Citizen Corps

 

            On April 4, 2002, President Bush created Citizen Corps to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. He asked cities and counties across the country to create Citizen Corps Councils of their own design, bringing together first responders, volunteer organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community-serving institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship, to assist in this common effort.

Why are the Jaycees Involved?
            Because we believe service to humanity is the best work of life. Throughout our history we have stepped up when our communities needed help. From building parks and playgrounds to disaster relief, the Jaycees have been there. Today, with the challenges that confront our nation, it is time to lead the way again.

What can my chapter do today to get started?
            The first step is to find out if a Citizen Corps Council already exists in your community. You can go online (www.citizencorps.gov/councils/) or simply pick up the phone and call the mayor, city manager, or county commissioner's office and ask if they have, or are planning, a Citizen Corps Council. Find out the contact person; call them and ask how the Jaycees can help.

What if my community does not have a Citizen Corps Council?
            First, we are not asking your chapter to start the Council. Citizen Corps Councils should be started and sanctioned by your local government or through the cooperation of several local governments. The Jaycees' role is to ask and encourage local leaders to start a council. This is a great government affairs project. The U.S. Junior Chamber is currently working on a formal CPG to help make this process a little easier. Until it is available, go to the Citizen Corps web site, and download and read "Citizen Corps - A Guide for Local Officials". This will explain the program in more detail. Schedule meetings with local officials and ask them to consider starting a Council and explain to them that the Jaycees want to take an active role.

Once a Citizen Corps Council is Formed what does my chapter do?
            First start asking a lot of questions. Find out what needs to be done in your community to get ready for an emergency. These questions should generate a lot of great project ideas such as community forums to inform the public about local emergency plans, distribution of preparedness literature, establishing neighborhood watch programs, sponsoring local CERT or first aide training. The possibilities are endless. Once you find project ideas get out the old CPG and go to work. Do what Jaycees do best.  

A Special Partnership
 

What are the charter programs of Citizen Corps that Jaycees can make local citizens aware of and encourage them to get involved in?
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Medical Reserve Corps Program
• Neighborhood Watch Program (USAonwatch.org)
• Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)