1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose the recent federal cuts to AmeriCorps, which are already causing serious harm to programs and people across Iowa. These cuts directly undermine the well-being of children, families, and communities—and they strike at the heart of the values we claim to uphold as Iowans and as Christians. In Iowa alone, more than 1,400 AmeriCorps members serve all 99 counties, contributing over 500,000 hours of service each year. They tutor children, mentor at-risk youth, help families recover from natural disasters, and support conservation efforts in our state parks and prairies. These are not symbolic roles—these are essential services. Recent funding cuts have eliminated hundreds of these positions and halted critical initiatives. Disaster response teams have been shut down. Environmental education in Cedar Rapids and Davenport has been suspended. Programs at nonprofits like Green Iowa AmeriCorps, the Bur Oak Land Trust, and Seed Coalition are being forced to slash staff and services. The consequences are real: fewer volunteers, fewer mentors for children, and fewer hands to respond when disaster strikes. In addition to community impact, these cuts have devastated the lives of AmeriCorps members. Many relied on their modest living stipends, housing arrangements, and promised education awards. Now, they are scrambling—losing income, losing housing, and losing opportunities they counted on to build meaningful careers in public service. This is not how a just or moral government behaves. A true Christian—one who genuinely follows the teachings of Christ—would not defund programs that uplift the poor, educate children, and serve the most vulnerable. Jesus called us to serve, not to slash. Turning our backs on a program built entirely around national service and compassion is a betrayal of that calling. I respectfully ask you to: Advocate for the full restoration of AmeriCorps funding at both the state and federal levels. Support state-based measures to fill the gaps left by these cuts and protect essential service roles. Ensure that those who committed to serve in AmeriCorps receive the benefits and support they were promised. AmeriCorps has always been about neighbors helping neighbors. Eliminating it sends a message that service no longer matters—that compassion no longer matters. I urge you to prove that Iowa still believes in the power of service, the strength of community, and the moral obligation to care for one another. Thank you for your time and commitment.