1) Following are some common questions that others have when talking to AmeriCorps members. Encourage members to think or talk through their own personal responses to these questions:
Before you joined:
- How did you hear about AmeriCorps?
- Why did you decide to join?
- What doubts did you have about joining?
- Were your friends and family supportive of your decision? If not, how did you convince them it was a good opportunity?
After you joined:
- What's it like to be an AmeriCorps member?
- What have you enjoyed most about your experience?
- What are some challenges you have faced?
- What have you learned about yourself?
- What have you learned about your community and other people?
2) Have members explain what AmeriCorps is by what the diverse programs have in common:
- It's adventure.
- It's experience.
- It's benefits.
- It's helping others.
3) Have members plan a presentation for their local school, place of worship, or community group. They can also write a letter to their community or college paper. Explain to members how to answer these common questions about AmeriCorps:
What is AmeriCorps?
There are more than 1,000 AmeriCorps local and national programs. Many are run by organizations you may have heard of, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, City Year, and American Red Cross. Others are run by smaller, local organizations, such as community centers, local governments, and faith-based organizations.
Where do AmeriCorps members serve?
AmeriCorps members serve throughout the country, and they have a variety of skills and interests. Some people stay in their own community or work nearby, while others choose to relocate and work in a community across the country.
What training do AmeriCorps members receive?
Each program provides training to help members do the best job possible. For example, a member in an education project may receive training on how to teach or be a tutor. Another member who is recruiting volunteers to restore low-income houses will be trained in public speaking or volunteer outreach.
What are the requirements?
Applicants to AmeriCorps must be at least 17 years old, but each program sets its own requirements and age limits depending on need and structure. Some programs are looking for people with college degrees, and others accept people who have not finished high school. There is no upper age limit for most programs. All members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
What are the benefits?
Members of AmeriCorps programs get the chance to try new things, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. All members receive a modest living allowance, and many programs offer health insurance during the service term and may even provide housing, transportation, and other benefits. Some projects offer part-time positions for those attending school, working at a job, or caring for a family. AmeriCorps members who complete a term of service also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award.
How can people apply?
Visit the AmeriCorps website to learn more and apply directly to specific programs. State service commissions also have information about most programs.
4) When they are talking to others about AmeriCorps, encourage members to remember the following:
Do:
- Tell your family and friends about your experiences.
- Contact your high school or college and offer to talk to a class.
- Send a letter to the editor of your local paper. Encourage others to join in the effort to improve your community and the country.
- Participate on the AmeriCorps Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter.
- Join AmeriCorps Alums, the official organization for AmeriCorps alumni created by alums, for alums.
- Learn about AmeriCorps in your state. Get to know other AmeriCorps members in your community and learn their stories.
- Share your story and read other AmeriCorps member profiles on the Stories of Service page.
- Continue to talk about your experience after you finish service. People want to hear about your experiences.
Don't:
- Make up answers. If someone asks you a question and you are not sure of the answer, it's okay to say, "I'm not sure. But you can call the 800 number and find out from them." Or get their contact information and follow up.
- Make promises. Don't ever say someone will definitely get in; you can encourage them and say they have a good chance, but make no guarantees.
- Assume other programs are like yours. Don't make generalizations about other programs unless you are sure of the answer.
5) For information or to get materials, members can contact the National Service Hotline at 800-942-2677.