Last week, hundreds of AmeriCorps members, program staff, speakers, alumni, and partners gathered in the historic Great Hall at Faneuil Hall. As we stepped into a space shaped by both remarkable achievements and challenging chapters of our nation’s past, we also acknowledged the importance of learning from that history.
Together, we began the 2025 service year with a renewed commitment to fostering welcoming communities, strengthening connections, and ensuring every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Let’s walk through the day together!
⭐ The Morning Program
Doors opened to a full house buzzing with first-day energy as members grabbed Opening Day goodies, checked out resources on joining AmeriCorps Alums, and learned more about the afternoon Member Development Sessions. Moments for some photos and warm reunions set the tone for a memorable morning.
🎤 Inspiring Voices
Janelle Fouché, MSA Board Chair, started the ceremony with a warm welcome.
We also heard video remarks from Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, recognizing the impact of AmeriCorps members statewide.
AmeriCorps alum Rosilene Ribeiro encouraged members to “embrace every challenge because each experience will shape you into a more confident version of yourself.”
She introduced State Representative James Arena-DeRosa, (her own state representative from Millis!) who spoke on the importance of community leadership and service.
City Year member Olanrewaju (Lanre) Adeyanju delivered a moving spoken word performance, sharing: “Why I serve—to truly transform one’s self inside and out… in each life that I touch, new hope is given.”
✨ Spotlights from across programs
AmeriCorps members then took the stage to highlight and shoutout programs representing:
Day in the Life videos highlighted what everyday service looks like - from classrooms to conservation to community health.
📣 State of Service and the AmeriCorps Pledge
Massachusetts Service Alliance CEO, Beth McGuinness shared this year’s State of Service, highlighting the power of collective action and reminding members that “there is something powerful about being in a room full of people who choose to serve” and that each member is helping to build stronger, more connected communities across Massachusetts.
We then heard remarks from State Representative Tram T. Nguyen, an AmeriCorps alum herself, who spoke about the lasting ripple effects of service, encouraging members with: “This work is not just going to stay with you now—it’s going to stay with you forever.”
To close the morning program, Rep. Nguyen then led the AmeriCorps Pledge, officially launching the 2025 service year and setting the tone for the meaningful work ahead!
After the morning ceremony and lunch, AmeriCorps members headed to their selected Member Development Sessions, held at the MSA Office, City Year Boston, and Northeastern University. These sessions offered members the chance to build new skills, connect with peers, and explore tools to support their service year.
A special thank-you to City Year Boston, DIAL/SELF, Massachusetts Promise Fellowship, Jamaal Bonnette, The Babson Financial Literacy Project,and MSA staff member Victoria Tucker, Commonwealth Corps Program Manager, for facilitating such thoughtful and engaging sessions.
💙 Thank You from the MSA Team!
To every AmeriCorps member, alum, program, partner, and speaker - thank you for making Opening Day so special. Your dedication and passion are what move Massachusetts forward.
Here’s to a year filled with service, connection, and meaningful impact across the Commonwealth.
