The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disaster of all kinds.

The Citizens Corps mission is accomplished through a national network of state and local Citizen Corps Council.  These Councils build on community strengths to implement the Citizen Corps programs and will carry out a local strategy to have every American participate.

Local Citizen Corps Council will:

• promote and strengthen the Citizen Corps programs at the community level, such as Volunteers in Police Service programs, CERT teams, Medical Reserve Corps units, and Neighborhood Watch groups;
• provide opportunities for special skills and interests;
• develop targeted outreach for the community, including special needs groups;
• provide opportunities of training in first aid and emergency preparedness;
• organize special project and community events;
• encourage cooperation and collaboration among community leaders; and
• capture smart practices and report accomplishments; and
• create opportunities for all residents to participate.