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AmeriCorps Member Orientation
An Introduction to the Year Ahead: Who and
What
Introductions
Name Site Name and location What are you doing at your site?
AmeriCorps Program Staff
Cole Thompson Steve Niles JB Carson Billye Senecal Joely Ross Cati Mitchell
Jen Craven
Maine Program Manager
AmeriCorps Alum Daily contact for sites
and members Site visits
Dave Wurm
NH and VT Program Manager AmeriCorps Alum Daily contact for sites and members Site visits
Joely Ross
Program Manager AmeriCorps Alum Oversee operations
of all Goodwill AmeriCorps Grants
Website Troubleshooter
Steve Niles
Director Of AmeriCorps Programs
Oversees all Goodwill AmeriCorps Grants
AmeriCorps Alum 15 yrs AC
Experience
JB Carson
The Clerical Queen Administrative Specialist (works with
Payroll, file maintenance, insurance)
Cole Thompson
Director of Youth and AmeriCorps Programs
Grievance Officer Site visits
Billye Senecal
Emergency Response Corps Program Manager
Cati Mitchell College Access
Corps Program Manager
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a vast network of National Service Programs meeting critical needs in communities
throughout the US
AmeriCorps is a federally funded initiative operating under the governance of the Corporation for National
and Community Service (CNCS)
History of AmeriCorps1933-1942 Franklin D. Roosevelt creates the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Now NCCC restore the nation's parks revitalize the economy support their families and themselves.
1961: Peace Corps, JFK
"The wisdom of this idea is that someday we'll bring it home to America."
History Continued… 1964: VISTA, President Lynden
Johnson – “War on Poverty” – “Domestic Peace Corps” – National Teacher Corps, Job Corps, and
University Year of Action 1970s: Foster GP, RSVP, Senior
Companions
AmeriCorps Today
1989: Points of Light: foster volunteering
Legislation built on President H.W. Bush 1990 National Service Act
1990 National Service Act Officially Launched AmeriCorps
1993: President Clinton Signs National and Community Service Act: Establishes the CNCS
2009: Serve America Act
“Service is a spark to rekindle the spirit of democracy in an age of
uncertainty. When it is all said and done, it comes down to three simple questions: What is right? What is wrong? And what are we going
to do about it?”
President William Jefferson Clinton
Interesting Facts
First AC members began serving 1994
AmeriCorps engages more than 70,000 Americans every year
More than 500,000 members have served since 1994
AmeriCorps Program Branches
AmeriCorps is made up of three main programs:
AmeriCorps State and National AmeriCorps VISTA AmeriCorps NCCC (National
Civilian Community Corps).
AmeriCorps State and National
AmeriCorps State and National supports a broad range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs.
AmeriCorps VISTA
AmeriCorps VISTA provides full-time members to community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty
AmeriCorps NCCC
The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)
full-time residential program ages 18-24 strengthens communities develops leaders through direct,
team-based national and community service.
AmeriCorps Programs in your state!Maine AmeriCorps
Maine Conservation Corps Maine Rural Health Corps Emergency Response Corps Downeast Community Health Corps College Access Corps
VISTA Maine Campus Compact Maine Time Dollar Network Senior $ense VolunteerMaine VISTA Project Independent Transportation Network Communities for Children and Youth (C4CY)
Goodwill Northern New England Mission
– "Through employment, residential, educational and support services, Goodwill works to enhance the social and economic independence of people with disabilities and others who experience barriers to such independence."
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England's network of businesses include, retailer with 25 stores in Maine and New Hampshire and Vermont, 6 donation sites, an online auction site, wiping cloth manufacturer/distributor and international salvage sales and export.
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England Human Service Programs provide rehabilitation, employment, and residential support to individuals with disabilities and disadvantages in Maine and New Hampshire. Goodwill's programs are funded by our own retail businesses, government funding sources, grants, corporate and individual donors.
Maine Commission for Community Service
Mission: To foster community service and volunteerism to meet human and environmental needs in the State of Maine.
Maine AmeriCorps. The Commission currently funds AmeriCorps program that have statewide impact. It administers $1 million in grant funds for AmeriCorps crew programs that address the need for first responders in rural areas, affordable and accessible housing for senior citizens and people with mobility restrictions, water pollution, and increased opportunities for youth to volunteer in their communities. Each program is selected and approved through a competitive grant process.
The Commission is our grant funder. Our program reports to MCCS.
Disaster and AmeriCorps
Trained and ready to serve Mobilization of members
History of the CRC Teach Maine, Wolfe’s Neck Farm
Training Resource Center-12 members
Training Resource Center-40 members
Training Resource Center-expanded ed only program-56 slots
Goodwill Northern New England
Goodwill International
Goals/ObjectivesCommunity StrengtheningGoal - Volunteer Generation: Members will recruit volunteers to deliver services within the community.
Output: Members recruit and support new volunteers for the organization.Intermediate Outcome: Organizations report an increase of volunteer hours.End Outcome: Increased capacity of organizations to deliver services.
Goal - Organizational Capacity:Members serve with organizations and provide training and support in implementing essential practices.
Output: Members placed with organizations will help implement essential practices in volunteer management.Intermediate Outcome: Organizations will adapt/implement at least 1 new essential practice during the AmeriCorps term.End Outcome: Organizations will strengthen their capabilities to manage their volunteer evaluation.
Goals continued….Member Professional DevelopmentGoal: AmeriCorps members participate in statewide and
programspecific training events, individual learning sessions at
placementsites, and peer support networks with program team over
theyear of service.
Output: AmeriCorps members will receive training in personal
growth, professional development, and technical skills required to
complete their service term.Intermediate Outcomes: AmeriCorps members will report
that thetraining was beneficial to their professional development,
andservice term.End Outcomes: AmeriCorps members will increase their
skills andKnowledge required for their service term.
CRC Website: www.goodwillnne.org/crc
Who else is in the CRC?
FAQs
Benefits of Being a MemberStipended Benefits: Stipend (see benefits chart) Education Award (see benefits chart)
Link to Ed Award info: http://americorps.org/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award.asp
You have 7 years to use this, it is taxable Loan forbearance Interest Accrual Health Insurance
Link to insurance: http://www.summitamerica-ins.com/enrollment/school_insurance.aspx?AFID=4&SCID=37&THID=TCN&THID=TCN
You’re covered from your first day of your term to the last day of the last month of your term.
– Food stamps Workers Compensation Can have second job or attend school during term Training
Link to training: http://www.goodwillnne.org/programs/crc-become-member.php
Child Care reimbursement Link to child care: http://www.naccrra.org/americorps/
Education Award Only Benefits: Education Award (see benefits chart) Loan Forbearance Interest Accrual
AmeriCorps Insurance
Insurance Info Video
https://welcome2.willis.com/ebvideo/Document%20Library/National%20Practice/The%20Corps%20Network%20Plan%20Member%20Training/index.htm?AFID=4&SCID=37&THID=TCN
Benefits Chart
Hours Stipend Ed Award
1700 $11,400 $4,725
900 $5,700 $2,362.50
450 $2,850 $1250
300 $2,280 $1000
Google GroupThis is a place for members statewide (AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps
national, AmeriCorps VISTA) to openly share on a variety of topics. Getting in touch with another member (or 100 members) is as easy as emailing
Join the Google Group! Go to: http://www.goodwillnne.org/programs/crc-become-member.php
Scroll to bottom of page, enter your email, and follow steps to join the group.
Possible topics to use the Google Group For:
Seeking a carpool to an AmeriCorps event
Finding out who other members are in your region
Sharing a training opportunity for other members to attend if interested
Inviting members to a social event
Sharing tips to live off the stipend
Google Group Home Page
Discussions
Member Resource Pages
Attachments
Policies to Work By
Policies and Procedures
Prohibited/Allowable Activities Alcohol/Drug Policy Harrasment Civil Rights Grievance Procedure Workplace Injury
Allowable Activities
Direct Service: providing training; teaching or tutoring,
mediating; counseling; recruiting volunteers; operating education programs for youth or clients; preparing for class; coaching; listening or providing health care, food, clothing; filling out paperwork directly related to member projects.
Members are encouraged to vote in government elections. This time can be counted in their direct service.
Allowable Activities Continued….
Education & Training: only applicable when related to
AmeriCorps service All orientations, including the AmeriCorps
orientation, state or regional trainings, seminars, or workshops pertaining to issues related to direct service.
A maximum of 20% of all of a member’s credited hours can be dedicated to education and training.
Members cannot count any hours for performing prohibited activities.
Prohibited Activities Influencing legislation Assignments that displace employees Voter registration drives by AmeriCorps members are an
unacceptable service activity. In addition, Corporation funds may not be used to conduct a voter registration drive
Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes Assisting, promoting or deterring union organizing Engaging in partisan political activities or other activities designed to
influence the outcome of an election to any public office Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to
include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials
Engaging in religious instruction; conducting worship services; providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship; maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship; or engaging in any form of religious proselytizing.
Providing a direct benefit to: A for-profit entity; labor union; partisan political organization.
Prohibited Fundraising Activities
Raising funds for his or her living allowance
Raising funds for an organization’s operating expenses or endowment
Writing grant applications for AmeriCorps funding or for any other funding provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Writing grant applications for funding provided by any other federal agencies.
Approved Fundraising Activities
Seeking donations of books from companies and individuals for a program in which volunteers tutor children to read
Writing a grant proposal to a foundation to secure resources to support the training of volunteers
Securing supplies and equipment from the community to enable volunteers to help build houses for low-income individuals
Seeking a donation from alumni of the program for specific service projects being performed by current members.
Alcohol/Drug Policy the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation,
possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in The Community Resource Corps / Emergency Response Corps’ workplaces and program.
conviction of any criminal drug statute must be reported immediately to the Community Resource Corps / Emergency Response Corps Program Coordinator.
the employee's employment, or the Member's participation is conditioned upon compliance with the notice requirements; and
certain actions will be taken against employees and Members for violations of such prohibitions as stated in the rest of this document, the Member Participation Agreement, or the employment contract
Harassment Our policy is to provide work and service environments free from sexual, racial,
national origin or religious harassment. Whether in Corporation or grantee offices, in other work- or service-related settings such as service sites, training sessions or site visits or at work- or service-related social events, such harassment is unacceptable.
What is Sexual Harassment?Sexual Harassment is deliberate and/or repeated behavior which is sex‑based or of a
sexual nature and which is unwelcome and unsolicited. Behavior that is sexual in nature may be verbal ‑ such as comments about a
person's looks, personal inquiries, sexual jokes, use of derogatory sexual stereotypes ("babe", “hunk", "doll"),whistling, non‑verbal ‑ such as looking someone up and down, staring at or leering at someone's body, deliberate blocking of a person's path, displaying sexual visuals, writing sexual notes, making sexual gestures; or physical ‑ such as massaging, touching, deliberate brushing up against someone, hugging, pinching, grabbing or actual sexual assault.
Whether the behavior is unwelcome is determined by the recipient and/or by others offended by the behavior, not by the person doing the behavior.
The more severe the behavior is, the fewer times it needs to be repeated before it would reasonably considered harassment.
Sexual harassment is essentially a power issue; the harasser either thinks or knows, consciously or unconsciously, that he or she has more power than the harassed.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:– Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of an individual's employment;– Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis
for reemployment decisions affecting such individual; or– Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an
individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Civil Rights Recognizing that the fabric of our society is
strengthened by the diversity of its citizens, the policy of the Corporation for National and Community Service is to ensure a mutual respect for all differences among us. Participation in the Corporation and its programs and projects will be based on merit and equal opportunity for all, without regard to factors such as race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, military service or religious, community, or social affiliations. By adhering to this policy, the Corporation will be able to foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as people, and provide educational opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
Grievance Procedures Any Member who has a concern about the Program or the way he/she has
been treated by the Program, or by another Member, or who believes the Program is not conforming to AmeriCorps® rules or any law, and specifically, if a grievance concerning any disciplinary action taken against him/her by the Program, he/she must:
First, take his/her concern/grievance to the Site Supervisor If he/she is not satisfied with the response of the Site Supervisor he/she
may appeal to the Program Coordinator. If the Member is appealing a disciplinary action, the first appeal is made
to the highest‑ranking staff person who was officially party to the disciplinary action.
If all appeals to the Program staff are unsatisfactory, the Member may request resolution through alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation. The Program Coordinator may agree to ADR or may refer the grievant to the formal grievance proceeding.
If there is an adverse decision against the grievant, he or she may submit the grievance to binding arbitration under the terms of the grievance procedure of the AmeriCorps® Special Provision which is part of the Program's grant award agreement.
All actions under this process must be taken in a timely fashion. All issues should be resolved in a matter of days, or if logistics prove difficult, within several weeks. The maximum allowable times, however, are those given in the AmeriCorps® grievance requirements referenced above.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, any program action that is being grieved will remain in force unless the action is overruled in the grievance process.
Workplace Injury Policy
Goodwill is responsible for Workers Compensation insurance for the AmeriCorps program. If an on-the-job injury occurs, we will need to rely on you for important first steps in dealing with the situation. Here is what you should do:
1. The first priority with a workplace injury is to get medical attention for the injured worker.
2. Secondly, contact AmeriCorps staff notifying them of the injury and to fill out necessary paperwork.
3. Next steps would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Reasonable Accommodation
Goodwill AmeriCorps positions and activities must be accessible to persons with disabilities, and Goodwill AmeriCorps programs must provide reasonable accommodation to the known mental or physical disabilities of otherwise qualified members, service recipients, applicants, and program staff. All selections and project assignments must be made without regard to the need to provide reasonable accommodations.
Getting Paid
ATTENTION!
Please read over all info BEFORE entering timesheets…it will make your job A LOT easier!
You should have received your login information when you did your enrollment paperwork.
If you didn’t receive a password, check your junk/spam filter. This email will come from [email protected] with Subject: TRC Name and Password.
If you don’t have your password, please email your Program Manager and they’ll resend a password from the site. You can also request a password reminder from the login page.
Timesheet Policy Timesheets are completed online every week
(preferably on Fridays) Written Warning: If you fail to submit timesheets for two
consecutive weeks or if there are two timesheets missing at any given time
Paycheck Withheld: If you fail to submit the delinquent timesheets within 7 days of your written warning (for stipended members)
Suspension (without pay for those receiving a stipend): If you fail to submit the delinquent timesheets for another 7 days. No hours can be logged during suspension. Pay withheld due to suspension, or any other disciplinary action, will not be reimbursed at a later date.
Each member will be allowed a maximum of two written warnings before a review of their file to explore release for cause.
– Note that a site supervisor’s failure to approve timesheets will not have a negative effect on a member pay under this policy.
Cannot exceed 20%Cannot exceed 10%
**A stipended member cannot change their end date/end early even if they complete their hours. Make sure you’re on target to finish your hours appropriately.
Drop Down Box
Items members can easily track and fill inItems supervisors need to figure out weekly calculation for. These numbers usually remain the same throughout the term
Numbers Members must report weekly on regarding volunteer stats
**If a drop down selection box does not appear on this part of the form, contact your program manager before submitting. There is an error with the setup in the website that is easily fixed.
The timesheet will be returned to the site sueprvisor if
any inkind information is
missing. Do not submit a timesheet
without inkind.
Don’t fret about getting exact numbers for inkind.
All totals auto calc.
1. Use the decimals below for tracking hours:on the hour = .0015 minutes = .2530 minutes = .50 45 minutes = .75
2. Daily hours are divided between service, fundraising, and training hours on weekly timesheets3. Timesheets must be submitted for every week in a member’s term even if they serve no hours in the week.5. Hours can only be recorded when one participates in AmeriCorps service or training. Members do not obtain hours for holidays, vacation, or sick time. Members are welcome to take vacations, holidays, or sick time in accordance to their site policy, but no hours will be obtained in replace of this time taken.
***Supervisor will receive an email from the website when you click submit button. You will not be able to change entries upon submission. You can request your Program Manager to return your timesheet if you’ve made a mistake.
All totals auto calc.
Service: catch all for volunteer work. Direct service, office work, planning, paperwork, etc.
Training: time spent receiving training (workshops, conferences, orientation)
20% max in time allowed.
Fundraising: time spent fundraising, writing grants (restrictions on writing federal grants and grants for operating budgets. 10% max in time allowed.
*To review all timesheets submitted and awaiting submission
Approved by supervisor
Awaiting Supervisor Approval
Saved by member to submit
later
When to Contact your Program Manager
You don’t see any submit/approve, calculate or save buttons on your timesheet
You don’t see a drop down box on the inkind/volunteer page for your supervision
You don’t see a start and end date on your Timesheet Status Box
Your start and end date on the Timesheet Status Box are wrong
Your Review Timesheets page is labeling timesheets inappropriately as needing submission, etc.
You need a timesheet returned to you because you accidently submitted the wrong hours/info.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to contact your Program
Manager if you have questions.
Training and Service/Reporting and
Evaluation
Training Requirements1700 hour member: Complete 4 trainings
900 hour member: Complete 2 trainings
Training Menu:
Participate in AmeriCorps sponsored events
Grant Writing, Volunteer Management, Service Project, Networking event, Life After AmeriCorps, Orientation, etc
Attend conferences/workshops that your site sends you to
Find a training on your own to attend
This doesn’t have to relate to what you’re doing at your site and can be related to another professional development goal you have.
Funds are provided by AmeriCorps to support approved trainings.
Training CalendarWhat is an “AmeriCorps Sponsored Event”?Training/event is hosted by AmeriCorps and paid by
AmeriCorps (we pay for everything, meals, travel, registration)
This does not include ALL notifications regarding training opportunities, so don’t assume we’ll pay for you to go unless we tell you there’s no cost and we’re paying mileage (your site might be able to cover mileage and registration costs, ask).
Training and Service Opportunities
Blaine House Conference-October 13th
All AmeriCorps Retreat-October 14th
CRC Orientation-October 15th
Publicity and Social Media-early November and January
Volunteer Management-November 18th Grant Writing-early December MLK Day Activities-January 19th Volunteer Management Conference-March Member Conference-March Life After AmeriCorps-May National AmeriCorps Week of Service-May Celebration of Service-June First Aid/CPR-spring
Service Projects MLK Day AmeriCorps Week
Travel Reimbursement Only travel to AmeriCorps Sponsored
Training is reimbursable– Approved Meals w/ receipt– Mileage: 44 cents/mile or 49 cents per mile
carpool – Tolls
Submit to AmeriCorps Within 30 days– If submitted after 60 days from event, you will
NOT be reimbursed. Reimbursement made through biweekly
paycheck. Other trainings and travel not allowable Sites responsible for reimbursing mileage
for work related travel at rate that they reimburse staff
Mileage Reimbursed
Reimbursed mileage is limited to THE NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELED IN EXCESS IF NORMAL COMMUTING MILES. For purposes of this policy, Normal Commuting Miles is defined as the round trip distance between a member’s residence and their designated site location.
Example: A member whose site is in Lewiston, ME and lives in Portland, ME travels on business round trip from their home to Portsmouth, NH in their personal car. The round trip distance from their home to Portsmouth in 90 miles. Their normal Commuting Miles (Portland home to Lewiston office) is 84. The member would be reimbursed for the 6 miles in excess of Normal Commuting Miles.
Receipts Required
Follow instructions on reverse of the mileage reimbursement form
Receipt must contain merchant name, description of item or service, and amount of purchase.
Receipt must include name of each person dining and explanation of business purpose on reverse side of receipt.
Meals not reimbursable unless traveling overnight or meeting during mealtime.
Expense Reimbursement Form
Quarterly Reports Quarterly Report Form
Partners Form
Training Log
Complete the forms and go over them with your supervisor. Once you’ve done this, upload them onto the paperwork website, www.trc-maine.com/trc/login.php.
Send any attachments (photos, newspaper articles, brochures, etc) to [email protected].
Reports are submitted on the 7th day of January, April, July, and your last day of your term OR October.
Volunteer StatsDirections for Volunteer and Individuals Served Stats: Only
count each person once during the year (as you report new volunteers or host a program, tally their status in the below categories). Once you record their status within any of the appropriate categories, do not recount them next quarter. These are volunteers or clients being served by programs that you are supervising or overseeing. Please ask if you have any questions regarding this.
VOLUNTEER STATS: Disadvantaged children and youth-# Serving as leveraged
volunteers: ___________ College Students-# of leveraged volunteers enrolled in a degree-
seeking program: ___________ Baby Boomers-# of individuals born between 1946 and 1964 who
serve as volunteers: ___________INDIVIDUALS SERVED STATS: Disadvantaged children and youth-# served: ___________ Children and youth of incarcerated parents-# served: ___________ Individuals mentored-# of individuals mentored: ___________ Independent living services-# of clients who received independent
living services: ___________
Quarterly Report NarrativeHave you done anything to strengthen the volunteer management
systems at your site? Please explain. Examples: Created Volunteer database, improving volunteer/staff
communication and tracking. Completed a volunteer survey and the findings of that. Created marketing packet of information for new volunteers to learn about organization and the impact of it.
Stories Include stories that would best communicate to the public how
AmeriCorps Members get things done in your community. Particularly helpful are stories that include numerical results and sustainable solutions.
Challenges Describe any challenges during this reporting period. Be sure to include
whether challenges have been resolved, or, if they remain unresolved, the plans to address them.
Training/Technical Assistance Needs What type of assistance can we provide you and your organization at this
time? Other Accomplishments Describe any additional projects or member accomplishments not
reported within the plan.Attachments and Links List the attachments, or links to document, that will be submitted as part
of the Quarterly Report. Examples of attachments include copies of press clippings, flyers, letters, photos or other documents that relate to the members’ activities and accomplishments.
Training Log
EvaluationsMid-Term Evaluation
Due at 6 month mark (around February for those doing 1700 hr positions starting in September)
End of Term Evaluation
Site Visit with AmeriCorps Staff
In person at beginning of term
Conference Call around mid-point of term
Site OrientationThe Supervisor should spend time in the first two months of service going of the following information. This will help
ensure that the AmeriCorps member has all of the needed resources and information
for a successful year.
If any of this info is not reviewed with the member, please ask questions of your site
supervisor. If this doesn’t help, feel free to ask AmeriCorps Staff for help settling in.
Pre-Member ArrivalAre the following set up before your arrival: Are the general supplies available (i.e. pens,
stapler, Rolodex, etc.?) Is the work place established with a desk, chair,
etc.? Is the telephone set up? Is the needed equipment prepared (i.e.
computer, printer, Internet access, e-mail access)? All AmeriCorps members should have e-mail access at work. We regularly send out messages to members regarding training and service days.
Is there a copy of the office phone list? Is there a key available to the office? Schedule for the AmeriCorps member’s first
day in the office?
WORK POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Was the AmeriCorps member oriented to:
His/her work area? Office Basics – how to use copy
machine, fax, printer? Phone policies- how to dial out, long
distance, greeting, etc.? Parking Area? (preferably
convenient and free?)
WORK POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Was the member formally introduced: To office personnel? Introduced during a staff
meeting/board meeting/committee meeting, etc.?
WORK POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Was this information reviewed with the member: Personnel Manuals for the agency?
List of committees and responsibilities of the committees?
List of Board Members? Appropriate dress code for the site?
How to order supplies? What is the budget for supplies?
How to submit transportation reimbursements? How to request vacation? What the policy is for sick days? Who should be
contacted in case a sick day is needed? What the policy is for holidays? Does the site follow
the state holiday calendar? What the policy is for snow days? How to find out if the
site has a snow day? What are the regular office hours? What is the
expectation for the hours the member will be working? How to access the office during non-regular office
hours if the member will be working nights/weekends?
Understanding the Present Situation:
History and present status of the Organization: What was the original purpose of the organization or
agency? Who organized it? When? What program areas is the organization currently
concerned with? Why? What are the organization's future goals and
objectives? How do the goals and objectives of the volunteer
project complement the overall organization goals and objectives
How does this agency fit into the Community Resource Corps initiative?
What are the other CRC project sites in Maine, particularly nearby?
For umbrella projects: What is the relationship between the sub-sponsor/supervisor to the overall sponsoring organization?
UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY/SITE
Understanding the Present Situation: What are the basic problems of the
community/site in terms of economic development, education, employment, housing and health?
What are the political structures operating in the community/site?
What are some of the groups working in the community/site?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this community/site?
UNDERSTANDING THE COMMUNITY/SITE
Locating Community Resources (human, material, financial):
What resources are known to the sponsor? How would the member locate resources?
Besides the site supervisor, who can the member turn to for assistance in locating resources?
Who in the community are allies of the project/sponsor? Who may be opposed and why?
Has the member been introduced to key stakeholders and allies?
How should the member gain community support for projects?
REVIEWING THE WORK PLAN AND MEMBER ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION
Overall Goals: What are the overall goals this site
hopes to achieve with an AmeriCorps member?
How will one know when the goal is reached?
What conditions would the site like to see exist at the end of the year of service?
Work Plan Goals and Objectives:
Work Plan Goals and Objectives:
What is the overall strategy to accomplish these objectives? How was the strategy arrived at, and who participated in the development of the strategy?
What are the things to be done by the volunteer in the first month? First quarter?
What should the member do if he/she feels they are not achieving the goals or that the goals need to be changed?
What skills are needed by the volunteer to be effective in achieving these goals? What arrangements have been made to obtain those skills?
Was the Community Resource Corps Host Site proposal shared with the member?
SITE SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Does the member have a clear understanding of the role the site supervisor has in the tasks outlined in the work plan? If the site supervisor isn't the primary person responsible for some of the tasks, who does the member turn to for advice/guidance on those tasks?
Have the member and site supervisor scheduled weekly meetings? Is there a procedure in place so if a meeting doesn't happen, the member knows what to do to ensure that it will happen or is rescheduled?
In sites where there are co-site supervisors or primary/secondary supervisors, does the member have a clear delineation of what role each supervisor has? It is preferable that a policy/procedure is written and formally established in sites with more than one site supervisor.
Has there been a discussion about the type of supervision that works best for the member and what type of supervision the site supervisor(s) prefers?
SETTLING INTO THE COMMUNITY
Does the member need help in locating housing?
Does the member need help moving? Does the member need assistance in setting up
telephone, cable, heating, etc? If the member would like to apply to food
stamps or other general assistance, do they know where to go?
For members new to the area; have suggestions of local eateries (preferably inexpensive) or other entertainment been provided?: Has the member had a tour of the tour of the town, offices, business, post office, gas stations, schools, etc.?
Exiting AmeriCorps
Exiting AmeriCorpsComplete the following any time before your end date and
upload to the CRC Paperwork Website, http://www.trc-maine.com/trc/login.php :
AmeriCorps Exit Form (located under “exit paperwork” tab) Post Service Questionnaire Interest Accrual Form-sent in hard copy (only if you put loans
in forbearance) You can also do this step online through the My AmeriCorps
Portal, https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do Member End Term Self Evaluation (located under “evaluation
and reports tab”) Submit a quarterly report for information from the last quarter
report to your end date. Upload online (located under reports and evals tab). Email any attachments to [email protected].
Use your Education Award! To use your Education Award (it takes about a
month after you exit for your ed award to be listed on your account):
go to the My AmeriCorps Portal, https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do
your ed award amount should be listed on that site. you can select the tab for the ed award to request to
use the award at any time. – This can be done completely online through this site – Or you can call 1-800-942-2677 for assistance in requesting
your award. Posted on the google group is a document explaining
possible ways to use your ed award to your fullest advantage. – For example, if you use less than $600 of ed award or interest
accrual money in a year, you won’t be taxed on that money!! on the AmeriCorps website, is a list of schools that
match the ed award and other ed award info, http://americorps.org/for_individuals/benefits/benefits_ed_award.asp
Why use My AmeriCorps to manage your Education
Award account? No more paper.
The new system eliminates the current paper forms required by the Trust, as well as enhance traceability through use of the online site.
Track the status of your requests. You can track the status of your requests, eliminating the worry of whether your request got lost or misplaced.
Receive payments in less time. The new online system will allow for quicker turn-around of payments. Your Education or Financial Institution will receive your money much sooner than with a paper-based process.
Easy access to help and information.The system reduces the need to call the Trust because most questions can be answered by visiting the online site. FAQ’s and online help are available throughout the system.
Manage your account online.You can view up to date account balance and information from your homepage. You also have the capability to update your contact information.
You Control the Following! Update your contact information Access, create, and submit forms to:
– Have your student loans deferred during your term of service (Forbearance Request)
– Request payment of the interest that accrued on your student loans during your term of service (Interest Accrual Benefit Request)
– Request payment of qualified student loans (Education Award Payment Request)
– Request payment of current Educational Expenses (Education Award Payment Request)
– Extend the date of expiration of your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (Award Extension Request)
View the status of your pending requests Check your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award balance View your account history Submit Applications to AmeriCorps positions Request letters of service verification
First Steps to registering on My AmeriCorps Website
Go to https://my.americorps.gov Scroll down and click on the link:
“Register to create a new Member/Alum account”
Information Needed
Last Name Date of Birth Social Security Number Email Address
Once the information is submitted, an email will be sent to the designated email address
Email Notification
To: [email protected]: [email protected]: My AmeriCorps RegistrationDate: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 12:13:40 -0500
***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE***
Welcome to the My AmeriCorps website. You are now able to complete your registration by clicking on the link below within the next 72 hours to create your user name and password.
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/member/validateRegistration.do?id=536664&pin=jy6h82rxe1 Please do not reply to this message. If you have any questions or need further assistance please click on "Contact Us" on the My AmeriCorps website or call 1-800-942-2677. Sincerely,The My AmeriCorps Staff
Will be from:[email protected] WATCH OUT – MAY GO INTO JUNK MAIL FOLDER
Next Steps
Click on the provided link Follow the instructions to create a
user name and password
My AmeriCorps Login
• easy retrieval of forgotten password or username via email reminders. But keep this on hand, access to this system gives you ability to use thousands of dollars after your term of service!
• create a new login once you become a member or use the login you created when submitting your application online.
Welcome Page
• Change Contact information
• View Pending requests
• View Service Information
• Control various aspects before, during and after your term of service.
How does the automated payment process work?
Forbearance Request
Many institutions are already connected to The Trust online.
You search for your lender to put your loans in forbearance at the beginning of your term or when your loans are about to end their grace period during your term.
Forbearance-Institution Info
Forbearance-Select Institution
If your institution or lender info is not found, you can enter the info and a request to connect to the system will be made directly to the lender/ institution. Progress on this action will be noted on this website.
Click on your lender name to select that one to send forbearance request to.
Forbearance Request-Certify
• Information of the lender/institution you selected shows up on the request form and you certify and submit online.
• Updates can be read on the site as to where this action stands. Approved, denied, in process, at Trust, with Lender, etc.
Interest Accrual
• Many institutions are already connected to The Trust online.
• You search for your lender to request interest accrual payoff at the end of your term, no earlier than a month before the end of your term.
• Directions are same as done with a forbearance request.
• Directions to request Ed Award are also the same.
Official Service Verification
Members can print letters through the site verifying their enrollment as an AmeriCorps Member, completion of a term, etc.
Demystifying the Ed Award
Use of the Award AmeriCorps members have up to 7 years
to use the Education Award AmeriCorps members may choose to use
their Education Award in any of the following ways:– Repay qualified student loans– Pay towards the Cost of Attendance at
institutions of higher education– Pay a combination of current expenses within
the Cost of Attendance and repay qualified student loans
The Education Award, unlike most other forms of scholarships and fellowships, is fully taxable in the year it is redeemed.
Repay Qualified Student Loans
The national service legislation defines qualified student loan as a loan backed by the federal government under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (except PLUS Loans to parents of students), or under Titles VII or VIII of the Public Health Service Act.
You may also use your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay a student loan made by a state agency, including state institutions of higher education.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards may not be used to repay any other type of loan, even if the loan was obtained for educational purposes. You can use your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay defaulted student loans as long as the loans meet the definition of qualified student loan.
Pay Current Educational Expenses at a Qualified
School Current educational expenses, as authorized
under 42 U.S.C. § 12604(c), include: The "Cost of Attendance" for a degree- or
certificate-granting program of study at a qualified school; and
Educational expenses for non-degree courses offered by qualified schools, such as continuing education courses.
Your school is qualified if it is a Title IV institution of higher education. This includes most colleges and universities, and includes graduate schools.
Pay Current Educational Expenses While
Participating in an Approved School-to-Work
Program Current educational expenses are expenses that were incurred after you became an AmeriCorps member. Current educational expenses are based on:
The "Cost of Attendance" for a degree or certificate-granting program at a qualified school and
Educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as continuing education courses offered by qualified schools.
For credit or degree courses, the cost of attendance may include tuition, books and supplies, transportation, room and board, and other expenses. Each school's financial aid office determine a student's cost of attendance based upon standard U.S. Department of Education guidance.
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education
Award The amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award depends on the length of your term of service. The current amount of the Education Award for each term of service is as follows:
Education Award Amounts– Full-Time 1700 $4,725.00 – Half-Time 900 $2,362.50 – Reduced Half-Time 675 $1,800.00 – Quarter-Time 450 $1,250.00 – Minimum-Time 300 $1,000.00
If you serve at least 15 percent of your term and leave for compelling personal circumstances (as determined by your project director), you may be eligible for a prorated award based on the number of service hours you complete.
Payments made from Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards are considered taxable income in the year that the Corporation makes the payment to the school or loan holder. A member serving in a full-time term of service is required to complete service within 9 to 12 months.
Eligibility
You are eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award if you successfully complete your term of service in accordance with your member contract with one of the following approved AmeriCorps programs:
AmeriCorps*State and National AmeriCorps*VISTA AmeriCorps*NCCC At the time you use the Segal AmeriCorps
Education Award, you must have received a high school diploma, or the equivalent of such diploma.
When can you use your education award?
You can use your education award any time after you receive your voucher -- up to seven years after the date you end your service. You can apply for an extension if:
you are unable to use the award for some reason during that time; or
you perform another term of service in an approved program.
To be considered for an extension, you must apply before the end of the seven year period.
How many education awards can you receive?
Up to two. You can receive an award for your first two terms of service, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, or reduced part-time terms. If you end a term of service early, that term may count as one of your two chances to earn an award.
What types of loans can the education award
repay? Most postsecondary loans that are backed by the federal
government are qualified for repayment with an Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Also, loans that are made by state agencies, including state colleges and universities are now qualified. Your lender should be able to tell you if your loan is qualified. Qualified loans include:
Stafford Loans Perkins Loans William D. Ford Direct Loans Federal Consolidated Loans Supplemental Loans for Students Primary Care Loans Nursing Student Loans Health Education Assistance Loans Loans issued to AmeriCorps members by the Alaska Commission
on Postsecondary Education
Award Limitations Under no circumstances will an individual be eligible to receive more than two
Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards. Awards can be earned during the first two terms of national service. You are eligible to receive one award for each of your first two terms of service, regardless or the length of the term. Full-time, half-time, reduced half-time, quarter time, and minimum time terms of service each count as one term of service. Generally, if you are released for cause before completing your term of service and do not receive an education award, that term of service counts as one of your two terms. In addition,
You cannot transfer the education award to any other individual. The Trust does not make payments to anyone else other than qualified schools and
loan holders. See your financial aid counselor for information on how they handle disbursements and reimbursements.
If you withdraw from the school at which you have used the education award, the school may be required to refund the Trust. If any refund is owed, it is credited to your education award "account," and is subject to the seven-year time limit. For general information on how withdrawing from school may affect your student financial aid, go to U.S. Department of Education's Student Guidebook.
Under certain circumstances, you can use the education award to study outside the U.S. Contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677 for further information.
You have seven years to use the education award from the date of your completion of service. You can divide up your award and use portions of it at different times, as long as it is for authorized expenditures within the specified time period. You could, for example, apply a portion of it to existing qualified student loans, and save the remainder to pay for authorized college costs a few years down the road.
What about paying student loans during your term of
service?You may be eligible for forbearance for your qualified student loans from your loan holder. During a period of forbearance, you do not have to make payments, although interest continues to accumulate on your loans. If you qualified for loan forbearance and completed the appropriate form at the beginning of your term of service and receive an education award, AmeriCorps will pay all or a portion of the interest that accrued on your qualified student loan during your service. This amount is in addition to your education award.
Eligibility for Postponement
AmeriCorps members enrolled in an AmeriCorps project are eligible for forbearance for most federally-backed student loans. For other types of student loans, ask your loan holder if your AmeriCorps service qualifies you for a deferment or forbearance.
To have repayment of your federal qualified student loans postponed, you must first officially enroll in an AmeriCorps project, which electronically sends enrollment information to the Trust. Then you must request a "forbearance" from your loan holder, by completing the Forbearance Request for National Service Form and any additional information or forms that your loan holder may require. Members can obtain the Forbearance Request Form through their program’s staff. Complete one form for each of your loan holders. Since there are several types of forbearances and deferments, tell your loan holders that you are requesting loan forbearance based on your AmeriCorps service.
Submit your Forbearance Request for National Service Form (available through your program's staff) and any other information required by your loan holder to the National Service Trust, which we will process and return to your loan holder. We can certify your AmeriCorps status, but only the loan holder can determine your eligibility for forbearance. Contact your loan holder if you have not heard from them within four weeks of submitting your information to the Trust.
Interest Accrual Payments
AmeriCorps members who have earned a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award are eligible to have the Trust pay up to 100% of the interest that accrued on their qualified student loan during their service. To have the Trust pay all or a portion of the interest accrued on your qualified student loans, the Trust must receive verification from your project that you have completed your service and are eligible for an award. You and your lender also must complete the Interest Accrued During National Service Form, which indicates the amount of interest accrued during your service period. Your loan holder sends this completed form to the Trust for payment.
The Trust WILL NOT pay interest on qualified student loans if you fail to complete your term of service. Exceptions will be made only if you fail to complete your term of service for compelling personal circumstances and you have earned a pro-rated award. It is up to your individual program to determine compelling personal circumstances. Examples that might be considered are a serious illness or injury, death of your immediate family member, or early closing of your project.
The Trust will only pay interest on qualified student loans, as described earlier. Ask your loan holder if your student loan qualifies for other kinds of forbearance.
Defaulted Loans Most student loans that are in default are not
eligible for forbearance. If you have loans that have gone into default before you begin your AmeriCorps service, you can attempt to negotiate an arrangement with the loan holder (or collection agency) to bring the loan out of default so forbearance can be granted and interest paid.
You must correctly complete and submit to the National Service Trust the (1) Forbearance Request for National Service Form (available through your program's staff) at the start of your service term; and submit to your lender the (2) Interest Accrued During National Service Form at the end of your service term. Your project director may also make these available to you.
A Message to Financial Aid Counselors
Dear Financial Aid Counselor:
We are providing this information to assist you in understanding the relationships between AmeriCorps and FAFSA. An AmeriCorps member receives three types of benefits that are relevant to completing the FAFSA:
Living Allowance: AmeriCorps members may receive a living allowance to cover living expenses during their term of service.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members who are enrolled in the National Service Trust are eligible to receive an education award. The education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education or training, or to repay qualified student loans. The award currently is $4,725 for a year of full-time service, with correspondingly lesser awards for part-time and reduced part-time service. A member has up to seven years after his or her term of service has ended to claim the award.
Payment of interest on loans: The Corporation for National and Community Service pays interest on postponed qualified student loans for AmeriCorps members who successfully complete their term of service.
The member may also be earning Federal Work-Study wages for serving in an AmeriCorps project. All of these benefits should be included on the "income exclusion worksheet" of the FAFSA.
With respect to the education award and interest payment, the IRS has determined that these payments are subject to income taxes in the calendar year in which they are paid by the trust. That taxable amount is reported on a 1099 form. When the student files a FAFSA for the following year, the amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award paid in the base year and included in that year's AGI, is to be excluded from the need analysis calculation. In most cases, the entire education award amount that was paid is taxable, so the entire amount that was paid is included in the AGI. Thus the filer is to report all of the award that was paid, not just the amount in excess of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
TAXES The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, unlike most other forms of
scholarships and fellowships, is subject to federal tax in the year the Trust pays the voucher. Living allowances you received during your term of service and any interest the Trust paid on qualified student loans are also subject to income taxes in the years they were paid. When and how much of the education award you redeem may have an impact on your overall income tax responsibility.
If the Trust makes a payment on qualified student loans to your school or lender for the entire amount of a full-time education award in one calendar year, you will be responsible for any income taxes owed in that calendar year on that $4,725. If you redeem only a portion of your education award in one calendar year, you will be responsible for any taxes owed on that portion.
The interest payments we make on postponed qualified student loans are subject to income taxes in the calendar year in which the Trust makes the payments to the lender.
The Trust DOES NOT deduct taxes from your education award or interest payments. After the calendar year in which we paid your education award or interest payments, we send you a Form 1099 to be used in preparing your income tax return. The total sum of interest payments and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award are listed together on the 1099 form.
Taxes Continued You are responsible for any income taxes owed
on any AmeriCorps living allowances you receive. The living allowance amount received in a calendar year is subject to income taxes for that calendar year. For example, if you receive half of your $10,000 living allowance in 2002 and half in year 2003, the $5,000 received in 2002 is subject to 2002 income taxes, and the $5,000 received in 2003 is subject to 2003 income taxes.
After the calendar year in which you earned any living allowance, your AmeriCorps project will send you a W-2 form indicating the amount of the allowance you earned in that year. Most AmeriCorps*VISTA and AmeriCorps*NCCC members receive their W-2 forms from the Corporation.
Possible Tax Relief While you are responsible for taxes on your
education award and other AmeriCorps benefits, you may be eligible for other tax relief through the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Issues about income taxes are very complicated. The important point to remember is that you should consider the tax consequences of any decisions you make about when and how to use your education award. Contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service for details.
you may be able to take advantage of the Hope Scholarship Credit or the Lifelong Learning Credit. Those credits may provide you with significant tax relief. Both the Department of Education and the Internal Revenue Service have information on these tax provisions.
Matching the Ed Award
Some schools match the ed award. Check out this list on AmeriCorps.org to see what schools match the award.
Whom do I contact with question about my Award?
Please contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677. The Trust is staffed by live operators from 8:00-6:00 EST.
For duplicate vouchers, and report a change of address, you can e-mail [email protected].
Stay in touch!
**Keep your info updated on the Maine AmeriCorps Google Group and stay in touch with other members serving this year in Maine! Continue to share ideas, get together for potlucks and reunions, and participate in service together!
**Join AmeriCorps Alums, http://www.americorpsalums.org/, and have access to some great resources and a possible Maine Alumni website to come in the future!
AmeriCorps Alums
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