1. Your world Your chance to make it better

2. So, what is it?  A service: Meet our needs in education, health, the environment, and public safety  A network: Local, state, and national services  A connection: More than 75,000 Americans every year

3. How’d that happen?  Built on the first National Service Act signed by President H.W. Bush in 1990  President Clinton signed the National and Community Trust Act in 1993  Newly established AmeriCorps incorporated both VISTA and the NCCC  In 1994 the first 20,000 AmeriCorps members began serving more than 1,000 communities  In 2003 President Bush signed the Strengthen AmeriCorps Act, doubling the number of AmeriCorps members

4. AmeriCorps State and National  The largest AmeriCorps program  AmeriCorps State and National provides funds to local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs

5. AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps  Full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24  Members live on one of five campuses  The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and faith-based and other community organizations

6.  Designed Specifically to Fight Poverty  Generally, not providing direct service, but building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that assist low-income communities  VISTAs develop programs to meet a need, write grants, and recruit and train volunteers Volunteers In Service To America VISTA

7. OK, OK…so which one is right for me? Do you prefer working directly in community, or do you prefer doing administrative planning behind the scenes? Do you thrive in a classroom? In an office? In a community center doing a little bit of everything? When we go through some descriptions, what is exciting to you? What sounds like it would help you reach you future goals?

8. What do you do?  Tutor and mentor disadvantaged youth  Fight illiteracy  Improve health services  Build affordable housing  Teach computer skills  Clean up our planet  Manage/operate after- school programs  Help disaster response

9. Is this my scene? Well, are you..?: At least 17 Seeking hands on work in things like:  Clearing trails  Providing disaster relief  Renovating houses  Tutoring kids  Offering employment education Looking to relocate and/or travel Willing to live in a dorm Excited about working with a close-knit team Enthusiastic, energetic, and possessing a desire to change the world

10. The AmeriCorps Pledge I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.

11. Support and Benefits for Members AmeriCorps VISTA & AmeriCorps STATE  Student loan deferment  Pre-Service & Ongoing Training  SERVES Institutes  Childcare Assistance  Health Insurance AmeriCorps STATE  $950 full time stipend  (effective 9-1-08)  $4,725 Education Award AmeriCorps VISTA  $4,725 Education Award or $1,200 cash stipend

12. What’s in it for me?  AmeriCorps helps those who help America.  Gain priceless education and experience  Learn important work and life skills  Meet amazing people  Decide where and how you serve  Get a modest living allowance  Receive up to $4,725 for school  Looks great on a resume

13. Alright, you sold me on it. Visit www.americorp.gov for more information and details on how to sign up.

14. We can start right now. You must be the change you wish to see. -Gandhi 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 Clinton It has to start somewhere. It has to start sometime. What better place than here? What better time than now? -Zack de la Rocha