Fifth District Congressional Nominee for North Carolina, Roy Carter (NC-D), has signed ServeNext’s Congressional Pledge to Expand National Service. In a press release dated July 17, 2008, Carter is “throwing his support behind efforts to expand national service programs for students and older Americans.”

Roy Carter believes that national service programs are among the most successful initiatives of the federal government; therefore, he promises to add another 175,000 annual members to “the army of existing volunteers.”

“In my teaching and coaching career, when we took on a service project kids really got excited helping others,” says Carter. “This type of experience helps them mature while engaging in the local community.”

In addition, Carter supports the expansion of Senior Corps due to this own observations and personal involvement. At 64, Carter understands the importance of giving back as he’s lead Habitat for Humanity and worked with his church to fight poverty. “Volunteer work keeps folks feeling useful and youthful. My own experiences shaped my thinking about public service and service to others.”

ServeNext is a non-partisan, grassroots constituency of national service alumni and supporters that advocates for expansion of national service programs. The ServeNext Pledge to Expand National Service helps to ensure that AmeriCorps and other service programs continue to play an important role in addressing the country’s most critical challenges while renewing a spirit of citizenship and patriotism in America. To get involved, visit www.ServeNextAction.org.