AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a national service network that connects over 70,000 Americans every year to serve in a number of areas. The network’s programs address community needs such as fostering academic achievement, combating poverty, and preserving our national parks. Members are dedicated to their service for a specified period of time and receive a living allowance, financial aid, and educational opportunities.
Members serve in communities across the country, including local government, nonprofits, and tribal nations. Through their service, they develop leadership skills, promote civic engagement, and increase their personal development. The program also opens up a range of career opportunities. There are literally hundreds of different service opportunities to choose from.
AmeriCorps National Services is one of the largest programs in the United States, providing grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Its programs also include the Public Land Corps and the Urban Youth Corps. In addition to these two, the Education Corps, Clean Energy Corps, Veterans Corps, and Opportunity Corps are also eligible for funding. The mission of these programs is to empower individuals to address issues facing their communities.
AmeriCorps National Services is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Each state has a service commission that works with the Corporation to administer AmeriCorps and other national service programs. These commissions assist state-level nonprofits and public agencies to fulfill their goals and missions.
National service builds leadership and problem-solving skills. In fact, nine out of ten AmeriCorps graduates report an improvement in these skills. And eight out of ten say they were better equipped to deal with challenges in their communities. The organization also provides networking opportunities for members and professional development opportunities.
AmeriCorps Seniors
AmeriCorps Seniors is a program run by the United States government that engages volunteers age 55 and up to serve their communities. The program currently has over 200,000 volunteers nationwide. Whether you’re looking to serve the community, or you’re simply looking to meet new people, this program has a job for you.
Volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors can be a rewarding experience. The network is home to a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in different areas, such as tutoring youth, serving the elderly, providing disaster relief, and more. For example, if you’re interested in helping out at a soup kitchen, you could help out by cooking and preparing meals. Other volunteer opportunities involve tutoring youth and providing guidance on public benefits or small business operations. Another great way to get involved with AmeriCorps Seniors is to provide companionship to a homebound elderly person.
In New York, AmeriCorps members help combat the opioid/heroin epidemic. Through a combination of service learning and community engagement, AmeriCorps members are leveraging the talents and skills of 50 volunteer service members to create a comprehensive strategy to combat the problem.
To become an AmeriCorps Senior, you must meet income requirements that are lower than 200% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, this means having a gross income of $2,146 a month, or $2,903 for a couple. You can also deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition to the training and support that is provided, AmeriCorps Seniors members also receive compensation for their time and effort.
In addition to these services, AmeriCorps members help to improve 100 acres of parks and 80 miles of trails. In addition, they leverage the expertise of 125 other volunteer members to engage in activities that benefit the environment and the community. They also assist veterans and low-income families in achieving financial stability.
The organization is sponsored by McLennan Community College and funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The mission of AmeriCorps Seniors is to encourage volunteer service by empowering older adults to fulfill their civic and national responsibilities. They also help improve the lives of the elderly in their communities by providing light-duty chores and interacting with doctors.
