WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) was recognized today by Voices for National Service with their Franklin D. Roosevelt Service and Conservation Corps Leadership Award for his support for national service.

“I am honored to be recognized by Voices for National Service,” said Congressman Grijalva.  “National service is a powerful tool to address many important challenges of our day, including the preservation of the nation’s parks and public lands.”

Grijalva, a long-time proponent of public service, first introduced the Public Lands Service Corps Act in 2009, and will be re-introducing is again in the new Congress. The bill will help modernize service programs within the Departments of Agriculture and Interior, and expand opportunities to more American youth, including those from underserved communities that don’t always get have the chance to interact with our public lands.

“We need to expand opportunities and encourage participation in service corps throughout the country,” Grijalva continued. “That is how we will cultivate the next generation of natural resource managers, scientists, and civic leaders that will become of the stewards of our most treasured resources for future generations. At the same time, their service will provide youth with transferable skills and life experiences.

“I am proud to work closely with the national service community to expand service opportunities across the country, and I look forward to continuing our shared efforts for years to come.”

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