America is a great nation built upon service. Service invigorates communities and changes lives. Unfortunately, Congress is proposing major funding cuts to AmeriCorps, a national service program that strengthens the Federal Way community while providing opportunities for people of all ages — especially young adults — to gain valuable professional skills.

We urge U.S. Senator Patty Murray not only to continue her support for AmeriCorps, but to actively advocate for national service funding as Congress considers a final budget bill in December. As a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations committees, Murray is well positioned to support national service programs that benefit communities across the United States, Washington state and Federal Way.

AmeriCorps empowers people from all backgrounds, especially young adults, to put their idealism into action. Here in Federal Way, 65 AmeriCorps members tutor students to ensure their success in Federal Way Public Schools and in life; 30 AmeriCorps members with EarthCorps work to restore critical habitat along Hylebos Creek while connecting kids to nature; and a team of 12 AmeriCorps members with Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent affordable housing for low-income families. AmeriCorps programs also work to fight homelessness, to provide support for veterans and their families and are often the first to respond to natural disasters.

Through service, AmeriCorps members gain critical real-world education and work experience while building a lifetime commitment to civic engagement. As a former AmeriCorps member and executive director of an AmeriCorps program, we can attest to the transformative power of service. Time and again, AmeriCorps provides invaluable work experience to young people, profoundly influences career choice, provides greater clarity on educational pathway and strengthens civic commitment.

For a modest federal investment, AmeriCorps funding is leveraged through private donations, local grants and volunteer support, and for every federal dollar invested in national service, there are returns to society of nearly $4.

EarthCorps’ 30 AmeriCorps members alone leverage their service by leading more than 10,000 youth and community volunteers in our region each year. AmeriCorps is a shining example of a public-private partnership that maximizes impact with minimal public investment.

Join us in urging Sens. Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Rep. Adam Smith to stand up for national service. Please call their offices today and let them know how AmeriCorps strengthens our community, provides critical career pathways for our young people and leverages taxpayer dollars.

Steve Dubiel is executive director of EarthCorps. John Stovall is an AmeriCorps alum of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County.