AmeriCorps: Improve your community for the long run
72The job no one else understands
The latest news of my life? I just got accepted into the Americorps program!
For those who haven't heard of AmeriCorps, it's basically like the Peace Corps, only set in the United States. It still involves helping others, whether with work outdoors or in, with health or safety, education or business. There are different corps groups for graduates of high school or college, or senior citizens. Teach for America, for instance, is a subgroup of AmeriCorps.
Serving in AmeriCorps often entails being committed for a year - sometimes two - to whatever you apply to. Sometimes the exact organization you choose to join may have different groups within it.
For instance, the AmeriCorps organization I got accepted into - City Year San Jose - includes two groups: Heroes, involved in schools, and Civic Engagement, in the community. Just some of its values include diversity and teamwork, and it holds special unity exercises every morning just to get everyone pumped up.
For the position I will take on, I will be tutoring, assisting teachers and organizing after-school programs. I've always wanted to be involved in education, and now I'm going to get paid for it without even having a teaching credential! Also, AmeriCorps employees get medical and dental benefits, education awards of around $4,700, and often childcare benefits!
I've been warned the the position is quite a bit of work, including training periods, occasional weekend and evening events, and intense commitment. However, I love children so much and I want so much to take on a position such as this before I have to jump into the world of high-powered careers.
I encourage recent or soon-to-be graduates - high school or college - to consider joining AmeriCorps or a related organization after graduation. What a great way to serve your community! You'll have your whole life to make money and get involved in a long-term career... why not spend a year or two helping others?
There are so many kinds of service you can get involved with through AmeriCorps. Take a look at the Web site - http://www.americorps.org - to learn more about the organization, search service opportunities, and start an application!
And also... AmeriCorps didn't even tell me to make a hub like this :) That's how much I believe in the organization and its goals.
- AmeriCorps
Since 1993, more than 200,000 Americans have served in AmeriCorps. Most AmeriCorps members are selected by and serve with local and national organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. - City Year. Give a Year. Change the World.
City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors, and role models, these leaders make a difference in the lives of children.
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Comments
Congratulations; it's a great program!
Best of luck with this new adventure.
If I were your age again I'd jump at the chance!
Good for you!
The great thing is that there are AmeriCorps programs for people who aren't young or haven't recently graduated from school! :)
That's great! I never heard of it, thank you for bringing it to our attention.
In The Doghouse says:
2 years ago
You go girl, I think this is great! Anytime you have an opportunity to render service such as this I think you need to take it and run. After all, who knows if you will ever be in the position to do this again. Go for it and enjoy every minute of it. Congratulations!