Arab-American Resource Corps

Celebrating Service and Volunteerism in Arab-American Communities

Mission: The Arab-American Resource Corps brings together Americans from all backgrounds to promote civic engagement and economic empowerment in Arab-American communities throughout the nation. We inspire new leadership through a commitment to voluntary service and hands on activism. We strengthen our communities by working through Arab-American grassroots organizations. And we build bridges between diverse communities that make up America's rich cultural fabric.

The Arab-American Resource Corps (ARC) is the only national service program in the country offering individuals the opportunity to serve at Arab-American organizations. Since 2003, ARC members around the country have been serving marginalized Arab Americans through social services and youth development, and building new partnerships through cultural outreach education and the National Arab-American Service Day.

ARC is a national AmeriCorps program, a federal service program that engages over 70,000 volunteers a year in service to meet critical needs of individuals and communities around the country.

With ARC you join a national team whose mission it is to do this and more: work alongside Arab Americans to create lasting change while developing valuable life and leadership skills for the future. Members of the Arab-American Resource Corps dedicate one year to serving Arab-American communities through community organizations.

ARC members meet the specific needs of their communities through:

• Social services and immigrant orientation: Providing services to vulnerable Arab-American families and helping new immigrants transition to life in the United States
• Youth development: Working with Arab-American youth in after-school and summer programs
• Cultural outreach: Building understanding and dialogue through educational outreach programs on Arab-American history and culture

With a spirit of volunteerism, ARC members build bridges and empower families, inspire youth and strengthen organizations. ARC offers a chance to build your skills and enrich your experience while addressing the root causes of issues Arab Americans face every day.

ARC member accomplishments in 2006:

• ARC members served over 7,000 individuals with basic social services
• The number of ARC members increased from 40 in 2005 to 59 in 2006
• Over 800 youth have been involved in programs planned and implemented by the ARC members
• ARC members have conducted over 100 cultural education trainings with 9,000 participants

We are creating a movement: Americans of all ages and backgrounds coming together in service and unity with Arab Americans around the country.

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