Congratulations on hosting a NATIONAL SERVICE program!

1. Congratulations on hosting a NATIONAL SERVICE program! AmeriCorps Program Director Orientation March 9, 2012

2. National Service • What is national service? • How does your program fit into national service?

3. What is AmeriCorps? What is AmeriCorps? • It is the • “DOMESTICPeace Corps”

4. Peace Corps The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then-Sen. John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew a federal government agency devoted to world peace and friendship.

5. AmeriCorps • You have decided to be a part of a national movement which is similar to the Peace Corps, but provides services to American citizens. • In particular you are hostingan AmeriCorps “State” program which serves within the the boundaries of thestate of Kansas.

6. History of National Service - CCC • One example of national service is the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which was created in the 1930’s to provide opportunities for millions of young people to serve 6 to 18 months to help restore the nation's parks, revitalize the economy, and support their families and themselves. CCC workers constructing road, 1933 Source: Franklin D. Roosevelet Library and Museum; Wikipedia

7. History of National Service – Senior Corps • Another example can be found in the 1960’s when older Americans were engaged in a range of service activities through the • Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), • the Foster Grandparent Program, and • the Senior Companion Program • (which together are known today as Senior Corps).

8. History of National Service • In 1964 Lyndon B. Johnson wanted to do what he could to address the problem of poverty in America and established • Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), • a National Teacher Corps, the Job Corps, • and University Year of Action.

9. History of National Service • In 1990 President Bush signed the National and Community Service Act of 1990 into law which authorized among other things, grants to schools to support service-learning through Serve America (now known as Learn and Serve America). • And in 1992 a bipartisan group of Senators drafted legislation to create the National Civilian Community Corps as a way to explore how to use post-Cold War military resources to help solve problems here at home.

10. History of National Service • There are many examples of national service organizations and initiatives, but all serve to point out the goal of “getting things done” for our fellow American citizens, our community, and our nation. Your MEMBERs perform this service! • It can take a while for people to understand your MEMBERs unique role of national service as opposed to being employees of a host agency.

11. The Language of National Service

12. Terminology • ApplicantAn applicant is an individual who has applied to participate in an AmeriCorps program but is not an enrolled AmeriCorps member. • BeneficiariesProgram beneficiaries are the general population served by a program’s AmeriCorps members during the course of their service term. • Education AwardThe Education Award is the award that members receive after successfully completing a term of service. The Award may be used to pay qualified educational expenses, including tuition, room and board or repayment of student loans, and is available for use for up to seven years after the service term is completed. • Living allowances / Stipend (not pay)AmeriCorps members earn living allowances or stipends—not salaries or wagesDo not give the impression that they are entitled to a full year’s stipendRefer to the regular stipend “rate” that they will receive each disbursement period (i.e. every 2 weeks or once a month, etc.)

13. Terminology • MembersAmeriCorps members are eligible citizens age 17 and older who commit to serve their community through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members should not be called volunteers, workers, staff, participants, or employees. The word member is lowercase. • Service-learning “Service-learning is an educational method that engages young people in service to their communities as a means of enriching academic learning, promoting personal growth, and helping them to develop the skills needed for productive citizenship” • Service TermA service term is the contracted length of time during which an AmeriCorps member must perform eligible service activities for a prescribed number of service hours. A term may not be longer than 12 months.

14. The Language of National Service AMERICORPS Pronounced AH-MARE-I-CORE NOT AMERI-CORPSE

15. Quiz – Which term should you use in relationship to AmeriCorps members? • Hire or Enroll? • Work or Service? • Workers/employees or members? • Volunteer or member?

16. Formation of AmeriCorps So how did AmeriCorpstake on its current form?

17. Formation of AmeriCorps • In 1961 President John F. Kennedy, when he spearheaded the establishment of the Peace Corps, said "The wisdom of this idea is that somedaywe'll bring it home to America."

18. 1993 Formation of AmeriCorps • In September 1993 President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, which created AmeriCorps as we know it today, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees it in order to better organize and expand opportunities for Americans to serve their communities.

19. 1993 Formation of AmeriCorps • Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and • the National Civilian Community Corps become part of AmeriCorps. In addition • Senior Corps was created by combining the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (changed to Retired AND Senior Volunteer Program to recognize not all volunteers are retired), and the Senior Companion Program.

20. Formation of AmeriCorps • As a part of this organizing effort governor-appointed state service commissions were created to administer AmeriCorps funding at the state level. The Kansas Volunteer Commission, housed at the Kansas State Department of Education in Topeka, Kansas, fulfills this role. http://www.kanserve.org

22. History of National Service • Helpful Links: National Service Timeline: http://www.americorps.gov/about/ac/history_timeline.aspHistory and Legislation: http://www.americorps.gov/about/ac/history.asp

23. Administrative Structure • The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)http://www.nationalservice.gov/Default.asp • The Kansas Volunteer Commission (KVC)http://www.kanserve.org • The Host Agency (YOU) • The Service Site (If different than you; you contract with them) • The AmeriCorps National Service State Members • There are ELEVEN AmeriCorps State programs with members in Kansas.

24. Kansas Volunteer Commission • Kansas Volunteer Commission (AmeriCorps State programs ; Kansas Mentors)Kansas State Dept of Educationhttp://www.kanserve.org or http://www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid=4527Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kansas-Volunteer-Commission/41671404083?ref=ts120 SE 10th AvenueTopeka, KS   66612phone: (785)368.6207 FAX:  (785)368.6284Executive Director: Shelby Hoytal, shoytal@ksde.org Kansas Mentors Director Nicolette Geisler, ngeisler@ksde.orgAmeriCorps Program Officer Jonathan Loppnow, jloppnow@ksde.org Administrative Asst: Amanda Noll, anoll@ksde.org

25. Kansas Missouri CNCS State Office • Kansas/Missouri CNCS State Office (VISTA ; Senior Corps programs)Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CNCS-Kansas-and-Missouri/161530337202711 State Director: Michael Laverty, MLaverty@cns.govState Program Specialist : Josh Lyman, JLyman@cns.gov State Program Specialist: KirstieNator, KNator@cns.gov State Program Specialist: Patti Stangel, pstangel@cns.govState Program Specialist: Brittany Stiffler, bstiffler@cns.gov Missouri Office Kansas Office2345 Grand Blvd 120 SE 6th Street Suite 650 Townsite III, Suite 255 Kansas City, MO 64108 Topeka, KS 66602 phone: (816) 426-2081 phone: (785) 234-0498fax: (816) 426-2082 fax: (785) 234-2129mo@cns.gov ks@cns.gov

26. Grant Cycles • Grantee Kansas Volunteer Commission gives “sub-grants” awards • Sub-grantees are also usually funded on a 3 year cycle. • However, sub-grantees must reapply every year • Continuation contingent upon: • Availability of funds and Member Service Year’s (MSY’s which similar to an FTE), • satisfactory progress in relation to the approved performance measures, • compliance with federal and state regulations, • submission of a continuation application outlining programmatic changes

27. Grant Cycles • After each three year cycle, all sub-grantees seeking to continue must reapply (re-compete) as new programs. • Must submit a program evaluation at time of re-compete that was completed in the previous 3 years

28. The National Service AmeriCorps State Members - Overview • The Host Agency recruits, trains and enrolls AmeriCorps national service members, and places them at their sites. • Members contract with the host agency for a required number of hours of service (1700 for full time) in period of time not to exceed 12 months. • Every hour must be fulfilled.

29. The National Service AmeriCorps State Members - Overview • The members must perform the full number of hours and the service must be satisfactory. • After successful completion of the national service term members can access an Education Award which can be used toward a Title IV school, or Title IV educational loan. (All benefits will be covered later in this presentation.)

30. Our “Idealist” Goals for MEMBERS • Rewarding national service = Life Long Civic Leader • Knowledge of community issues and strong connection to community • Seek multiple terms of national service • Seek careers in public service such as teaching, public safety, social work, non-profit careers, etc. • Become more of an idealist, who will then go on to take a leading role in nonprofits and government agencies.

31. “Streams” of Service 3 “Streams” of Service in AmeriCorps itself • AmeriCorps State and National • VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America • NCCC - National Civilian Community Corps

32. “Streams” of Service – AmeriCorps State • Primarily in direct service (along with some capacity-building) ; • to address unmet community needs. • Examples: tutoring and mentoring youth, medical services outreach and facilitation, building home, disaster response, etc. • AmeriCorps members also recruit and mobilize community volunteers. • Not clerical/secretary role, not administrative assistant role • Never replace existing employee positions or existing regular volunteers • AmeriCorps State Administration: In Kansas AmeriCorps State is administered by the Governor appointed body, the Kansas Volunteer Commission. Contact information is located at the beginning of this handbook. Helpful Link: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/state.asp

33. “Streams” of Service – National Direct • Direct service across 2 or more states • AmeriCorps National provides grants directly to national public and nonprofit organizations that sponsor service programs formed across two or more states • typically nationally based host programs • Similar to AmeriCorps State • Administration: CNCS Office / Host Program Central Office • Helpful Link: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/national.asp

34. “Streams” of Service - VISTA • Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is primarily capacity building (See “AmeriCorps State Versus AmeriCorps VISTA inside “Application and NOFO” folder on your CD) • Initially designed specifically to fight poverty • Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993 • VISTA members focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic develop, and otherwise assist low-income communities • Examples: develop programs to meet a need, write grants, and recruit and train volunteers

35. “Streams” of Service - VISTA • 365 DAY 24/7 Commitment (not hourly 1,700, 900, etc. term) • No positions under full time • Can be placed at a site with AmeriCorps State members to do capacity building role while State members do direct service • receive a modest living allowance • health benefits during their service (arranged by CNCS State office), • and have the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend after completing their service. • VISTA Administration: In Kansas VISTA is administered by the CNCS federal state office which maintains offices in Kansas and Missouri. Contact information is provided at the beginning of this handbook. • Helpful Link: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp

36. “Streams” of Service - NCCC • National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) – Regional campus based • full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24. • assigned to one of five campuses, located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Vinton, Iowa and • travel to complete service projects throughout their regions. • 10-month commitment ; serve in teams of eight to twelve • trained in CPR, first aid, public safety, and other skills before beginning their first service project. • sponsoring organizations submit a project application to the regional campus that covers that organization’s state to get services of a team • living allowance of approximately $4,000 during the 10 months of service, housing, meals, limited medical benefits, up to $400 a month for childcare, if necessary, member uniforms, and a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program. • Helpful Link: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp

37. Other Avenues of Service – Learn and Serve America • This was not funded starting this year • Not a “member based” service • Grant support to K-12 schools, community groups and higher education institutions to facilitate service-learning projects by: • Collecting and disseminating research, effective practices, curricula, and program models. • Service-learning offers a unique opportunity for kindergartners to college students • Facilitated integrating community service projects with classroom learning. • Students not only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform. • Administration: Kansas Volunteer Commission • Helpful Link: http://www.learnandserve.gov/

38. Other Avenues of Service –Senior Corps • 55+ • The Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with children and young people with exceptional needs. • The Senior Companion Program brings together volunteers age 55 and over with adults in their community who have difficulty with the simple tasks of day-to-day living. • The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference. • Senior Corps Administration: In Kansas Senior Corps is administered by the CNCS federal state office which maintains offices in Kansas and Missouri. Contact information is provided at the beginning of this handbook. • Helpful Link: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/Default.asp

39. Review - The AmeriCorps Member: the hands of national service • You’ve heard about the “big” picture of national service • How is a member not an employee? • How is a member not a volunteer? • What are they?

40. Members – Part of National Service AMERICORPS AFFILIATION • Orientation sessions for your staff, site supervisors and membersshould include a discussion on the national scope of AmeriCorps and an explanation of how your local program fits into the AmeriCorps network • Appropriate opening ceremonies, including the administration of the AmeriCorps Pledge, are important for all members.

41. The AmeriCorps Member: the hands of national service – The Pledge The AmeriCorps members’ intent of making a positive change and being committed to national service is reflected in their pledge. (See handout) The AmeriCorps Pledge I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member,and I will get things done.

42. Member Gatherings • KVC encourages at least once a month gatherings, if feasible • Member interviews reveal a desire for AmeriCorps members to gather AS AmeriCorps members and not just staff of the fiscal agent • Promote regional and state wide gatherings • Promote National Service Day events

43. Member Position Description • (Not required but encouraged) Label the description “Has recurring access to a vulnerable population” or “Does not have access to a vulnerable population.” • Design member descriptions that include meaningful service activities • Position descriptions/activities should avoid putting members at risk for engaging in any prohibited activity (see 45 CFR § 2520.65), • Avoid activity that would violate the non-duplication and non-displacement requirements (see 45 CFR § 2540.100),or prohibited fundraising activity (see 45 CFR §§ 2520.40-45).

44. Member Position Description • The grantee must accurately and completely describe the activities to be performed by each member in a position description, to be provided to the Corporation on request. • Program’s should design out the year so there are enough service hour opportunities WITHIN YOUR PROGRAM DESIGN • Don’t forget to account for holidays and other time off, and the fact that lunch hours do not count • Try to provide each member with sufficient opportunity to make up missed hours.

45. Member Recruitment • Create an outreach plan • Inform similar programs about your need • Post the position on free e-mail discussion lists and job boards • Advertise the position in other media.

46. Member Recruitment • Sell your program and the service experience—emphasize your program's strengths and accomplishments. • Tap into your alumni and other volunteers for recruiting ideas and testimonials to use in outreach. • Piggyback on existing community events or national service days, such as September 11 to get the word out about your program (Plan your own observance and/or event)

47. Member Recruitment • Use your existing network to identify and reach community leaders who can help you spread the word to different constituencies. This could include members of professional associations, religious leaders, local politicians and community activists. • Enlist the help of local public relations/design firms or design students to create visually compelling material.

48. Member Recruitment • Posting Service Opportunities in eGrants, see page 12 in the eGrants manual on your training CD • http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/volunteer-member-staff-management/recruitment • http://www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/members/index.asp

49. Member Recruitment – Disability Accommodation • Disability AccommodationThe Kansas commission does have a disability coordinator and has disability funding. CNCS awards grants are intended to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in national service programs and are granted to State Service Commissions annually based on a tiered formula based on state population. • While granted to State Service Commissions, the funding is intended not only for use by AmeriCorps State grantees but also to support the participation of individuals with disabilities in AmeriCorps programs operated by AmeriCorps National sites in each state. • Subgrantees should contact the Kansas Volunteer Commission in order to apply for disability accommodation funds.

50. Member Recruitment – Disability Accommodation • Programs and activities must be accessible to persons with disabilities, and the grantee must provide reasonable accommodation to the known mental or physical disabilities of otherwise qualified members, service recipients, applicants, and staff. All selections and project assignments must be made without regard to the need to provide reasonable accommodation. See the Policy FAQ entitled Reasonable Accommodation for more information. • All programs should ensure their potential applicants and members are informed of their accommodation policy.