Which AmeriCorps Programs is Best for me

Which AmeriCorps

Program is best for me ?

AmeriCorps NCCC

The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. In partnership with non-profits—secular and faith based, local municipalities, state governments, federal government, national or state parks, Indian Tribes and schools members complete service projects throughout the region they are assigned.

Drawn from the successful models of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and the U.S. military, AmeriCorps NCCC is built on the belief that civic responsibility is an inherent duty of all citizens and that national service programs work effectively with local communities to address pressing needs.

If you are...

• between 18 and 24 years old
• seeking hands-on work in one of the following areas:
• clearing trails
• providing disaster relief
• renovating housing
• tutoring kids
• other active assignments
• interested in doing a variety of projects
• looking to relocate and travel during your service term
• willing to live in a dorm
• excited about living and working with a close-knit team
• Direct Service

… then you might consider joining AmeriCorps NCCC.

AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps State National

http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/state_national.asp

If you are...

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Authorized in 1964 and founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993. VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 45 years.

The largest of AmeriCorps programs, AmeriCorps State and National provides funds to local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health and the environment.

• over age 17
• looking to put your idealism into practice
• interested in earning money to pay for college or to pay off student loans
• eager to gain new skills—or to apply the ones you already have
• interested in helping others and making a difference in your community
• Offers both Direct Service and Indirect Service

If you are...

• concerned about poverty in America
• at least 18 years old
• either a college graduate or have a few years of work experience and skills
• an organizer, a resource-builder, a self-starter
• patient enough to work on a project that might not show results quickly
• interested in helping a low-income community establish a new program or enhance an existing program to help itself—and knowing it will continue long after you're gone
• comfortable staying in one community for the entire year
• Indirect Service

… then you might consider joining AmeriCorps State National

http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/state_national.asp

… then you might consider joining AmeriCorps VISTA.

http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista.asp

Different AmeriCorps Programs

Direct vs Indirect service

Direct-service volunteers are the most visible form of service i.e., delivering food boxes, shelving books in a library, building playgrounds. Whether it's in an office or somewhere out in the woods, direct service volunteer roles are all about getting involved in hands-on, tangible ways.

AmeriCorps VISTA

http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp

AmeriCorps NCCC

http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp

AmeriCorps State National

http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_state.asp

In-Direct service - Working behind scenes. Creating partnerships, writing grants, and creating "train the trainer" modules