Summary of the National Service Park Launch

 The LAUNCH was an all-day event featuring keynote national speakers from Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, National Guard, and Military (see dropdown for bios on speakers).  Afternoon breakout sessions followed where participants could ask questions and receive more specific information about how to volunteer within each national organization.

Unity 

The clear message of the day’s event was one of Unity among organizations and the belief that honoring and elevating the importance of each other’s organizations is key to inspiring America’s youth to continue the American tradition of serving our country through volunteerism.  

Service

The formation of a National Service Park also serves as a visible and important symbol of how Americans can come together to support our nation, its values, and beliefs in the pursuit of world peace.  It will be a place where youth can learn more about the many ways Peace Corps and other organizations have served their country. 

Paying it Forward

While each national organization may fulfill their national service commitment in different ways, the keynote speakers and audience agreed that a unique feature of volunteerism is that most participants adopt the lifelong habit of “paying it forward” by continuing to volunteer in their own communities. 

The consistent message from all speakers was the notion that national service is at a critical point in our history. There was universal agreement that in order to attract today’s Youth to volunteer, new ways of engagement need to be developed, and the best way to accomplish that is by working together.  

Post Note:  In January 2024, the National Service Park was registered as an LLC. 

Event Speaker Reflections 

Carol Spahn, Director National Peace Corps: 

• "It was a fabulous event with great energy and support from such a wide array of individuals who care.”

General Joseph Votel, Army Retired: 

• “My impression is that the event and the speakers highlighted not only the importance of service but the long-term benefits for our communities and our Nation.  That it occurred in Plainview is a credit to our state and its citizens.”

Ken Goodson. Director AmeriCorps NCCC:

• "I am grateful to the Peace Corps Legacy Association for the invitation to join the launch event for the National Service Park in Plainview on November 4th. Hearing from Peace Corps Director Spahn, General Votel, and Colonel Suarez was a wonderful reminder of how different service programs and organizations share so much in common, despite their different organizational goals and purposes. Harnessing this shared commitment to selfless service, promoting opportunities to work alongside those different than ourselves, and ensuring all Americans can easily find an opportunity to give back, is critical to the future success of our nation. AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps NCCC look forward to playing a role in this effort."

Randal Dietrich, MN Military & Veteran Museum: 

• "Congratulations on your event with such incredible vision. The multiple perspectives represented in Plainview recently should inform our thinking statewide and across the country. 'Service' is our shared belief and common bond."

Julia Quadrud, ServeMN:

• “What a wonderful day of celebrating and learning about the invaluable community work that’s making a difference   -  be it the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, the Armed Forces or the Minnesota National Guard. The national service park event brought all of us together to honor our shared values of service from towns like Plainview to the global stage. I came away from the day inspired by the collective energy, power and impact of the work we do in partnership with our members, service men and women, and our communities.”

Recordings of National Service Park Launch Invited Speakers on November 4, 2023

• Via YouTube:  https://youtu.be/180CdtCLNHc