What you need to know: To celebrate 175 years since California became a state and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, California is launching California Gives — a statewide effort to encourage Californians across the state to volunteer and give back. As of June 2026, California Service Corps members have served over two million hours this year.
July 2, 2026 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Wednesday, Josh Fryday, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director and California Chief Service Officer announced the California Givesopens in a new window campaign, recognizing Californians’ service efforts and encouraging continued volunteer action in celebration of both California’s 175th anniversary of statehood and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
California Gives celebrates Californians’ service efforts and offers local opportunities throughout the state for residents to support their communities. As of June 2026, California Service Corps members have served over two million hours.
Californians are invited to serve by becoming a California Service Corps member, participating in Community Climate Action Days or signing up for volunteer opportunities in their communities. Californians can assist their local food banks, sign up to tutor students or support local biodiversity and be a part of greening their neighborhoods.
“Service and community are at the heart of what it means to be Californian, woven through our American story for generations, carried by people from every background and every pocket of this state. As we approach Independence Day and mark 250 years of this nation, we are proud of California’s immeasurable contributions and call on Californians to come together to keep that tradition of service strong in every community.”
– Governor Gavin Newsom
“In California, our greatest resource is our people, our communities of dreamers and doers who continue to always show up for one another. Throughout our 175-year history, we may not have always gotten it right, but we have been steadfast in our commitment to not just imagining but building a better future where everyone belongs. It is through care, connection and service to one another that we can forge a path forward. With the largest service corps in the nation, Californians are poised to lead the charge, and California Gives is yet another incredible opportunity to harness the power of service and show up for your neighbors.”
– First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Volunteers Commission Honorary Co-Chair
As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, California Gives will contribute to America Gives, the largest volunteer effort in history. California Volunteers, Office of the Governor will log collective hours served for 2026 through its service programs and volunteer events and those will be added to the national total. Californians are encouraged to volunteer and serve through the end of 2026, and beyond at CaliforniaVolunteers.Ca.Gov.
“California has championed service on an unprecedented level, and I’m proud to announce California Service Corps members have served over two million hours so far in 2026,” said Josh Fryday, Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement Director and California Chief Service Officer. “Being of service to one another has the power to build connection, bridge divides and amplify positive impact for all Californians. Whether you have one hour, one day, or one year to give, you can be of service to your community.”
- Joining the California Service Corps and dedicating yourself to long-term, paid service.
- Participating in an upcoming Community Climate Action Day in your region.
- Signing up for a volunteer opportunity in your local community.
In March 2026, Governor Newsom kicked off the 2026 California Service Corps recruitment, calling on 10,000 Californians to step up for their communities to join the California Service Corps — the nation’s largest state service program, bigger than even the federal Peace Corps and consists of four paid service programs:
- #CaliforniansForAll College Corps provides college students at participating colleges and universities the chance to serve on campus or at local nonprofits. Young leaders can earn up to $10,000 for 450 hours of service and the ability to make a real difference in their community. Program focus areas include K-12, climate action and food insecurity.
- California Climate Action Corps fellows can play a role in reducing the impacts of climate change and earn pay toward their education when they successfully complete 1,700 hours of service. California Climate Action Corps fellows serve in nonprofits, public agencies, tribal communities and schools.
- Youth Service Corps members work with community organizations and local governments to provide critical local public services. Paid members gain work experience, learn new skills and explore career opportunities.
- AmeriCorps California is the largest state AmeriCorps program in the nation, with more than 5,000 members currently serving at over 900 nonprofits, schools, public agencies and community centers across the Golden State. Service commitments can be from three months to one year, with both full-time and part-time opportunities.
About California Volunteers, Office of the Governor
California Volunteers, under GO-Serve, empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. California Volunteers is the state office tasked with recruiting Californians to engage in public service.
Source: California Volunteers