PC: Mark Lindquist Facebook Page
Long-time readers of Politics Hawai‘i might remember a few guest pieces from Mark Lindquist — a familiar voice with a global perspective.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Mark. He’s been on the ground in Kyiv, Ukraine, lending kōkua as the war with Russia continues. But this past Wednesday, April 16th, he shared something different — a personal post on Facebook reacting to news that the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is being shut down.
According to an ABC News report, the decision stems from “new operational parameters.” But Mark knows this program inside and out, and had more to say about what AmeriCorps NCCC stood for, what it accomplished, and what the country loses in its absence. His words offer both reflection and warning.
Here’s what he wrote:
America was weakened today. Civil society lost a constant champion. A program that logged over 114 million hours of volunteer service to American nonprofits and communities is no more.
Alumni received word today that AmeriCorps NCCC was cut by DOGE. I completely support cutting waste from the federal budget, but I would have preferred to keep this $38 million/year. The next generation of American citizens will have to learn how do without this cadre of do-gooders spread throughout society.
You probably don’t know about AmeriCorps NCCC. It is a successor of the old Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. Think of the NCCC program as a domestic Peace Corps. Our nation has long prioritized opportunities for its citizens to serve the greater good and I believe we are better for it.
I served two years with Americorps NCCC when I was 19 & 20 years old and learned how to be a good citizen of our nation while wearing a gray Americorps t-shirt.
In the year 2000 I was a young bright eyed and bushy tailed idealist who wanted to change the world but had no idea how. NCCC gave me the playbook. If it were not for my experiences in NCCC, I would not have known how to get things done in the world. If I had not served on Americorps teams I would not know how to lead and work with others around the country with such ease. Were it not for this program, I wouldn’t have had a blueprint for my work here in Ukraine these past three years.
Upon founding the Peace Corps, JFK said that the secondary benefit of a Peace Corps member is that they return to their communities after having learned, and grown, and extended themselves in service to their fellow man elsewhere on earth. The returning Peace Corps member enhances the American community they live in, not only because of what they did, but who they are.
My father, Gordon Lindquist is living proof of this – as he served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia 55 years ago and returned to Ortonville, Minnesota following his service. Dad set an inspiring example for my sister and me as he and my mother taught us to be responsible citizens. After I returned from Americorps, I always tried to uphold the same standard of excellence demonstrated by my father.
All I can say is that I benefited from this federal initiative that sought to strengthen communities across America by supporting the nonprofit organizations who do so much good in this country. The 5000+ nonprofits that NCCC supported these past three decades benefited greatly as well.
NCCC members helped kids learn to read, they cleaned up our National Parks and managed wildland fire risk, we built countless houses for Habitat for Humanity, and we restored inner city communities. When disasters strikes, NCCC leaps into action and cleans up, serves as Red Cross and FEMA aid workers, and puts American citizens back on their feet.
As you can see, I could go on an on about the impact of AmeriCorps NCCC on me, on Americans, and in our communities. For over 20 years, I’ve been proud to serve as an informal spokesperson for AmeriCorps NCCC, and I will continue advocating for the remaining Americorps programs, promoting national service every chance I get.
For now, let me simply say that I will carry our commitment to service with me this year and beyond. (IYKYK)
Americorps NCCC, thanks for the memories and for making me who I am today.
Mark Lindquist, Facebook post, 4-16-2025