UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 35, Page 2
June 22, 1995
John Cavanaugh named chair of state commission

     John Cavanaugh, who served as an American Council of Education fellow
during the 1994-95 academic year and recently was appointed interim
associate provost for graduate studies, has been elected as the first
chairperson of the Delaware Commission on National and Community Service.
The umbrella organization oversees national service initiatives in the
state.
     Cavanaugh worked on the transition board of the commission as it was
being formed, which led to his current position as commission chairperson.
     Volunteerism is an important value that can be instilled at an early
age and that can benefit the community and the country as a whole by
tapping into the resources of citizens, Cavanaugh said. The Delaware
Commission on National and Community Service will play an important role by
coordinating and supervising volunteer programs, while cooperating with
other agencies, such as the Delaware Council for Volunteer Services.
     The three programs under the commission's direct guidance perform a
variety of service activities that improve the quality of life in the
state: Americorps, Learn and Serve America and the National Senior Service
Corps.
     AmeriCorps is a national program that enables motivated men and women
to earn tuition credits for college or vocational training while serving
the community in different capacities. Participants are given a modest
living allowance, gain experience in the workplace and receive tuition
credits for college. By helping others, they also help ensure their futures
through education, Cavanaugh said.
     The program currently serves three agencies in Delaware-the Multiple
Sclerosis Society, Dover Public Housing and Public Allies Delaware. Seven
volunteers work for the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society in all three counties, helping those with MS to become more self-
sufficient through its Bridge to Independence program and recruiting
volunteers to assist with this effort. There are 20 participants in the
Dover Housing Authority program, helping residents access health services,
developing home ownership opportunities and implementing a drug and crime
prevention program. Public Allies Delaware has 20 AmeriCorps participants,
who are placed in non-profit, public service agencies throughout New Castle
County. The program has a leadership training component.
     The Learn and Serve America program is school-based and integrates
service into academic life. For example, students at William Henry Middle
School in Dover interact with the elderly in a local nursing home. In
another project, students from Springer Middle School read to pre-schoolers
through the Read Aloud Delaware Program.
     The National Senior Service Corps uses the skills of older citizens
through the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program and
the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
                                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure