Utilizing Corporation programs and services: tips for faith-based and community-based organizations
Abstract
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and its programs — AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America — are actively engaged in implementing President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. For faith-based and small community-based organizations that collaborate with CNCS programs, internal CNCS mechanisms will assess, develop, coordinate, deliver, and maximize the level of resources and services. This effective practice lists some of the ways that faith-based and small community-based programs can best utilize CNCS resources. These materials are excerpted from the 2003 FACES (Faith and Communities Engaged in Service) Toolkit for AmeriCorps Applicants "Tip Sheet for Faith-Based and Community Based Organizations New to CNCS. "Issue
How to determine ways in which faith-based and small-community based organizations can participate in the president's Faith-Based Initiative, and consequently make use of the Corporation for National and Community Service resources to AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve programs.Action
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) provides a broad array of services and resources that can be helpful in addressing local community needs. Faith-based and small-community based organizations can utilize these resources in the following ways.
Find out what is already happening in your community and what organizations currently participate in CNCS programs.
Talking with these organizations will give faith-based and small-community based organizations an understanding of the benefits and challenges of operating an AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, or Learn and Serve program. This can help programs determine which of the following suggestions is best for their organization. To find out what CNCS programs are operating in a particular community or state, check the CNCS website at http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering/states.asp.
Serve as a host site for the placement of AmeriCorps or Senior Corps members.
This requires a partnership with another organization that has the capacity to apply for or has already received an AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, or Learn and Serve grant. It allows faith-based and small-community based organizations the benefit of having part-time or full-time volunteers serving in programs without the challenge of applying for and managing a grant.
Apply to be a grantee to receive and manage members of volunteers through the AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Senior Corps, or Learn and Serve America programs.
This provides control over the number, location, and scope of work of the members or volunteers.
Develop a community project with AmeriCorps*NCCC, the National Civilian Community Corps.
NCCC can bring a team of 10-12 young adults 18-24 years of age to a community for 5-6 weeks to do projects related to the environment, education, human needs, public safety or disaster relief. For a complete listing of campuses see www.americorps.org/nccc/sponsor.html.
Assist in the recruitment of AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers.
AmeriCorps provides education awards of up to $4,725 for one year of service that can be used for college or to pay off student loans. A modest living stipend, health insurance and childcare may also be provided. These recruits develop valuable skills and leadership experiences that may contribute to a community's future efforts. In addition, Senior Corps programs provide a modest, tax-free stipend to low-income senior volunteers.
Context
The Corporation for National and Community Service and its programs are actively engaged in implementing President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. The goal is to make sure that grassroots organizations can compete on an equal footing for federal dollars, receive greater private support, and face fewer bureaucratic barriers.Citation
"Tips for Organizations New to CNCS." Center for Faith and Service, National Crime Prevention Council.Outcome
For faith-based and small community-based organizations that collaborate with Corporation programs, internal CNCS mechanisms will assess, develop, coordinate, deliver, and maximize the level of resources and services. Correspondingly, this has positive implications for individuals and communities that are better served as a result.Posted On
March 19, 2003For More Information
Resources
Tookit for AmeriCorps Applicants: Implementing the Faith-Based and Community Initiative for the AmeriCorps Service Programs
http://nationalserviceresources.org/initiatives/faces/toolkit_for_americorps_applicants_faces/index.php