AmeriCorps Basics Melissa Ziebron California AmeriCorps Conference June 17-18, 2008 Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles

Session Objectives Identify resources and materials that build AmeriCorps knowledge. Provide template for transfer of knowledge plan. Begin to explore gap in knowledge. Provide foundation for the workshops that participants will attend.

Activity: Your Experience 1. Identify a reporter. 2. Share your experience as new staff. 3. Discuss with your group: – The most important thing you learned and why – The hardest thing about your transition into this position 4. Report out to large group.

How Did You Get Here? Request for application process Competitive funding process Program operates to address community needs

Where are You Now?

What You Need to Know 1. Your Organization and Your Program 2. CaliforniaVolunteers 3. CaliforniaVolunteers AmeriCorps Program Standards 4. CaliforniaVolunteers Policies 5. CaliforniaVolunteers Monitoring Procedures 6. AmeriCorps Federal Regulations and Provisions 7. The Corporation for National and Community Service

1. Your Organization Organizational goals and mission Program vision AmeriCorps component

2. CaliforniaVolunteers CV is an entity within the Governor’s office, led by the Secretary of Service and Volunteering. The Director of AmeriCorps oversees the department that administers and monitors grants for AmeriCorps State programs. Your Program Associate is your primary CV contact. Refer to the CV AmeriCorps Resource Manual, available at

Secretary of Service And Volunteering Karen Baker Director, Disaster Volunteering & Preparedness Sharron Leaon Manager, Community Preparedness Elaine Viray Assistant Director Bernadette Dawson Manager, Communications Marta Bortner Policy Associate TBD Specialist, Training & Technical Assistance TBD AmeriCorps Specialist (PT) Eddie Aguero Specialist, Grants & Field Ops. Kara Jenkins Comm. Associate Matt Schmidt Grant Man. Associate PT Pam Freeman AmeriCorps Associate Rachel Hughes Program Associate Gilbert Rangel Program Associate Ia Moua Program Associate Melissa Ziebron Staff Organization Chart 2008 Interim Director, Finance & Administration Sarah Mangum Director, External Affairs Kaira Esgate Director, AmeriCorps Programs Circe Olander CaliforniaVolunteers Commission Chair: Jeff Hoffman Vice Chair: TBD People of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger First Lady Maria Shriver, Honorary Chair Bus. Service Associate Jennifer Rudolph Receptionist Katie Leatherby Emergency Planning Associate Tiffani Harter CVMN Associate Kamara Aguiar Executive Fellow Lupe Castillo Program Associate Becky Mutua Grant Man. Associate Jesse Delis VISTA Leader Ardie Andrews Assistant Director Mike Staley Manager, CVMN Nancy Olson Manager, Citizen Corps Pam Perdue Special Assistant Alice Rodriguez Director, Volunteer Action Nancy Olson (Acting) Manager, Mentoring Partnership TBD Special Projects Associate Cindy Thomas VISTA Leader Jenna Mueller Retired Annuitant Jerry Colivas

3. CaliforniaVolunteers AmeriCorps Program Standards Clarify and solidify expectations Identify areas of importance Set a level of acceptable quality Illustrate degrees of performance

4. CaliforniaVolunteers Monitoring Procedures Standards are the foundation of program operations Everything leads back to Standards The program staff and PA must maintain communication Programs need to be strong before launch

5. CaliforniaVolunteers Policies Outline state AmeriCorps parameters and guidelines Guide grant making process and contract agreements Are available on the CV website, under “Grantee Central, Resources, Program Management” (covered in Contract session)

6. AmeriCorps Federal Regulations and Provisions Outline national AmeriCorps program parameters and requirements Are available online: – CNCS website under “For Organizations, Manage Current Grants and Projectswww.nationalservice.org – CV website, under “Grantee Central, Resources, Program Management”

7. Corporation for National and Community Service The Corporation, or CNCS, is the federal agency that provides funding for AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve, and Senior Corps service programs. For more information, refer to: – – The Resource Center (covered in World Café session)

Activity: Your Current Knowledge 1. Complete the program standards self- assessment. 2. Note where you’re unsure or need clarification. 3. Think about what resources you could use to help find the answer. 4. Share with your group which standards are your strongest, which pose challenges or need clarification.

Small Group Discussion: Are You Ready to Launch? 1. Identify a reporter. 2. Does your plan address these gaps in knowledge? 3. Which resources can help you build necessary AmeriCorps knowledge? 4. How can you incorporate this information into your transition plan? 5. Report out to large group.

Session Wrap Up Use your new staff training and transition plan worksheet to answer the following questions: 1. Do you know what you need to do to be ready to launch? 2. Where are you stuck? 3. What else do you need to know?

Complete Your To Do List 1. How can you incorporate what you’ve learned into your program’s training/transition plans? 2. What specific steps will you take to ensure you’re prepared to launch? 3. What timeline will you follow?

Did We Meet These Objectives? Identify resources and materials that build AmeriCorps knowledge. Provide template for transfer of knowledge plan. Begin to explore gap in knowledge. Provide foundation for the workshops that participants will attend.

What Questions Remain? Continue discussion throughout conference. Follow up training and technical assistance call: 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 16.

Thank you and enjoy the conference!