What Happens When We Gut National Service?

The National Service Crisis No One’s Talking About

You may not have seen the headlines. Many didn’t.

But quietly, over the past few weeks, AmeriCorps programs have been gutted—$400 million in grants eliminated, tens of thousands of service placements canceled, and the staff at the federal AmeriCorps agency slashed to a fraction of its original size.

These aren’t just bureaucratic changes. They’re the unraveling of a quiet civic engine—one that supports disaster relief, food banks, education programs, and most importantly, the idea that Americans can work together toward a common good.

When we cut national service, we don’t just lose volunteers. We lose trust, connection, and the opportunity to bridge divides. We lose one of the few remaining structures that actually bring people from different backgrounds together with purpose.

In this episode of Outrage Overload, I speak with Maureen Eccleston, Chief Impact Officer at Service Year Alliance and a longtime AmeriCorps leader. She’s spent over two decades building programs that give young people a sense of meaning—and communities a sense of hope.

She explains what’s happening, why it matters, and how national service might just be one of the most powerful tools we have for reducing polarization and strengthening democracy.

Thanks for being part of this journey. If you care about depolarization, civic renewal, or just want a break from the outrage cycle, you’ll find this episode worth your time.

– David

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🚨 Help Support Displaced AmeriCorps Members

Due to recent federal funding cuts, thousands of AmeriCorps members have been pulled from service—many without warning or financial support. These young people committed to serving their communities and are now facing sudden hardship, unable to pay for basic needs like food, housing, and transportation.

You can help.

A special Emergency Fund has been established to support displaced Corps members during this crisis. If you’re able, please consider donating.

👉 Donate here:

https://statecommissions.org

Every dollar helps these dedicated individuals weather an uncertain moment—and reminds them their service still matters.

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New This Week in Outrage Episode!

It’s everything the Outrage Overload podcast is not. It’s not edited. It’s not scripted. It’s lightly researched. It’s David and Lisa talking about this week in outrage, what was in the news, in the memes, and maybe finding some backstory with a humorous (at least to us) twist.