Our Story

In 1992, two young women, Vanessa Kirsch and Katrina Browne, mobilized a diverse network of  young leaders and experienced mentors to create Public Allies in Washington, D.C. Confronting myths of young people as uncaring, apathetic, or worse, Public Allies began with the belief that the untapped energy and  idealism of young people can be a powerful force to transform communities.

The founders created a program that links diverse young Americans who want to make a difference with nonprofit organizations in their communities who need them. In the process, we show young leaders how to turn their passion for making a difference into a viable career path. This unique approach has led Public Allies to grow nationally -- now in 21 communities -- while developing a respected, replicable model.

Historical Timeline

1992: Public Allies launches first class of 14 Allies in Washington, D.C. President Bush's Commission on National and Community Service names Public Allies a model for national service, and funds us as a demonstration project.

1993: Public Allies Chicago is launched with 30 Allies by founding Executive Director Michelle Obama. President Clinton names Public Allies a model for national service. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton hosts Rose Garden reception for Public Allies at the White House.
 
1994: Public Allies is among first recipients of AmeriCorps grants. Expands to Delaware, Milwaukee and Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill. Receives first AmeriCorps grant.

1995: Public Allies expands to Silicon Valley.
 
1996: Chuck Supple succeeds Vanessa Kirsch as President & CEO of Public Allies.
 
1998: Public Allies graduates 500th Ally. Expands to Cincinnati.

1999: Public Allies expands to Los Angeles and New York City.
 
2000: Paul Schmitz succeeds Chuck Supple as CEO of Public Allies. Public Allies begins three-year partnership with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in rural New Mexico.
 
2001: Public Allies partners with Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center in Estes Park, Colo.
 
2002: Public Allies graduates 1,000th Ally. Launches Alumni Programs department.
 
2003: Public Allies become founding member of Voices for
National Service.
 
2004: Public Allies expands to Connecticut.
 
2005: Public Allies launches The Leadership Practice in partnership with Northwestern University's Asset-Based Community Development Institute. The Leadership Practice receives a three-year contract from Corporation for National and Community Service to provide training and technical assistance to all grantees.
 
2006: Public Allies partners with Louisiana Delta Service Corps to support Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Public Allies expands to Arizona and Pittsburgh. Co-founds Nonprofit Sector Workforce Coalition.
 
2007: Public Allies graduates 2,000th Ally (2,230 graduates total). Expands to Albuquerque, Miami and San Antonio.
 
2009: Former Public Allies national board member Barack Obama and former Chicago Executive Director and national board member Michelle Obama become the President and First Lady of the United States of America. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act is signed into law, dramatically expanding support for community service programs such as Public Allies. Public Allies expands to Indianapolis and Baltimore.

 2010: Public Allies expands to Minneapolis-St. Paul and Orlando, and re-launches in Washington, D.C.

 

 

 

“When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies… I realized right away that I had made the right decision. There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize they have the power to enrich not only their own lives, but the lives of those around them as well.”

-Michelle Obama
USA Today op-ed,          April 13, 2009

 

 

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Your contribution of provides a young person with a lifelong experience, and supports nonprofits nationwide. Private dollars are matched in combined contributions from AmeriCorps and Partner Organizations.