ACTION

ACTION, federal agency founded in 1971 to coordinate U.S. government volunteer programs. Over 400,000 volunteers assist seniors, residents of low income communities, and young people through food distribution, health care, drug prevention and education, and other programs. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) are part of ACTION. The Peace Corps, which coordinates U.S. volunteers abroad, was administered under ACTION, but became independent in 1982.