Service Year Alliance released the following statement in response to Governor Wes Moore’s Executive Order on the establishment of the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation:
“Service Year Alliance applauds Governor Moore on his bold action to expand service year opportunities in Maryland. It is energizing to see his campaign commitments and long-time championing of service years come to life on the first day of his administration with an executive order creating the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation. This action elevates service to a cabinet-level agency with a new Secretary overseeing its work to create the Service Year Option, including supporting and expanding service year programs, managing the state service commission, implementing the Maryland Corps, and advising the Governor on service. This executive order positions Maryland as a service leader, joining a small number of states that have instituted a cabinet-level position focused on service.
In his inaugural address, the Governor reflected on how service changed his life trajectory, strengthening his character and elevating his leadership skills. We agree with Governor Moore that service years transform lives, build stronger, more united communities, and promote pathways into public service.
At Service Year Alliance, we envision a future in which national service is part of growing up in America. Service years offer a powerful pathway to opportunity for young people in America, and Governor Moore’s leadership to expand service years for all high school graduates in Maryland is a model that Service Year Alliance is eager to see in action. We are hopeful that this model can help bring our vision for national service to life and will be replicated across the country as it demonstrates the powerful role service years can play in developing the next generation of leaders. We look forward to working alongside the Moore Administration to shape and support their efforts to strengthen and grow the national service ecosystem in Maryland.
Service Year Alliance continues to be grateful for Governor Moore’s leadership in promoting service year opportunities, and looks forward to working with the Administration and with fellow service champions in the Maryland General Assembly, including Senate President Ferguson and Speaker Jones, to make a service year an opportunity for all young Marylanders.”
