Volunteer Northwest Mississippi will host an Americorps Programs Interest Session, presented by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

1:00 - 3:00

B.J. Chain Public Library

6619 Highway 305 North

Olive Branch, MS

Please RSVP to Crystal McNabb, 662-449-5002 or crystal@volunteernwms.org

AmeriCorps, similar to a domestic Peace Corps, is a national service network that provides opportunities for participants, called members, to serve their communities and assist in building the capacity of nonprofit organizations.  AmeriCorps programs provide human and other resources to local and national nonprofit organizations to build their capacity to meet local needs.  Grants support organizations that use volunteer service as a strategy for addressing needs while also fostering an ethic of civic responsibility in participants.  These grants initiate, improve, or expand the ability of organizations and communities to provide services to address local unmet environmental, educational, public safety (including disaster preparedness and response), or other human needs.   Within these issue areas, programs may submit proposals that address specific problems of local communities.

In exchange for a year of service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, health care benefits, child care assistance (if income eligible), and extensive training.  Upon successful completion of the year of service, full-time AmeriCorps members receive an education award of $4,725 to further their higher education or to repay qualified college loans.

What Can AmeriCorps Do for YOUR Organization?

AmeriCorps has a proven track record of accomplishment in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and health and human needs. Through grants and the dedication of members, we strengthen communities by mobilizing community resources. Service helps members develop an ethic of service and the leadership skills needed for active, productive citizenship.

Perhaps one of the most important roles AmeriCorps can play for your organization is the generation of volunteers.  For example, each AmeriCorps member recruits and manages an average of twelve community volunteers.  Most national service participants serve in local, community-based organizations, expanding their capacity to achieve their mission and building community involvement and support.

Other ways members help nonprofit, charitable, and faith-based and community organizations include improving and expanding the quality of services and raising awareness of the organization in the community.