AmeriCorps: Could This Be the Right Service Program for You?

There are several organizations one can join in order to fulfill a dream or desire to help others. Most people have heard of The Peace Corps or various branches of the United States Military, and thousands of people do take advantage of all that can be learned and gained through these organizations. The problem for some is that The Peace Corps requires a minimum of a 2 or 4 year college degree and at least a 2 year commitment outside of the United States and away from one's family, including children. The military requires plenty of rigorous physical and mental training, though on the up side, one can have their loved ones close by thanks to military bases. Not everyone can meet the various requirements of The Peace Corps and the military, whether it's due to a physical or mental limitation, lack of a college degree, or the inability to be separated from family.

AmeriCorps is a fantastic alternative. Sometimes referred to as "the domestic Peace Corps," AmeriCorps has an extremely wide range of programs, all within the United States or United States territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AmeriCorps is made up of three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), and AmeriCorps VISTA.

VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) is specifically focused on fighting poverty. Founded in 1965, Vista has been on the front lines fighting against poverty for more than forty years. As a VISTA member, you serve full time for one year at either a non-profit organization or local government agency, fighting illiteracy, improving health services, creating businesses, or strengthening community groups, among other things. If working intimately with families and children is what interests you most, then VISTA may not be the program for you. Instead of working closely with individuals, VISTA members "...focus efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic develop, and otherwise assist low-income communities. VISTAs develop programs to meet a need, write grants, and recruit and train volunteers." (http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista_activities.asp)

NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) members are aged 18-24, work in the program full time, and are stationed at one of the following campuses: Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Vinton, Iowa. What NCCC members do is quite different from VISTA members. For ten months out of the year, NCCC members go through various trainings, including CPR, first aid, and public safety even before they start their service projects. Each of the five regional campuses is a base, and from there, service members travel to complete projects throughout those regions. NCCC members serve in teams of eight to twelve.

State and National is the largest of the three AmeriCorps branches. There is no age limit for serving in State and National. "State and National provides funds to 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. Each of these organizations and agencies, in turn, uses their AmeriCorps funding to recruit, place, and supervise AmeriCorps members. " (http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/state_national.asp).

Each AmeriCorps program offers different benefits. Depending on which branch and which program within that branch you join, the benefits can be as follows: childcare coverage, health coverage, housing, training, relocation allowance and a stipend or living allowance. Some programs require your full attention, some allow for a side job or time for night school.

It's important when considering AmeriCorps that you consider your personal situation. Think about the following: Do you have children? If you relocate, you'll have to think about daycare, school, housing, babysitters, after school and weekend activities, and special needs cases. Are you married? Do you have pets? Do you already work full or part time? Would your supervisor be willing to hold your position for you? Will you quit your job? Will you move permanently or will you return to your home at the end of your term of service? This is also a good time to consider a new budgeting system, since an AmeriCorps living allowance is modest, at best. Do you have enough in savings? Consider applying for food stamps and WIC. Do you have Medicaid? If the answer is yes and your program of choice does NOT offer medical coverage, you may have to begin the process of applying for Medicaid in a new state if you plan to relocate. These are all pressing matters to think about, but if you plan carefully and don't rush yourself, you and your family can benefit greatly from the AmeriCorps experience.

Everyone takes something different away from a term of service with AmeriCorps. Networking, resume building, and developing new skills are some of the very basic building blocks one can gain in AmeriCorps. Different programs may offer different trainings and outside volunteer opportunities, and most if not all programs offer something close to the end of each term called Life After Service, a series of trainings that prepare members for heading back out into the "real" world.

One of the biggest benefits is the education award that every member receives after completing their hours. The amount of the award varies depending on what branch you serve in and whether you're a full time or part time member. Your education award can be used to pay off student loans, buy books for school, or pay for school tuition.

When all is said and done, a term of service (or two, or three) with AmeriCorps can be an amazing and rewarding experience. For more information, go to the official site at www.americorps.gov and check out the details there.