FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2026
Contact
Jerald Darakjy
Communications & Policy Specialist
208-332-2950
[email protected]
State-Wide Challenge to Complete 250,000 Acts of Service
BOISE, ID – Today, as Idaho begins its journey toward the 250th anniversary of the United States, State Representative Brandon Mitchell and State Senator Ben Adams are cosponsoring a landmark resolution in the Idaho Legislature, officially declaring 2026 as the “Year of Volunteerism.”
Leading this historic celebration, the America250 in Idaho Ambassadors and the State Service Committee have announced a bold, statewide initiative: the America250 in Idaho Service Challenge. The goal is for Idahoans to collectively perform 250,000 acts of service between January and July 4, 2026.
“This is about more than just a milestone on a calendar; it’s about the spirit of our people,” said State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, who serves as Co-Chair of the State Service Committee. “By dedicating 2026 as the Year of Volunteerism, we are inviting every generation—from students in our classrooms to seniors in our communities—to join hands in a shared endeavor of hope and kindness.”
January 22 Kickoff Event
The Year of Volunteerism will officially launch with a public event on Thursday, January 22 at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. The event will start tentatively at 11:00am when the Idaho House and Senate hear the legislative resolution, followed by a service project at 12:00pm in the 1st floor rotunda, and a group photo opportunity around 1:30pm.
Members of the public, legislators, and community partners are invited to attend, participate in the service activity, and help officially kick off Idaho’s Year of Volunteerism.
A Unified Effort
The initiative is supported by a coalition of 45 statewide organizations represented on the State Service Committee. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Julie Ellsworth and Jessica Cooper Whiting, the challenge aims to unite Idahoans through the simple, powerful act of neighbor serving neighbor.
To help citizens find opportunities to serve, America250 in Idaho has partnered with JustServe.org, a platform that connects volunteers with high-impact projects in their local areas.
Tracking the Impact
Every act of service, no matter how small, counts toward the 250,000-act goal. Idahoans are encouraged to report their acts of kindness at IdahoKindness.com. This central hub will track the state’s progress in real-time, showcasing the collective momentum of Idaho’s generosity as the state builds toward the national 250th-anniversary celebration on Independence Day.
Meet “Martha Washingtater”
Adding a unique Idaho flair to the campaign is the official initiative mascot, Martha-Tot Washingtater. Inspired by the nation’s first First Lady, Martha Washington—who selflessly dedicated herself to serving Revolutionary War soldiers—Martha-Tot Washingtater serves as a symbol of Idaho’s heritage and its commitment to the revolutionary act of modern-day service.
“We want this challenge to ignite a wave of positivity across Idaho,” said Co-Chair Jessica Cooper Whiting. “As we look toward America’s 250th birthday, we aren’t just looking back at history—we are building a stronger future for all Idahoans through service today.”
How to Participate
Find a Project: Visit JustServe.org to find service opportunities.
Serve: Complete an act of service or kindness.
Report: Log your contribution at IdahoKindness.com to help reach the 250,000-act goal by July 4, 2026.
For more information on the America250 in Idaho initiative and the Year of Volunteerism, please visit IdahoKindness.com.
About America250 in Idaho
America250 in Idaho is the state’s official effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Led by a committee of ambassadors and community leaders, the initiative focuses on celebrating Idaho’s unique contributions to the American story through service, education, and community engagement.
