AmeriCorps Week
Dear Editor: I am writing in celebration of AmeriCorps Week which is March 7-13. This week is for celebrating the contributions of over 1 million members who have served since the program’s inception in 1994.
The AmeriCorps tagline describes its mission in six simple words: “Bring Out the Best of America.” Indeed, it has – and then some. Since its inception more than two decades ago as the centerpiece program of the Corporation for National & Community Service, (now condensed to just AmeriCorps) has matched more than 1 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds with non-profit organizations, schools, public agencies, and other service groups across the country. These AmeriCorps members not only tackle pressing community issues, themselves; they also mobilize armies of volunteers for their organizations.
AmeriCorps enjoys a similarly long history of service in Alaska. Founded in 1994 by Gov. Walter J. Hickel, Serve Alaska promotes and supports volunteerism across the state. It is overseen by no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 voting commission members appointed by the governor. The Serve Alaska sub-grantees operate in almost every region of the state, bringing much needed support and training to rural and urban Alaska. Serve Alaska is housed within the Division for Community and Regional Affairs and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development at the State of Alaska.
The Sitka AmeriCorps Program’s responsibilities include the recruitment, placement, evaluation, and support of AmeriCorps members – 33 positions at 15 different sites in Sitka. Placements for 2020-21 include the Sitka School District (including the REACH homeschool program), Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Sitka Counseling, Sitkans Against Family Violence, University of Alaska, Youth Advocates of Sitka, Raven’s Way of Sitka, Wooch.een Headstart, and KCAW.
Technically these are not volunteer positions, but service positions. AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, health insurance (if needed) and, at the end of their service, the Segal Education Award, valid for seven years. The benefit may be applied to current or future post-secondary education (including vocational school), matched by schools of national service, or repayment of qualified student loans. Dollar amounts change from year to year but remain equal to the U.S. Department of Education Pell Grant (in 2020 that was $6,295).
Though every host in America carries out AmeriCorps’s national service initiatives, each tailors its work to fit a specific local goal. In this case, Sitka AmeriCorps Program has focused on building resiliency for Alaskan youths who experience high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE’s) and COVID-19 mitigation and learning loss recovery.
It is a privilege to continue developing a strong AmeriCorps presence in Sitka. AmeriCorps members serve 1700 hours a year. Currently our program has 33 members. This translates to 56,100 hours annually. The most recent value of volunteer time, as estimated by Independent Sector, is $24.14/hr. At that rate, Sitka AmeriCorps members provide $1,354,254.00 worth of direct service to Sitka.
In addition to the community and the organizations involved, the rewards of the Sitka AmeriCorps program also extend to its members. A year of AmeriCorps service helps members develop crucial skills such as communication, public speaking, leadership, professionalism, organizational thinking, and confidence. AmeriCorps members are not limited to college students or recent graduates.
It can be an opportunity for stay-at-home parents thinking about returning to the workforce, or recent retirees, looking to stay active. AmeriCorps members older than 55 at the start of service can pass along their education benefit to their children or grandchildren. AmeriCorps is not just for young people, and you do not have to come from “down south.” You just need to be motivated, passionate and have a heart to serve the under-served.
Many of the current Sitka AmeriCorps positions will be available for next year and recruitment for fall placement begins this March.
Learn more at http://AmeriCorps.gov.
Sarah Lawrie, Program Director,
Sitka AmeriCorps Program
