See photos from our 2019 Experience Matters Academy in Washington, D.C.

Five participating cities are engaging residents aged 50+ to tackle a public problem that contributes to poverty in their city, ranging from financial insecurity to property code violations. Each city receives $30,000 and technical assistance from Cities of Service. Two full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members serve in each city hall to build capacity and raise awareness for the initiatives.

In addition to providing funding and technical assistance to cities throughout the duration of the program, Cities of Service helps recruit and select AmeriCorps VISTA members, provides pre-program training in our proven citizen engagement model, assists with project design, offers expert and peer-learning opportunities through site visits and convenings, and promotes projects to encourage replication of best practices by other cities.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

In Albuquerque, volunteers will tutor students in the city’s public schools and early childhood learning centers to help develop their literacy skills and increase the number of children reading on grade level.

Birmingham, Alabama

In Birmingham, resident volunteers will help their neighbors make minor home and property repairs to address code violations and increase energy efficiency, which will decrease the amount of income spent on energy costs and fines.

Columbia, South Carolina

In Columbia, volunteers will act as mentors for youth, forming the strong relationships that are necessary for children to succeed and increasing the likelihood of high school graduation.

Fort Worth, Texas

In Fort Worth, resident volunteers will provide education to low-income families on topics including financial health, managing credit and debt, and the dangers of predatory financial services.

Saint Paul, Minnesota

In Saint Paul, resident volunteers will help their neighbors with minor home and property repairs to address code violations and reduce water use, decreasing fines and housing instability as a result.

With special thanks to:

Learn about More Cities of Service Programs

Experience Matters

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Birmingham, Alabama

Columbia, South Carolina

Fort Worth, Texas

Saint Paul, Minnesota

With special thanks to:

Stay Informed