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On May 18-19, 2012, more than 300 Michigan’s AmeriCorps members from across the state will come together in Traverse City for the annual Russ Mawby Signature Service Project. AmeriCorps members will assist with various community projects and work with several organizations to make a significant impact on the Grand Traverse region.

Each year, the Russ Mawby Signature Service Project brings hundreds of AmeriCorps members to one Michigan community for two days of intensive service. By the end of the second day, several projects are completed, visibly demonstrating the power of Michigan's AmeriCorps members in action. The 2012 project is a partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission, Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region, SEEDS, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Conservation Resource Alliance, United Way of Northwest Michigan, and Elemental Media.

AmeriCorps members will assist with projects such as Habitat home construction, planting trees to reduce erosion on a section of a blue ribbon trout stream, trail building and invasive species removal at the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area, and helping renovate historic structures on the state hospital grounds now known as the Grand Traverse Commons. Members will also participate in a Celebrate Service community event at the Grand Traverse Commons on Friday evening that will include a volunteer fair, live music, and food.

This year’s Signature Service Project has been designated as Michigan’s 2012 AmeriCorps Week closing event. AmeriCorps Week is a nationwide recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible. AmeriCorps Week provides an opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the work done by members in communities across the country and to motivate more Americans to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.

*The 2012 Russ Mawby Signature Service Project is open to current Michigan’s AmeriCorps*State and National Direct members and Michigan’s AmeriCorps alums.