As a former Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps member, I am asking you to call U.S. Congressman Adam Smith and urge him to vote “no” on the House version of the budget. Please call Congressman Smith at (253) 593-6600.

The U.S. House of Representatives is proposing to eliminate the highly effective volunteer program AmeriCorps.

This is not the answer in addressing our budget crisis. Many members of Congress do not understand the importance and effectiveness of these programs because they don’t see the impact that this program has on families, organizations and city departments.

As an alumnus, I can tell you that Federal Way’s AmeriCorps program has made an incredible impact in this community. During my service in 2009-2010, we served nearly 6,000 students and subsequently saw a dramatic increase in students’ grades and attitude toward school, and also in their organizational skills.

Additionally, we served our community by providing support to our parks and recreation department and the Multi-Service Center, and all 75 members were trained in the community emergency response team (CERT) program, ready to respond to community emergencies.

We know it is important to provide our students with opportunities to engage in constructive activities outside of school and in school.

AmeriCorps also serves this community by partnering with an already low maintenance park staff to provide clean and safe parks for youth and families.

If Congress votes to approve the House version of the budget, it would eliminate AmeriCorps — and educational opportunities and life growth experiences for Federal Way families would be lost.

This is a much-needed program across our nation. As community members, our program in one way or another has affected many of you. Federal Way Public Schools has supported our community; let’s show our support for AmeriCorps.

Please call Smith and tell him that you want to keep the Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps, and want him to vote no on the budget that would eliminate this program.

Thank you so much for taking the time to support your Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps.

Martin A. Moore, Federal Way