National service programs play a key role in supporting local communities across Wisconsin. Serve Wisconsin Executive Director Kyle Clower says the organization, formally known as the Wisconsin National Community Service Board, was created in 1994 to administer AmeriCorps programs statewide.

Clower discusses Serve Wisconsin with Greg Bach, host of Civic Media Mid-Mornings (formerly Matenaer on Air). And he shares how anyone can find an opportunity for volunteer action anytime, but especially on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Listen to the entire discussion here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/matenaer-on-air/2026/01/14/americorps-for-all-hour-2"]

How These Programs Help Local Communities

Serve Wisconsin oversees funding, monitoring, and support for service programs while also promoting volunteerism more broadly. AmeriCorps places individuals with nonprofits, schools, health clinics, and on conservation projects. Participants receive a living allowance during their service and may earn a federal education award to help pay for college or student loans.

Clower shares that AmeriCorps is open to people of all ages, not just young adults. Retired professionals, adults making career changers, and recent graduates all serve in programs focused on education, environmental work, and community support.

Whether it’s a year of service or just a few hours at a food pantry, all of it matters. And it all helps make our communities stronger.
Kyle Clower, Serve Wisconsin

Wisconsin currently receives about $9.3 million in federal funding to support 20 AmeriCorps programs operating in communities across the state. There are also grants that help nonprofits recruit and manage volunteers.

Serve Wisconsin also partners with United Way organizations to operate Volunteer Wisconsin. The online portal allows residents to easily search for local volunteer opportunities by interest and location.

Finding an Opportunity to Volunteer

Clower says as Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, everyone is encouraged to view the holiday as a call to action. MLK Day is one of the nationally recognized Days of Service, alongside September 11.

“Dr. King’s message was that anybody can be great because anybody can serve,” Clower explains. “If you can’t serve on MLK Day, you can serve any day of the year.”

Service projects connected to MLK Day are scheduled across Wisconsin, including school improvement efforts, care package assembly, and community cleanups. AmeriCorps programs and volunteer partners will be active statewide.

The Largest Volunteer Effort in U.S. History

Looking ahead, Serve Wisconsin plans to continue expanding service opportunities. It’s part of a broader national push to increase civic engagement during the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

“Whether it’s a year of service or just a few hours at a food pantry,” Clower says, “all of it matters. And it all helps make our communities stronger.”

Find resources and links to various volunteer opportunities here.

See a map for the volunteer center in your area here.

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Serve Wisconsin Promotes Volunteer Action Across the State

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Serve Wisconsin Promotes Volunteer Action Across the State

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