AmeriCorps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the United States, AmeriCorps is a network of more than 3,000 non-profit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. It was created in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. More than 70,000 individuals join AmeriCorps each year. There have been more than 400,000 members since 1994. The work done by these groups ranges from public education to environmental clean-up.
AmeriCorps is a division of the Corporation For National and Community Service, which also oversees the Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. Collectively, these three programs represent a total of more than 2 million members in service each year. AmeriCorps itself is split into three main divisions -- AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).
Eli Segal, who helped shape the national service legislation, served as the first chief executive officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
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[edit] AmeriCorps organizations
[edit] AmeriCorps NCCC
Image:Americorps NCCC Team.jpg See Also: National Civilian Community Corps
The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a national service initiative in the United States for individuals 18 to 24 years of age that operates as part of the broader AmeriCorps service network. Its stated mission is "to strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service." Corps members work together in close teams of 10-12 on community service projects in the area surrounding them. Target issues include the environment, education, public safety, affordable housing and unmet needs, and homeland security and disaster relief. Typical service projects generally last six to eight weeks and may include national park maintenance, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, or working to help improve local schools. A select number of NCCC members are also trained in firefighting duties. Teams usually complete four to six projects during the course of the program.
Teams are distributed around the country at four regional campuses, located in Sacramento, California, Denver, Colorado, Charleston, South Carolina, and Perry Point, Maryland, each of which is responsible for a different surrounding region of states. Teams may travel off campus to service projects in surrounding states in trips known as "spikes," where they live in temporary housing in the local community for the duration of the project. Over the course of the 10-month service commitment team members complete a total of 1,700 hours of community service each, including 80 hours toward a project they initiate, develop, and complete independently. In 2005-06, corps members from all five campuses provided extensive support for the recovery efforts in the Gulf Region after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
NCCC members receive a living stipend during the course of their service in addition to government-provided housing, food, medical insurance, and uniforms -- which must be worn during all service activities. Completion of AmeriCorps qualifies the corps member for an education award of $4,725 that may be used to repay student loans or to fund future studies.
In February 2006, the White House included only $5 million (down from $27 million) for AmeriCorps*NCCC in its budget proposal, effectively shutting down the program. The White House branded the program as "ineffective," citing its own Office of Management and Budget analysis, which concluded that the program is under-performing. The decision to end the NCCC program drew fire from NCCC alumni, some members of Congress, and those who support its efforts to improve the environment, strengthen education, and assist with disaster-response. The White House funding decision was praised by many conservatives.[1]
[edit] AmeriCorps*VISTA
AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) was started as VISTA in 1965, before being renamed when it became part of the AmeriCorps network in 1993. Since its creation, more than 160,000 people have dedicated at least a year of their lives to poverty reduction through voluntary service. VISTA members work for local non-profit and government agencies to help address issues related to poverty. The program focuses on trying to build community resources and capacity in addressing poverty-related problems rather than on directly serving populations in need. Currently over 6,000 VISTA members are serving in the United States.
[edit] See also
- Youth service
- Service learning
- Community service
- Volunteers in Service to America [VISTA]
- Bill Clinton
- Volunteerism
