Community Inclusion through National Service: Creating Opportunities for Everyone to Serve Chad Gobert National Service Inclusion Project

The National Service Inclusion Project is a Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Training and Technical Assistance Provider. NSIP strives to ensure the full and meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in national service and volunteer organizations across the country. NSIP Provides: Training (face-to-face and online) Individual Technical Assistance (in-person & distance) Product and Information Dissemination Partnership Development and Ongoing Support of State- based Inclusion Teams

National Partnerships Association of University Center on Disabilities Association on Higher Education and Disability Creative Training Solutions Rocky Mountain Human Services Operation TBI Freedom Virtual Ability

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Burning Questions Given the title of this presentation, what immediate questions do you have? What do you hope to leave today’s workshop knowing about?

Sound Off! What words define “inclusion” for you?

Inclusion Means Meaningful participation, (as defined by the member) in service and volunteer activities. Full access to all sites and activities and the provision supports (accommodations) to ensure successful engagement. Person’s strengths and experiences are matched and optimized, regardless of disability, for the type of position and activities. Not segregated, not “token”; not a “project or a place”.

Agenda An introduction to national service Identifying the intersections between national service and the disability community Locating opportunities to serve –Face to face, virtual –Episodic, micro opportunities –Starting your own opportunity Open Discussion

Sound Off! What do you think of when it comes to people serving?

Introduction to National Service

Changing the paradigm… from recipients to providers and leaders in all national service and volunteer activities.

Volunteer Experience Poll Quick feedback: 1.How many present have volunteered before? 2.How many present have virtual volunteered before?

Give and Take: National Service and the Disability Community

Each year CNCS has, by statute, allocated funding for the active inclusion of individuals with disabilities in national service Funding has focused on three grant priority areas: –outreach –placement and reasonable accommodations –training and technical assistance Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

CNCS strives for full inclusion because it is the right thing to do but then there is also the LAW. Federal legislation regarding non-discrimination and inclusion: - Section 504 of the Rehab Act - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Particular provisions in the history of Corporation for National and Community Service legislation that ensures full inclusion – a progression of progress: Domestic and Volunteer Service Act National and Community Service Act Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009

On March 31, 2009 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act to reauthorize the CNCS and its programs through 2014 On April 21, President Obama signed the bill into law. The 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act… Even more explicitly emphasizes a commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities as active participants in national service…

VISTA Leaders  HQ  Sponsoring Agencies Senior Corps Foster Grandparents  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices RSVP  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices Senior Companions  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices Nat’l Demonstration Projects  Nat’l Organizations  Sponsoring Agencies AmeriCorps Nat’l Demonstration Projects  HQ  Nat’l Organizations National, Regional & Local Projects  SE Region Campus  NE Region Campus  Central Region Campus  Western Region Campus  Capital Region Campus State Grants  State Commissions Ed Award Program Grants  State Commissions  Nat’l Organizations  Tribes & Territories Tribes & Territories Grants National Directs Grants  Nat’l Parent Organizations * Sub - Grantees Learn & Serve America  State Ed Agencies (K-12)  Higher Ed Institutions  Community-based Orgs  Tribes Presidential Freedom Scholarships  HS Jrs & Srs Learn & Serve America Nat’l S-L Clearinghouse  All S-L practitioners & researchers A  State & National A  NCCC A  VISTA  Sponsoring Agencies The National Service Network Programs & Partners Local Projects  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices

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 mission of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service at one of five nationally located campuses. Today we will focus on AmeriCorps….

AmeriCorps AmeriCorps members address critical needs communities all across America. Examples of what an AmeriCorps member can do: Tutor and mentor underserved youth Address issues related to illiteracy Improve health services Build affordable housing Teach computer skills Clean parks and streams Manage or operate after-school programs Help communities respond to disasters Build organizational capacity To be an AmeriCorps member, an individual must be: 17 years old A U.S. Citizen Interested in helping others/making a difference in your community

Why do people become involved in National Service?

People who have not had opportunities to volunteer Individuals who require flexibility (work alone or in groups, nontraditional hours, remotely, etc…) Individuals who are interested in exploring career paths or gain employment skills Individuals who want to build self-confidence or develop social networks People interested in having a strong impact and return on their time People interested in “testing the water” prior to making a long-term commitment

24 Why Volunteer Through a National Service Program? In addition to the many benefits, participants who volunteer in a National Service program are eligible to receive: –A living stipend –An education award –Health insurance, as needed –Child care benefits, as needed

A WIN – WIN Situation: People with disabilities are integral members of their communities and wish to contribute. People who volunteer are significantly more likely to be happy and satisfied with their lives. (CNCS AmeriCorps Longitudinal Study, 2008) Communities really learn about what all Americans can do!

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award a benefit VISTA, AmeriCorps, & NCCC members receive upon successful completion of their term of service. members are eligible for an award of up to $5,550. AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC members can enroll in multiples terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards. a number of colleges & universities encourage AmeriCorps alumni to attend by offering them scholarships. used for enrichment classes, course(s) through community college, junior college, or university, to purchase a computer &/or and/or buy school gear as long as items qualify as "cost of attendance" expenses at a Title IV school.

Other Benefits: Alumni Continuing Their Service and Commitment Longitudinal studies show AmeriCorps alums: are more connected to their communities continue to participate in community activities choose public service careers at higher levels than their peers are better prepared for employment opportunities

Pursuing Service Opportunities Existing opportunities in environments (virtual, online, or offline) Episodic, micro volunteering Create your own opportunity To Find Service and Volunteering Options:

Not quite convinced yet? Want more information? Try episodic (micro) volunteering! Episodic: … when volunteering (or service) occurs on a more sporadic, temporary and noncommittal basis. (Hustinx and Lammertyn, 2003: 168)

Not Seeing an Opportunity? Apply for your own! Apply for funding as an AmeriCorps program based on your interests and community needs. AmeriCorps State and National Planning 2012 Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity: pId= AmeriCorps State and National Indian Tribes Planning Grant: pId= AmeriCorps State and National Grant Competitions: pId=119173

Open Discussion & Questions

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National Service Inclusion Project (toll-free voice and TTY) To Find Service and Volunteering Options: dy/index.asp