Understanding the streams of service
Abstract
The Corporation for National Service is an umbrella organization for three streams of service: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. All streams strive to provide opportunities for Americans to engage in service but have their own distinct purposes. This effective practice is based on a handout by the National Service Leadership Institute, which provides a description of each stream of service and the Corporation's field structure. It was shared during the 2001 Senior Corps Cluster Conferences to encourage cross-stream collaborations.Issue
The variety of different service programs, and how they fit under the umbrella of the Corporation for National and Community Service, can be complicated and confusing for those new to national service.Action
Under the 1992 and 1973 Acts, the Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation) supports ten service programs of varying sizes and purposes. These programs encompass different funding streams and calendars, involve different state and local administrators, and have their own regulations and procedures.
See the source document for a detailed description of each program, as well as an explanation of the Corporation's organizational structure.
Context
The Corporation's mission is to provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation's educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results and to encourage all Americans to engage in such service. In doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.Citation
National Service Leadership Institute, Session 2, Meeting the Learning Group
Streams of Service, Copyright 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001