Creating inexpensive graduation gifts for AmeriCorps members
Abstract
Finding inexpensive but significant gifts to present to AmeriCorps members at the end of their terms of service can be challenging for program directors who often operate with a limited budget. This effective practice presents ideas for finding and creating fun and economical presents. It was shared via the AmeriCorps e-mail discussion list (ACList) in July 2002.Issue
A meaningful gift presented to AmeriCorps members at the end of their terms of service can be another way of providing closure, and feeling acknowledged for a job well done.Action
Ideas from program directors included:
PHOTOS: Find inexpensive picture frames at a local discount store and give each member a photo that had been taken of them sometime during their term of service; either during pre-service training, with their students or with their families at an AmeriCorps function. [Shared by Aaron Gray, Program Coordinator, Knowledge to Empower Youth to Success (KEYS) Service Corps, Pittsburgh, PA. AGray@dhs.county.allegheny.pa.us]
PHOTO ALBUMS: Make photo albums. For one type, use small, inexpensive albums purchased from a department or discount store. Include copies of pictures (color or black and white) that have been taken during the year. Affix the AmeriCorps sticker to the front and use the AmeriCorps pledge (in red, white, and blue) on the first page. (Remember to take more pictures than you think you might need during the service year). In addition to the photo album, give members an AmeriCorps certificate. For a second type, combine quotes and photographs. During one of the later training sessions have members write down something positive about each of their fellow members. Collect these and put them in a small binder or album (cut and paste) with a few photos. This is somewhat time consuming but inexpensive. [Shared by Janet Elder, Pittsburgh Health Corps, Pittsburgh, PA. Jelder@achd.net]
GIFT CERTIFICATES: Make "gift certificates." These can be personalized for each member and include clipart drawings or scanned pictures. The value of the certificates can be for non-tangible activities rather than items. For example, certificates might read: "Good for two years of wonderful memories," "Redeem for the ultimate reference letter for future job-hunting needs, " or "Worth one Scrabble re-match." Include an additional comment at the bottom of the certificate about what the specific member meant to the program and how they uniquely affected the corps. Sign and laminate the certificates and then present them during a formal ceremony at the graduation. This works well for small groups because each gift certificate can be tailored to reflect the personality of each member. However, this can also work for larger groups because once a certificate template has been saved in a word processing or desktop publishing software program, minor changes can be made to each before printing. These may take some time to create but members enjoy them and they are not costly. [Shared by Jennifer Valley, City of Lakes AmeriCorps, Minneapolis, MN. Jennifer.Valley@mpls.k12.mn.us]
SURVIVAL KITS: Create "survival kits" for life after AmeriCorps. In a plastic bag, include the following or similar items:
- A piece of bubble wrap as a reminder to have fun
- A rubber band for flexibility
- 2 cents to recognize the importance of putting in your two cents worth
- A match to re-ignite your enthusiasm when you feel burnt out
- A candle as a reminder that you can brighten someone's day
- A lifesaver as a reminder that we all need help sometimes
- A paper clip to keep it all together when things slip out of control
- A tootsie roll as a reminder to not bite off more than you can chew
- Confetti to celebrate the member's success
- A puzzle piece to remind the member that they are an invaluable part of the puzzle and without them the picture wouldn't be complete
- A gold star for excellence
Members enjoy this inexpensive "keepsake." It may take some time to assemble but is fairly inexpensive. [Shared by Anne M Brown, Director of AmeriCorps, Lyndon State College, Vermont. Amb08300@xmail.lsc.vsc.edu]
GIVE SUPPLIES: Utilize catalogues and companies that offer general supplies. These usually have a graduation section with items such as pens, key chains, certificates and banners. Such products are usually shipped very quickly and are sold in large quantities (by the dozen or the gross) so it is easy to order for the entire AmeriCorps program. [Shared by Tamara Cohen, AmeriCorps Dade READS, Miami, Florida. Tcohen@educationfund.org]
OTHER:- Have host sites purchase advertisements and with this money have a yearbook printed.
- Create computer-generated awards for members. Use clipart for effect. Try humorous titles such as, "The Little Engine That Could Award," "The Jiminy Cricket Best Counselor Award," or "The Seven Dwarfs Bashful Award." Print these out on nice paper and frame with inexpensive frames. The awards can be given at graduation or a final celebration dinner. [Shared by Debi Fitzgerald, Director, Idaho TRIO AmeriCorps, Lewis-Clark State College. Dfitzger@lcsc.edu]