Abstract

Receiving citizenship training during a service term not only deepens the meaning of service, but helps create a lasting habit of civic engagement. Volunteer Florida procured a grant for five AmeriCorps reading programs to conduct a "Citizenship Symposium," a hands-on learning activity that inspired and engaged members to gain knowledge of the role of national and community service. The symposium was held in the State Capitol of Tallahassee in January 2006. Dee Wilder submitted this effective practice in February 2006.

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Issue

AmeriCorps members come from diverse backgrounds and Florida is often not their birthplace. Therefore, they are often unaware of Florida history and the legislative process. However, citizenship training is required by the Volunteer Florida contract and is a program requirement for AmeriCorps, as is actively engaging members in activities to enhance civic responsibility.

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Action

Five Florida AmeriCorps reading programs shared responsibility for securing training from Volunteer Florida and conducting a "Citizenship Symposium" to give members an experiential learning opportunity in citizenship and civic responsibility. AmeriCorps members' helped to create the symposium by:

• Securing presenters
• Maximizing use of key resources at the State Capitol by collaborating with a state representative, staff from the office of the Sergeant at Arms and capitol tours staff; scheduling and attending a mock session of the House of Representatives; and organizing an induction ceremony, where they took the oath of service in the Florida Supreme Court Chambers
• Coordinating with Volunteer Florida staff, including meeting the chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida
• Securing assistance from the media for publicity of the event
• Developing reflection forms

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Context

The mission of Volunteer Florida, the Florida Commission on Community Service, is to strengthen Florida's communities through volunteerism and service by facilitating in the development, promotion and implementation of volunteer and community service programs and practices in the following focus areas:

• Funding and administering community service programs and volunteer initiatives
• Managing volunteers and donations locally, nationally and internationally during times of disaster
• Providing youth with service leadership opportunities
• Offering training and technical assistance on issues relative to volunteerism and civic engagement
• Developing and strengthening collaborative partnerships
• Encouraging and supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in national service
• Promoting, recognizing and rewarding volunteerism and civic engagement

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Outcome

The Citizenship Symposium resulted in 100 AmeriCorps members from the partner programs being trained in citizenship issues for 5 hours each. As a result of the training members were able to:

• Describe the process of how an issue becomes a bill.
• Reflect on ways to become actively engaged in the legislative process.
• Meet and network with at least three members from another AmeriCorps program.
• Make a recommitment pledge.
• Formulate three goals for improving their community for the remainder of their service year.
• Gain knowledge of the issues before the Education Committee.
• Learn about the history and mission of National Service and volunteer programs in Florida.

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Evidence

Reflection activities indicated that AmeriCorps members gained understanding in the following areas:

• Civic responsibility and fostering active citizenship
• Appreciation of their role as a citizen
• Making a recommitment to AmeriCorps service and/or continuation of service
• Understanding the connection between the role of AmeriCorps and the initiatives of Volunteer Florida (the state commission)
• The importance of continuing to serve and to be active in civic engagement

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Posted On

February 16, 2006

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For More Information

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Related Practices

• Delivering civic engagement training to national service programs

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Related sites

AmeriCorps

Topic Areas

• Community building
• Civic engagement
• Development
• Reflection
• Training
• Partnerships
• AmeriCorps
• AmeriCorps VISTA
• Volunteer
• Member
• Program management

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