1. 1 Corporation State Office – Tennessee Its Programs and Resources

2. 2 Corporation for National and Community Service Our Mission: Improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

3. 3 Corporation for National and Community Service Formerly ACTION formed in the 1965. Federal Agency renamed in 1993 as result of National and Community Trust Act. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with field offices throughout states & territories. Tennessee State Office is based in Nashville.

4. 4 Corporation for National and Community Service Tennessee is part of the “Southern Cluster” group of states. States in the Southern Cluster are: –AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC,TN, VA and WV.

5. 5 The History of National Service 1930 Civilian Conservation Corps 1963Peace Corps 1964Office of Economic Opportunity »VISTA1965 »Foster Grandparents1965 What We Do Meeting Critical Needs in Local Communities Through Service. Strengthening Communities to Engage Citizens Locally. Engaging Americans in a Lifetime of Volunteering and Service. The Corporation supports volunteering and service in America through three interlocking strategies:

6. 6 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 -2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth  Mobilizing More Volunteers  Engaging Students in their Communities  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness

7. 7 What We Do Meeting Critical Needs in Local Communities Through Service. Strengthening Communities to Engage Citizens Locally. Engaging Americans in a Lifetime of Volunteering and Service. The Corporation supports volunteering and service in America through three interlocking strategies: The History of National Service 1930 Civilian Conservation Corps 1963Peace Corps 1964Office of Economic Opportunity »VISTA 1965 »Foster Grandparents1965

8. 8 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 - 2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience;  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth;  Mobilizing More Volunteers;  Engaging Students in their Communities;  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness National Service Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Overseen by CNCS State Offices: –VISTA – Volunteers in Service to America –Retired & Senior Volunteer Program –Foster Grandparent Program –Senior Companion Program

9. 9 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 - 2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience;  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth;  Mobilizing More Volunteers;  Engaging Students in their Communities;  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness National and Community Service Act of 1993 (New Programs) Overseen by the State Commissions: AmeriCorps –AmeriCorps State and National –National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) (Modeled after the 1930’s National Civilian Conservation Corps) –National Service Trust –Education Awards National Service

10. 10 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 - 2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience;  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth;  Mobilizing More Volunteers;  Engaging Students in their Communities;  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness National Service Learn & Serve –Higher Education Grants –K-12 Grants –Community-Based Grants Variety of Technical Assistance & Demonstration Programs

11. 11 CNCS Headquarters Program Offices AmeriCorps Direct State Dept of Education Learn & Serve K-12 State Commissions On Community Svc (Volunteer Florida!) AmeriCorps State Learn & Serve Community Based Corporation State Offices AC*VISTA RSVP FGP SCP Learn & Serve Higher Ed NCCC Territories & Tribes Non-Profits (National) Schools Demonstration & Special Projects The Corporation for National and Community Service

12. 12 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 - 2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience;  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth;  Mobilizing More Volunteers;  Engaging Students in their Communities;  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness What is the State Office? State Office staff develop, manage and oversee Senior Corps and VISTA programs – both in their state and often in other states or on a national basis. Staff are also responsible for understanding ALL of the Corporation’s programs, not just VISTA. We are a diversified agency—our job is to help you determine which program/resource is most appropriate to meet your needs…

13. 13 AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) has been helping to bring individuals and communities out of poverty for over 44 years.

14. 14 Approximately 6,500 Members serve in low- income communities throughout the United States Members are assigned to local agencies (“project sponsors”) and focus on building community capacity, mobilizing community resources, and increasing self-reliance to create SUSTAINABLE RESULTS. AmeriCorps*VISTA

15. 15 Guiding VISTA Principles Must help people out of poverty Have community “buy-in” Bring institutional enhancement (build capacity) to the sponsoring organization Create sustainable solutions (i.e. continue long after the VISTA is gone) Include outcome-based reporting that demonstrates actual impact of the project on the people that the organization serves

16. 16 VISTA Profile VISTA members do not perform direct service Full-time, 12 month commitment Must be available to serve 24/7 Cannot attend school or have employment Cannot accept money form any other source other than VISTA. Must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit. Most programs seek members with college degrees or three years work experience

17. 17 Benefits for VISTA Members AmeriCorps*VISTA Benefits (TN) – THE BASICS Living Allowance of $833/mo: 833x12=9996÷26 (2-week periods=$384.46) (less taxes/EITC) Direct Deposit of Bi-Weekly Living Allowance Income Exclusion (persons receiving assistance or services under any federal, state or local governmental program before entering VISTA service cannot lose those benefits or have those benefits reduced as a result of their AmeriCorps*VISTA Living Allowance payments. Examples: Food Stamps, WIC, SSI, veterans benefits, public housing, etc. Health coverage (VISTA member only-cost of about $2700 is paid by the Corporation)

18. 18 Benefits for VISTA Members cont’d End of Service Award options: (requires completion of 12- month service) a. $1,200 cash Stipend b. $4,725 Education Award Loan Forbearance (if selecting the Ed. Award) Loan Interest payment (if selecting the Ed. Award) Pre-Service Orientation (all expenses are provided including travel, lodging, meals and materials. Reimbursement of incidental travel expenses for VISTA members are also provided) In-Service Training within 4 months of beginning VISTA service (CNCS pays up to $500 per VISTA) Life Insurance option ($2.07 per 2-week service period deducted from living allowance) – up to $10,000 policy Child Care up to $400/month per eligible child (for kids under 13 or disabled up to 18. There is an income eligibility criteria to qualify)

19. 19 Local travel reimbursement (if using personal vehicle for “on assignment” activities. Paid by the VISTA project or sites – not CNCS) Relocation Allowance (available only to members that relocate 50 miles or more specifically for service): A. $550 for a one-time ‘moving-in’ allowance B. mileage from home of record to site (also available for return home after service has been completed)- currently 55 cents/mile C. baggage shipment of $25 per 100 miles up to a maximum of $500 (also available for return home after service has been completed) Benefits for VISTA Members cont’d

20. 20 Up to 10 service days for medical leave (State Director can authorize up to 5 additional days with justification) Up to 10 service days for personal leave National Holidays that are recognized by the sponsoring/site organization hosting the VISTA may be non- service days (Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, Good Friday, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.). Other days (such as Spring Break, Summer Break, Christmas Break, etc.) are ‘Active Service Days’ for VISTA members and host sites need to provide for service related activity if host organization offices are closed. Federal Tort Claims Act coverage (VISTA members may be provided federal coverage for liability and/or property damage caused by a member that arises out of his/her “official duties” for which the member would be liable under local law. Benefits for VISTA Members cont’d

21. 21 What Organizations Are Eligible? AmeriCorps*VISTA project sponsors/sites may be one of the following: –Federal, state, or local government agency, –Educational institutions and faith-based organizations with appropriate program or –Must otherwise be a private, non-profit organization with a 501 (c) designation.

22. 22 PROJECT SPONSORS Must be able to: Direct the project Supervise the AmeriCorps*VISTA member (s) Provide necessary administrative support to complete the goals and objectives of the project (in-kind contributions, i.e. office space, desk, phone, computer, etc.) Reimburse VISTA for “on assignment” transportation costs Submit Quarterly Project Reports in a timely manner

23. 23 Steps for getting a VISTA (s) through the Tennessee State Office: 1.Request information about VISTA and the Concept Paper. 2.Submit a concept paper to State Office via e-mail, if approved 3.Submit the concept paper and a full VISTA Project Application with a checklist of required documents into eGrants, if approved 4.Sign a 1-year Memorandum of Agreement with the Corporation Tennessee State Office 5.Develop a Volunteer Assignment Description for the VISTA position 6.Recruit the best VISTA candidate (s) and submit required paperwork to the TN State Office 7.The designated VISTA Supervisor will attend the next available VISTA Supervisor Training in Atlanta, GA (paid by CNCS) 8.VISTA Candidate (s) attend the next available PSO in Atlanta, GA (paid by CNCS) 9.The VISTA (s) begin service the day after PSO is completed Your Project Officer will guide you through each step of the process and provide you with Power Point guidance for navigating the e-Grants system. In regards to timeframe, a minimum of three-four months to complete a concept paper, project application, Memorandum of Agreement, Project Supervisor attends training, recruit a viable VISTA for your project, VISTA candidate attends pre- service orientation, VISTA begins service. Application Process and Timeframe

24. 24 Developing a Project Concept Paper Project Plan VISTA Assignment Description

25. 25 Project Plan The project plan should state in measurable and quantifiable terms: Community Need (s) – Defined in application narratives using local statistics/data (citing sources) Goal (s) – Broad in scope, impact on need statement that the project will achieve each year Activities - (steps to achieve goals) Results - (specific Outputs, Intermediate Outcomes and End Outcomes) linked to the achievement of the overarching goals Specific dates - (use CNCS quarter end dates) when you expect to achieve your goals, activities and results.

26. 26 A clear set of Goals and Results that use a “Logic Model” to map out how the Sponsor intends to achieve clear and measurable outcomes Contains a clear plan for sustainability of the project by the sponsoring agency Remember... the focus must be: Directed toward alleviating significant problems of low-income communities, and be Consistent with the submitted VISTA project application A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT PLAN Contains:

27. 27 Project Plan Timeline Project Plan duration is a 12-month period, however the usual life-cycle of a VISTA Project is 3 years Each output and outcome has a planned period of accomplishment using specific dates (i.e. 6/30/08) Use specific CNCS quarter end dates (coincides with your quarterly report periods) CNCS: –Quarter 1 (10/1-12/31) ends 12/31 – due 1/31 –Quarter 2 (1/1-3/31) ends 3/31 – due 4/30 –Quarter 3 (4/1-6/30) ends 6/30 – due 7/31 –Quarter 4 (7/1-9/30) ends 9/30 – due 10/31

28. 28 VISTA Assignment Description & VISTA Member Activities Must be focused on achieving the outcomes of the project plan Must be indirect service activities leading to capacity building (that is sustainable) for the organization as it relates to serving the low- income population. Must be written for a one-year period (Sample) Member activities for Year 1: Producing outreach materials for volunteer recruitment Recruiting community volunteers Meeting with local business owners to solicit assistance in designing job readiness training sites Establishing a teachers’ referral system to select youth candidates for the program Researching and developing funding resources to ensure project sustainability

29. 29 Sustainable Solutions There are several ways to ensure the increased capacity continues after the 3-year project cycle. Some ways include: –Creating a community volunteer recruiting system –Securing long-term funds to hire additional staff –Developing a coalition of community stakeholders to foster sustainability –Leaving behind developed materials and “how to” manuals

30. 30 COST-SHARE The “FAST TRACK” – but NOT a requirement Cost Share VISTA members increase the availability of VISTA resources to your agency (no limit to the # of Cost Share VISTAs). Cost-Share VISTAs can begin service before attending the next available Pre-Service Orientation Agencies must have adequate funds to cover the living allowance cost of their VISTA (s). The cost per year is approximately $10,000 per VISTA member (sponsor is invoiced monthly for the living allowance).

31. 31 WHAT IS SENIOR CORPS? Service Corps helps adults 55 and older find volunteer opportunities to solve problems in their communities. Through the Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the Senior Companion Program, Senior Corps volunteers prove that seniors are a tremendous resource to society.

32. 32 FOSTER GRANDPARENTS Ages 60 and older Serve an average of 20 hours per week Work with children with special needs Typically serve 4-5 children per week Participants must meet income eligibility requirements Participants receive hourly stipend of $2.65

33. 33 Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Ages 55 and older Volunteers placed in non-profit organizations known as volunteer stations Indirect and direct service activities Service may be episodic or continual Participants may receive mileage reimbursement

34. 34 SENIOR COMPANIONS Must be 60 and older Must meet income eligibility requirements to receive the hourly tax-exempt stipend of $2.65 Serve 15-40 hours per week Typically serve 1-4 clients per week Serve frail elderly to help them maintain their independence and remain in their own homes Provide periods of respite/relief to primary caregivers such as family members while providing light services and companionship for the client that are essential to maintaining independence

35. 35 EXAMPLES OF VOLUNTEER STATIONS RSVP – American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Local Hospitals and School Districts FGP – Head Start, Schools, Hospitals, Drug Treatment Centers SCP – In-Home Placements, Independent Housing Facilities

36. 36 SENIOR CORPS AS A RESOURCE Senior Volunteers can help you meet the needs of your communities Your organization may be eligible to become a volunteer station by entering into a relationship (Memorandum of Understanding) with an existing Senior Corps Program in your area

37. 37 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 - 2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience;  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth;  Mobilizing More Volunteers;  Engaging Students in their Communities;  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness Project Resources National Service Resource Center http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/resour ces-specific-groups/senior-corps http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/resour ces-specific-groups/senior-corps On-line Learning Center http://my.nationalservice.org/learning/

38. 38 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act An overview FRANK R. TRINITY General Counsel April 2009 FRANK R. TRINITY General Counsel April 2009

39. 39 How a bill becomes a law... really fast January 16Introduced in Senate February 25President Obama addresses Joint Session of Congress March 9Introduced in House March 16 Reported by House Committee March 18Passes House 321 - 105 March 18Reported by Senate Committee March 26 Passes Senate 79 - 19 March 31Senate amendment-bill passes House 275 – 149 April 23President Obama signs into law

40. 40 Major Themes Bi-partisan support Re-authorizes CNCS and its programs for 5 Years Effective Date: October 1, 2009 Authorization ≠ Appropriations Expands opportunities for Americans to serve Reduces unnecessary burdens

41. 41 Expansion of AmeriCorps Sets AmeriCorps (currently 75,000 positions) on a path to 250,000 positions by 2017 (VISTA, State & National, NCCC) Increases money for outreach and placement of participants with disabilities (from $5M to $20M reserved)

42. 42 National Service Trust Ties education award (currently $4,725) to maximum Pell grant ($5,350 in 2009, increases annually) Replaces two-term cap with aggregate of two full-time education awards Expands uses of education award 55+ may transfer to child or grandchild

43. 43 VISTA Increases post-service cash stipend from range of $100-$125 ($1,200-$1,500 at end of 12-months of service) to $125-$150 ($1,500-$1,800 at the end of 12-months of service). VISTA Leader stipend from $200 to $250 ($2,400 increased to $3,000 after 12- months of service)

44. 44 AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Makes NCCC permanent Emphasis on disaster relief 90-day AmeriCorps term extensions Priority for communities recovering from major disasters More organizations eligible for FEMA mission assignments through CNCS

45. 45 Senior Corps Lowers age from 60 to 55 in FGP and SCP Eligibility for stipended FGP/SCP positions expanded to 200% of poverty line (from 125%) Increases Federal share of stipend to from $2.65/hour to $3.00/hour (done incrementally). For RSVP, institutes grant competition beginning fiscal year 2013. Directs 25% share of Programs of National Significance (i.e. 1/3 of Senior Corps funding increases) to organizations new to CNCS

46. 46 Get to Know Your Community’s Habits.

47. 47 The Resource Center The Volunteering in America “Tools and Training” navigation button takes visitors to Resource Center materials focused on: Cost-saving volunteer strategies Human capital volunteer strategies Volunteer retention Volunteer recruitment Volunteerism

49. 49 The Resource Center con’t. Within the categories, visitors will find: Tip Sheets Effective Practices Links Training Information Last year’s retention website: www.volunteerweek.org www.volunteerweek.org Additional Resource Center tools via Search, Browse, Select, and Connect

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55. 55 CNCS Strategic Focus Areas 2006 - 2010  Harnessing Baby Boomers’ Experience;  Ensuring a Brighter Future for All of America’s Youth;  Mobilizing More Volunteers;  Engaging Students in their Communities;  Supporting Disaster Relief, Recovery and Preparedness Where can I find these partners? www.nationalservice.gov or www.cns.gov

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74. 74 CONTACT INFORMATION For more information about Senior Corps or AmeriCorps*VISTA, please contact: Corporation for National and Community Service Tennessee State Office 233 Cumberland Bend Drive, Suite 112 Nashville, TN 37228 Fax: (615) 736-7937 Jerry Herman, TN State Program Director (615) 736-5561 ext. 1 jherman@cns.govjherman@cns.gov Jean Anglea, TN State Program Specialist (615) 736-5561 ext. 2 janglea@cns.govjanglea@cns.gov Mark Gage, TN State Program Specialist (615) 736-5561 ext. 3 mgage@cns.govmgage@cns.gov