Talking about AmeriCorps

Abstract

AmeriCorps members can help get the word out about what AmeriCorps is and how other people can participate. This effective practice is based on the booklet by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Talking About AmeriCorps. The booklet includes common questions people ask AmeriCorps members, member stories, answers to common questions about AmeriCorps, descriptions of AmeriCorps streams of service, and guidance in how to tell others about AmeriCorps.

Issue

Word of mouth is one of the primary ways people hear about AmeriCorps. Training members to tell others about their personal experience in AmeriCorps will help others see how they can get involved. Or they might tell their friends or relatives about the chance to join.

Action

Here are some common questions people have when talking to AmeriCorps members.

Before you joined:

How did you hear about AmeriCorps?
Why did you decide to join?
What doubts did you have about joining?
Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how did you convince them it was a good opportunity?

After you joined:

What's it like to be an AmeriCorps member?
What have you enjoyed most about your experience?
What are some challenges you have faced?
What have you learned about yourself?
What have you learned about your community and other people?

Have members explain what AmeriCorps is by what the diverse programs have in common.

It's adventure.
It's experience.
It's benefits.
It's helping others.

Have members plan a presentation for their local school, place of worship, or community group. They also can write a letter to their community or college paper. The full text includes suggestions on how to plan a presentation. Explain to members how to answer common questions about AmeriCorps.

What is AmeriCorps?

There are more than 1,000 AmeriCorps local and national programs. Many are run by organizations you may have heard of, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, City Year, and American Red Cross. Others are run by smaller, local organizations, such as community centers, local governments, and faith-based organizations.

Where do AmeriCorps members serve?

AmeriCorps members serve throughout the country, and they have a variety of skills and interests. Some people stay in their own community or work nearby. Other people choose to relocate and work in a community across the country.

What training do AmeriCorps members receive?

Each program provides training to help members do the best job possible. For example, a member in an education project may receive training on how to teach or be a tutor. Another member who is recruiting volunteers to restore low-income houses will be trained in public speaking or volunteer outreach.

What are the requirements?

Applicants to AmeriCorps must be at least 17 years old, but each program sets its own requirements and age limits depending on need and structure. Some programs are looking for people with college degrees, and others accept people who have not finished high school. There is no upper age limit for most programs. All members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

What are the benefits?

Members of AmeriCorps programs get the chance to try new things, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. Many programs offer health insurance during the service term and may provide housing, transportation, and other benefits. Some projects offer part-time positions for those attending school, working at a job, or caring for a family.

How can people apply?

Visit the AmeriCorps website to learn more and apply directly to specific programs. State commissions on community service also have information about most programs.

The full text includes answers to common questions about AmeriCorps*VISTA and AmeriCorps*NCCC as well as testimonials from AmeriCorps alumni.

When talking to others about AmeriCorps, remember:

Tell your family and friends about your experiences.
Contact your high school or college and offer to talk to a class.
Keep up with AmeriCorps by reading information from your project and visiting the website.
Send a letter to the editor of your local paper. Encourage others to join in the effort to improve your community and the country.
Get to know other AmeriCorps members in your community and learn their stories.
Continue to talk about your experience after you finish service. People want to hear about your experiences.

Don't

Make up answers. If someone asks you a question and you are not sure of the answer, it's okay to say, "I'm not sure. But you can call the 800 number and find out from them." Or get their contact information.
Make promises. Don't ever say someone will definitely get in. You can encourage them and say they have a good chance, but make no guarantees.
Assume other programs are like yours. Don't make generalizations about other programs unless you are sure of the answer.

For information or to get materials, contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at 1-800-942-2677.

Read AmeriCorps member profiles on the Stories of Service page.

Context

This practice can be used by members in any size program to promote AmeriCorps.

Citation

Corporation for National and Community Service. Talking About AmeriCorps. Washington, D.C.: Corporation for National and Community Service.

Outcome

Encouraging and training members to talk to others about AmeriCorps will help with recruitment and marketing of national service.

Posted On

September 27, 2001

Resources

From The Resource Center Library:

Talking About AmeriCorps

Item number: M1963

Source Documents

Talking About AmeriCorps

Related Practices

Related sites

AmeriCorps recruitment resources

Resource Center