates will go back to their communities to share what they've learned about a wide variety of local issues.

From health and safety to education, the volunteers will get others inspired to help themselves.

"It's a positive ripple effect that can only encourage positive support systems and health and wellness all the way around, mental and physical," said Southeast Alaska graduate Annya Ritchie.

One graduate plans to get funding for a greenhouse so her remote community can have access to fresh vegetables. There are also plans for rural recycling.

Last year, Americorps members and volunteers racked up more than 16,000 hours of work throughout Alaska.