This week, AmeriCorps announced that a significant portion of its employees would be placed on administrative leave with pay, effective immediately. This decision was confirmed by an internal memo shared with The Associated Press and comments from a staff member who wished to remain anonymous.

The memo, which was distributed by AmeriCorps interim director, stated that the administrative leave would remain in effect until further notice. Notably, this announcement came just a day after members of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) were informed of their early discharge from service terms. This abrupt dismissal of young volunteers occurs against the backdrop of broader cuts initiated by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, targeting government workforce and services.

According to the internal communications, approximately 15% of the agency's staff members will continue to be active during this period. AmeriCorps employs over 500 full-time federal workers and operates with a budget of around $1 billion. The memo clearly outlined the restrictions placed on those on leave, stating, During the period that you are on administrative leave you are not to enter AmeriCorps premises, access AmeriCorps systems, or attempt to use your position or authority with AmeriCorps in any way without my prior permission or prior permission of a supervisor in your chain of command.

AmeriCorps oversees a variety of volunteer programs, mobilizing approximately 200,000 volunteers nationwide to assist with diverse initiatives, including working with schoolchildren, veterans, and senior citizens. The AmeriCorps NCCC, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, engages more than 2,000 young adults aged 18 to 26 in a 10-month service commitment, as highlighted on the programs official website.

On Friday, a request for comment was submitted to AmeriCorps for further clarifications regarding the situation. In a related development, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that his state would be pursuing legal action to halt the dismantling of the service program. As of Friday afternoon, the lawsuit had not been officially filed, and the California Department of Justice withheld details regarding the legal grounds for the suit.

In a striking statement, Governor Newsom expressed his dissatisfaction with the current federal approach to volunteerism, saying, Weve gone from the New Deal, the New Frontier, and the Great Society to a federal government that gives the middle finger to volunteers serving their fellow Americans.

Historically, AmeriCorps and its NCCC program have been vulnerable to budget cuts, with NCCC funding amounting to nearly $38 million in the last fiscal year. Members of the NCCC are involved in impactful projects related to education, housing, urban and rural development, land conservation, and disaster relief, often traveling across the country to address these needs.

The program supports its volunteers by covering basic expenses, including housing and meals, and providing a limited health benefit along with a modest living allowance. Volunteers who complete the required 1,700-hour service term also receive financial assistance for future education costs or for selected student loans, worth approximately $7,300 during this service year.

AmeriCorps volunteers are particularly visible in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene last year and the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles this year. The organization has reported that its teams have contributed over 8 million service hours to nearly 3,400 disaster-related projects since its inception in 1999.

Jade Marshalek, a member of AmeriCorps NCCC who was recently discharged, expressed concerns about the impact of the agencys dismantling, stating, The disruption of these programs will waste away decades of experience. A lot more nonprofits and government organizations are going to need help. She was previously stationed in Seattle, assisting individuals with tax filing as part of her service.