Illinoisans Invited to Mark America’s 250th with Yearlong Service Push (Springfield, IL) – As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, Illinois leaders are asking residents to honor the milestone not just with ceremonies, but with service.
Gov. JB Pritzker this week launched a call for Illinoisans to volunteer throughout 2026 as part of “Illinois United in Service,” a statewide initiative encouraging people to give back to their communities during the year of America’s 250th birthday.
“Illinoisans throughout history have always come together to help their neighbors,” Pritzker said in a statement. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, I encourage Illinoisans from across the state to unite in service and give back to the place we all call home.”
Beginning Monday, Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day — volunteers can begin logging their service hours online through Serve Illinois, a program housed within the Illinois Department of Human Services. Anyone who records volunteer time will receive a special commemorative certificate recognizing their participation in the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Serve Illinois Executive Director Andres Fernandez said the effort is meant to use service as a way to bring people together.
“Volunteering and community service bring out the best of us — our communities, our state and our nation,” Fernandez said.
The program also allows nonprofit groups, government agencies and community organizations to post volunteer opportunities so residents can find projects close to home. Additional service events and initiatives are expected to be announced throughout 2026.
Illinois United in Service is a joint project of Serve Illinois and the Illinois America 250 Commission, which was created to coordinate a statewide celebration of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The commission’s mission is to highlight local history, elevate community stories and show how Illinois residents continue to live out the ideals of the nation’s founding.
Other major projects tied to the anniversary are planned for later this year. Among them: a limited-edition “keepsake passport” highlighting historical, cultural and heritage sites across Illinois, and “Illinois Voices 250,” a project that will collect and preserve residents’ reflections on the anniversary in the Library of Congress.
Gabrielle Lyon, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and executive director of Illinois Humanities, said the focus on service reflects the spirit of the anniversary.
“Through acts of service, we can show up for one another in 2026, while connecting across communities and generations,” Lyon said. “These efforts can help Illinoisans shape a more just, inclusive and hopeful future worthy of this historic milestone.”
State agencies are also preparing for a potential surge in volunteers. Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said volunteers already play a critical role in maintaining state parks, teaching hunter safety, welcoming campers and serving as historical interpreters.
“We look forward to welcoming new volunteers to our ranks and further enhancing our sites and programs during this special national anniversary year,” Finnie said.
Information about Illinois America 250, including volunteer sign-ups, community events, educational resources and partnership opportunities, is available at il250.org. A statewide calendar of events can be found at il250.org/events.
Serve Illinois, which is overseen by a 40-member bipartisan commission appointed by the governor, supports volunteerism and community service efforts across the state, working with public and private partners to expand opportunities for residents to serve.
Illinoisans Invited to Mark America’s 250th with Yearlong Service Push
