June has brought encouraging news in Seed Coalition’s push to resume AmeriCorps-funded service on our member campuses.
On June 5, Seed Coalition was pleased to learn of an injunction granted in the companion lawsuit brought by 24 states and the District of Columbia against the federal government. The decision allows programs housed in the states that brought the action to resume program activities. Seed Coalition is grateful to the Minnesota State Attorney General for joining the lawsuit, and we have resumed work on our VISTA grant.
One June 18 our lawsuit received its first hearing in Federal District Court in the state of Maryland. At issue is a request for preliminary relief that could lead to resumption of grant activities and a return to work for the AmeriCorps staff who were dismissed in late April, as well as the return of the NCCC program. Our attorneys requested a decision before June 30, but the judge could issue a decision at any time. We will continue to keep our members informed as the case moves forward.
Finally, we were informed on June 19 that we have been awarded an AmeriCorps grant from Volunteer Iowa, the state’s service commission. This grant will allow us to continue the work of Iowa College Corps in supporting student service and increasing retention of college students. We are currently assessing our capacity to meet our members’ needs with the funding available. If your campus is interested in partnering with us in the Iowa College Corps, please reach out to team@seed-coalition.org.
