Our New Look & You
We know that AmeriCorps alumni are important to the health of our country, as leaders in the public and private sectors. Our future leadership programming will help support you in these key positions. Tell us what you’re up to or shout out an Ameri-friend HERE!
Click here to watch 
Executive Director, Amity Tripp’s video message to YOU!
MLK Day Chapter Grants
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a key National Day of Service for AmeriCorps Alums, as the nation shines a spotlight on service and the important work alums are committed to 365 days a year. Projects conducted on MLK Jr. Day of Service provide an excellent opportunity to mobilize Volunteer Leaders and help them learn new skills to impact the community.Through the generous support of the Points of Light Institute we are pleased to announce Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service mini- grants to our network of AmeriCorps Alums Chapters and Partners for the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 18, 2010.
At $250-$500 each, AmeriCorps Alums will fund and support chapters who identify the issues in their local community that are most urgent… Read more and get the application here.
DEADLINE: Friday, November 13, 2009 at 5pm EST.
AmeriCorps Alums Signature Service Event and Advanced Marketing Leadership Teams#
Throughout the past month, AmeriCorps Alums has started transitioning its branding and strategic direction to more closely align with the interest areas of our alumni and alumni chapters.
Thankfully we have found many talented and passionate alumni interested in helping us grow and improve! The opportunities offered to our amazing volunteer team members have been a great way for us to tap into your interests. A huge thank you goes out to everyone below for making a huge difference and showcasing your love of service by volunteering with us! (If you’re interested in getting more involved, be sure to contact your local chapter for unlimited possibilities!)
SSE Team: Ian Hadley, Savasiah Gardner, Angie Mescall, Samantha Brody, Nancy Mueller, Desiree Digiovacchino, Amy Throndsen, Eboney Williams, Nate Hayward, Monica Ernst, Chad Driscoll, Mary Parker, Shannon McNamee
AML Team: Bill Knarr, Howard Liebers, Anthony Roberts, Jr., Neal Gorman
Welcome NCCC!
The national headquarters of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) has contracted with AmeriCorps Alums to manage their alumni services. We are thrilled since NCCC alumni continually showcase extreme pride and commitment to service! Hands on New Orleans was founded and is run 100% by alumni, for example.
Highlights in 2010: 1) National AmeriCorps Week grants to alumni chapters and NCCC campuses to do projects and celebration events together May 8-15, 2010. 2) New NCCC national blog and expanded social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. A new temporary NCCC staff position to be hired at AmeriCorps Alums soon.
For Sale!
AmeriCorps Alums is opening a snazzy new merchandise line courtesy of Social Imprints, Inc out of San Fran, CA. From vintage tees to sleek American Apparel hoodies to baby onsies for our “Ameri-Couples” out there, the new line would make a perfect holiday gift.
Estimated sale launch December 1st on www.americorpsalums.org
Click here to watch Executive Director, Amity Tripp’s video message to YOU!
MLK Day Chapter Grants
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a key National Day of Service for AmeriCorps Alums, as the nation shines a spotlight on service and the important work alums are committed to 365 days a year. Projects conducted on MLK Jr. Day of Service provide an excellent opportunity to mobilize Volunteer Leaders and help them learn new skills to impact the community.Through the generous support of the Points of Light Institute we are pleased to announce Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service mini- grants to our network of AmeriCorps Alums Chapters and Partners for the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 18, 2010.
At $250-$500 each, AmeriCorps Alums will fund and support chapters who identify the issues in their local community that are most urgent… Read more and get the application here.
DEADLINE: Friday, November 13, 2009 at 5pm EST.
AmeriCorps Alums Signature Service Event and Advanced Marketing Leadership Teams#
Throughout the past month, AmeriCorps Alums has started transitioning its branding and strategic direction to more closely align with the interest areas of our alumni and alumni chapters.
Thankfully we have found many talented and passionate alumni interested in helping us grow and improve! The opportunities offered to our amazing volunteer team members have been a great way for us to tap into your interests. A huge thank you goes out to everyone below for making a huge difference and showcasing your love of service by volunteering with us! (If you’re interested in getting more involved, be sure to contact your local chapter for unlimited possibilities!)
SSE Team: Ian Hadley, Savasiah Gardner, Angie Mescall, Samantha Brody, Nancy Mueller, Desiree Digiovacchino, Amy Throndsen, Eboney Williams, Nate Hayward, Monica Ernst, Chad Driscoll, Mary Parker, Shannon McNamee
AML Team: Bill Knarr, Howard Liebers, Anthony Roberts, Jr., Neal Gorman
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Welcome NCCC!
The national headquarters of the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) has contracted with AmeriCorps Alums to manage their alumni services. We are thrilled since NCCC alumni continually showcase extreme pride and commitment to service! Hands on New Orleans was founded and is run 100% by alumni, for example.
Highlights in 2010: 1) National AmeriCorps Week grants to alumni chapters and NCCC campuses to do projects and celebration events together May 8-15, 2010. 2) New NCCC national blog and expanded social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook. A new temporary NCCC staff position to be hired at AmeriCorps Alums soon. |
For Sale! Estimated sale launch December 1st on www.americorpsalums.org
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a key Day of Service for AmeriCorps Alums, as the nation shines a spotlight on service and the important work alums are committed to 365 days a year. Projects conducted on Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service provide an excellent opportunity to mobilize Volunteer Leaders and help them learn new skills to impact the community.
http://lizbirch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/mlk.GIF
Through the generous support of the Points of Light Institute we are pleased to announce Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service mini- grants to our network of AmeriCorps Alums Chapters and Partners for the annual MLK Day of Service on January 18, 2010. AmeriCorps Alums will fund and support chapters who identify the issues in their local community that are most urgent. You can read more about this exciting opportunity and get the application here.
What would happen if the passion of music fans around the country was connected to the needs of their communities? Is that even possible?
In a recent Huffington Post article, Chad Stokes, a musician formerly with Dispatch and now with State Radio, and Matt Wilhelm, AmeriCorps alum & C0-Director of Calling All Crows, State Radio’s human rights organization, argue for a strategy to do just this.
Stokes and Wilhelm write:
Just as President Kennedy so convincingly captured the imagination of a generation and inspired our nation’s young people to join the Peace Corps in the 1960s, we need to appeal to more spokespeople across music genres and draw up a blueprint for how to best reach Americans. With an increase in AmeriCorps positions and a new Social Innovation Fund, we have the opportunity to leverage federal dollars to support music industry nonprofits to achieve their goals by empowering fans to serve.
This combination makes total sense and could be a serious force. Music fans are as passionate as it gets. They wait in line for hours to get tickets, camp out for music festivals, and do a variety of pretty wild things for the love of music. If musicians start encouraging their fans — and lead by example — the millions who love music could also be turned on to deeper community activism and service.
Chad and State Radio have taken the lead on this and have rolled up their sleeves. They don’t just throw it up on their website or promote service from behind a microphone. They are in the communities with fans and organizations as they tour the country:
Nearly every other day while State Radio is on tour, Calling All Crows, the band’s human rights organization, coordinates pre-show service projects with local nonprofits and social service agencies. Members of the band, our crew, and area fans unite to address critical needs in each city. For instance, last week in Lawrence, Kansas, we cleaned out a storage space with the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and next week we’ll kickoff the second leg of our fall tour with a beach cleanup at Long Wharf Nature Preserve with Save the Sound in New Haven, Connecticut.
We’re building sustainable, local networks of volunteers that can be mobilized through service to address communities’ most pressing challenges like hunger, homelessness, and an ever-neglected environment. Calling All Crows’ Action Leaders (super fan volunteers in each city) help to identify projects in their area, coordinate with local nonprofit partners, promote the event, recruit other volunteers, and then tell their stories of service through photos, video and blogs. The impact is tangible and the experience contagious for all involved.
State Radio is serious about this — which is what makes their efforts so powerful and such a tremendous example of combining music and service. Matt, as a co-founder of ServeNext.org and an AmeriCorps alumnus, understands what needs to take place to make this a worthwhile experience for fans and for communities. Chad and the rest of the band are really committed to this — they see their job as more than to entertain, but also to inspire action from those who enjoy their entertainment.
In fact, when I served with them a few months ago, it was their commitment to the community that I found most inspiring. Now I’m a fan of their music, too.
Note: This article was first published here.
Announcing the first EVER – AmeriCorps Alums Heller School National Service Scholarship Program.
An amazing $1 M scholarship program has been created by Brandeis University just for AmeriCorps alums and staff in recognition of your contributions to civic engagement and the greater good through the service you provide to your country and communities! This one-of-a-kind National Service Scholarship Program is designed to honor national and community service by recognizing those who have served in AmeriCorps.
All qualified AmeriCorps alumni applicants will be considered for one or more full tuition scholarships based on a supplemental essay describing the value of and plans for continued citizen service.
In addition, $10,000 in tuition remission will be available to every AmeriCorps alumnae who attend! The Heller School (for Social Policy and Management) also provides financial assistance through the Segal Education Award matching program, thereby raising the total Heller contribution to $15,000 for one year of AmeriCorps service and $20,000 for two years of AmeriCorps service. If you are attending the Heller School at Brandeis in one of the Masters programs you will be named “Heller School AmeriCorps Alums National Service Scholars” and be identified as having received this prestigious award in school materials, ceremonies and announcements.
All awardees will become lifelong members of the National Service Scholars Network. Membership in this network will provide professional development benefits including an annual conference hosted by Brandeis for the scholars.
The partial tuition scholarships combined with the full tuition scholarships will provide over $1M in tuition scholarships every five years the program is in existence.
The Heller School and AmeriCorps Alums Boston will have a formal announcement event on Thursday, November 5th. Alums are encouraged to attend for more information as well as numerous opportunities to network and connect with other national service folks. You’ll also hear from some great AmeriCorps Alums and current and former Heller School students. Enjoy FREE FOOD and DRINKS and consider the possibilities of your next steps. RSVP here.
For more information on the program, contact HellerAdmissions@brandeis.edu or go to http://heller.brandeis.edu. If you would like to host a regional kick off of the scholarship program in your area and have a Heller School representative attend, please contact us here or leave a comment below.
AmeriCorps Alums is proud and excited to unveil our new logo!!!
A huge thank you goes out to all who submitted entries to our contest Design for Change!!! Of over 50 submissions, three folks came up with AmeriCorps Alums logo ideas that were truly inspirational. And although we were not able to use any of the winning designs exactly, part of these submissions all contributed to the final logo.
- Grand Prize Winner — Shanequa Gay
- Runner-Up — Marlon Campbell
- Second Runner-Up — Nate Canton
Look for the new logo to be cropping up everywhere and for our new line of apparel and other goodies to be released sometime around Thanksgiving!
The Chronicle of Philanthropy encourages you to match wits with Hollywood — and gain the opportunity to win cash prizes for good causes.
Inspired by the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s “iParticipate” week of volunteer-focused television programs, The Chronicle’s VolunTV Challenge invites you to demonstrate how you would portray volunteerism in your favorite TV shows. (Think making Lisa Simpson an AmeriCorps member… and then starting an alums chapter…)
To enter the contest, submit a video or written text showing how you would incorporate themes that feature volunteers for your favorite nonprofit… and we’re thinking this is a great way for you all to get creative for AmeriCorps Alums!
The Chronicle will award donations to the nonprofits chosen by people who create the three winning entries.
The judges include nonprofit experts as well as other people involved in the philanthropic world, such as the actress Ashley Judd, a spokeswoman for Population Services International; Arthur Coddington, a senior official at the Craigslist Foundation; and Todd de Lorenzo, chief of staff at the Motion Picture Association. They will pick the three top contest winners, and the entries will be featured on the web site and in a print edition of The Chronicle.
The Chronicle is eagerly awaiting your entries, so start creating ideas now!
From what we here at AmeriCorps Alums are hearing, The Corporation for National and Community Service continues to be highly focused on implementing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The Act made important changes to the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, including increasing the amount of future awards, expanding the available uses of future awards, and authorizing individuals over 55 to transfer the award to a child or grandchild under certain conditions. Some of these provisions take effect the beginning of this month, while others must undergo rulemaking.
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Beginning October 1, the maximum education award value will be equivalent to the maximum value of the Pell Grant for the award year for which the national service position was approved. For terms of service supported with 2010 funds, this amount will be $5,350. Because approval of national service positions is on a different schedule for VISTA and NCCC than for AmeriCorps State and National, eligibility for the increased education award will depend on the program in which a member is enrolled. In essence, VISTA and NCCC members who enroll after October 1 will be eligible for the higher amount, while AmeriCorps State and National members will be eligible when they enroll in programs funded by 2010 grants, which will be awarded next summer. We encourage you to read the FAQ on the changes to the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for more details about these changes and contact your program director for information on how much your education award will be this year!
AND… Over the past year and a half, AmeriCorps Alums has worked to help eliminate taxation on the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, and this week (October 5-9, 2009) will be critical to the success of that effort. The Ways and Means Committee is expected to take action on H.R. 1596 over the course of this week. Stay tuned to learn how you can take action to further this effort.
For those of you that haven’t heard yet, there’s a new initiative in the works being powered by Idealist.org and the Kellogg Action Lab! October 1, 2009 marks the beginning of recognizing October as Nonprofit Career Month!
If you’re like me, you’re probably asking yourself, “What exactly is it? Do I need to do anything differently?” It’s okay if
you don’t know about it because it’s brand new! You can be the first amongst your group of friends to know the meaning behind this amazing month and how you can advocate it to your peers. You’ll probably end up being the coolest person ever!
The mission of Nonprofit Career Month is to raise awareness of the diversity of nonprofit careers; provide space to share and find best practices, experts, and resources; and create a hub for information about nonprofit careers. Since most of you are nonprofit gurus anyway, you’ve probably got 1,000,001 ways to tell everyone you know. For those of you that might need some help in what you can do, here’s a short list to jump start your brain:
- Check out the speakers database for your next gathering to find nonprofit professionals representing a range of nonprofit career fields. Some of those listed will have also identified as willing to do informational interviews and job shadows.
- Share your best practice for nonprofit organizations on the best practice database.
- Peruse the blog for posts from guest bloggers, tips from experts, and new events and resources.
The ideas listed are merely guidelines, but if you can think of other ways, by all means… try them! If you’ve discovered your own way to share this new initiative, be sure to post it here and share with your fellow AmeriCorps Alums! I’m looking forward to seeing the other amazing ideas that you can create!
HAPPY NONPROFIT CAREER MONTH!
The Corporation for National and Community Service announced the winners of its 2009 AmeriCorps Video and Photo contest before hundreds of program directors gathered at the annual AmeriCorps grantee meeting in Washington D.C. last week. Here’s the video winner!
Linda Raynes, a second-year AmeriCorps member serving with Plus Time New Hampshire AmeriCorps, won first place for her video “Use These,” which highlights the ways AmeriCorps members change their communities through service. Sarah Bass, who served two AmeriCorps terms with Teach for America in Los Angeles, won first place in the photo division for her picture “Sowing Seeds of Hope, which captures the experience of AmeriCorps by showing the hands of a 12-year-old holding seeds of wheat before planting.
The contest was part of the third annual AmeriCorps Week, a national recruitment and recognition event that took place May 9 through 16. The contest, which was open solely to AmeriCorps members and alums, drew more than 40 video and 325 photo submissions. All of the entries can be viewed at the AmeriCorps Video and Photo Contest website at www.AmeriCorpsContest.org.
Sarah Bass took a fable about planting seeds as the inspiration for her first-place photograph. “The seeds represent the hope that got me out of bed and to my classroom every morning, even on the hard days. Why? Because the investments made today, no matter how small, give potential to tomorrow. That was my vision; that’s the vision of AmeriCorps,” she said.
Like the winning photo, the “Use These” video placed a special emphasis on using one’s hands— the “tools” one is already equipped with—to serve. “When I did the project, I was trying to capture the spirit of what our program did, helping the community and working with kids.” Raynes serves at the Seymour Osman Community Center in Dover, NH.
Mary Gordon, who served with AmeriCorps NCCC Class XV at the Sacramento Campus, took second place in the video contest for “Words into Action.” Blake Brown, currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA with HandsOn Bay Area in San Francisco, garnered third place with “Getting Things Done.”
Zoe Zulakis, currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Montana Justice Foundation after completing a previous term with the Montana Conservations Corps, took second place in the photo contest with “On Top of the World.” Another Montana Conservation Corps alum, Mark Genito, won third place for his photo “Trail Work.”
Great job soon to be Alums!
Think you’ve got what it takes? Want to help out alums across the country? AmeriCorps Alums has just launched three advanced project teams and we are looking for volunteers! The focus of the teams are:
Each project team will work directly with an AmeriCorps Alums staff member and focus on connecting and supporting alums as well as executing our new strategic plan.
