Benefits & Challenges of National Service

Many people join AmeriCorps solely to help those in need, while some join to gain professional development skills or “try out” a position similar to one they’re thinking of making a career in, such as teaching or environmental habitat restoration. Whatever the initial reason, by the end of their service term, AmeriCorps members realize the impact that the service itself has had on them—forever changing the way they view and interact with the world around them. Take a moment to look through the benefits and challenges of AmeriCorps service through the Washington Service Corps to see if it’s a good fit for you!

Benefits of a Washington Service Corps Member

  • $1,202.86Monthly Living Stipend.
  • Basic health insurance (not including vision or dental coverage).
  • Forbearance (postponement) of qualified student loans during the service term.
  • Payment of accrued interest on qualifiedloans in forbearance upon completion of the program.
  • $5,815Segal Education Award used for future schooling expenses or to pay off existing qualified student loan debt. Award will be received upon successfully completing the 10.5 months and 1,700 hours of the service term. Individuals aged 55 or greater may transfer their award to a child orgrandchild under certain conditions.
  • Serving in a full-time AmeriCorps position qualifies as “employment” towards the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Childcare benefits for members meeting eligibility requirements.

Impact Your Community:

Serve with a non-profit, government, or faith-based organization that is addressing unmet needs in your community. AmeriCorps members’ roles expand the scope of their organizations, increasing the impact of the projects they choose to support with their service. During your term you will meet volunteers, co-members, site staff, and beneficiaries, helping you develop a network of professional contacts and friends while directly serving a cause you are passionate about!

Trainings:

During the first two weeks of the service term, the Project Supervisor will review all of the important deadlines, expectations, and program requirements with their AmeriCorps member(s).They will help you integrate into their site and surrounding community, and will provide initial trainings to prepare you for your service duties. Your Position Description Form will also list additional required trainings.

Resume Worthy Experience and Reference:

AmeriCorps is an “awesome chance to try new things, gain experience, meet new people, and to affect a community in a positive way! ~2012-13 Team Member

Challenges for WSC Members

Long Hours & Balancing Site and Team:

Many of our members have never worked a 40hour/week position before, and then they jump into AmeriCorps, which is so much more than a 40hour/week job. Most members can expect to serve 8hours/day at their site, 5 days/week, with additional time factored in for requiredevents, projects, etc. outside of the usual service hours. This program requires that you remain flexible throughout the service year, willing to meet the demands of your site, as well as the WSC program requirements.

Living on a small budget:

Members receive a living stipend of $1,202.86/month before taxes. This stipend is dispersed in two equal amounts on the 5thand 20thof each month. It’s not easy making a dollar stretch, sobudgeting and some creative thinking willbe necessary. . As a WSC AmeriCorps member you may qualify for food stamps (SNAP); your supervisor can help you enroll in this program and provide a WSC approved “Proof of Income” letter to help you access these social benefits.

Being a Great Distance from Family and Friends:

Some members travel a great distance from home for their service term, and we are aware of the hardship this can cause. Whilemembers who are on track to achieve their 1,700 service hours might be granted a few days off for vacations home or personal matters, members who are behind on their hours may be granted time off only to deal with urgent personal needs, such as medical issues.

Living in a New Town or Small Town:

Your service site might be located in a new town or a small town. Please research your new town so that you have a good picture of what life would be like if you were living there. Take the time to think of the accommodations and environment you are used to, and if you have any concerns be ready to discuss them with your potential site during your interview.Don’t forget to keep an open mind; life—whether rural, urban, or suburban—is what you make of it!

Paperwork and Reporting Requirements:

Members are required to submit documentation and report their hours and service on a periodic basis as outlined by AmeriCorps grant requirements. You must be willing to submit these reports on time every time. Some of the documents you can expect to see during your service term are:

  • Enrollment and exit paperwork
  • Tracking and analyzing impact through surveys, assessments, and other data collection tools.
  • Electronic timesheets
  • Volunteer Tracking
  • Member Evaluations (twice during the service year)
  • Stories of Service and quarterly reporting

Being Part of a Team:

As part of your service you will be interacting and collaborating with people with different personalities, views, beliefs, opinions, and ways of working. These people may be fellow AmeriCorps members, supervisors, employees at your site, volunteer staff, or your beneficiaries. Be prepared to embrace others’ differences—remember that you are all in this together to improve your community!

Please Note:

It is understood, that when you enroll in the WSC Program you aremaking a full time (40hour/week) commitment for 10.5 months. Leaving prematurely could negatively impact you and your service site. If you quit the program without having a compelling cause, you will forfeit your education award and will be unable to participate in other National Service Programs in the future. Additionally, your service site will be left with an unmet need and without help. Lastly, WSC cannot reimburse your service site for the placement fee they paid to have you serve with them.

We have offered this information to assist with your decision, please consider the benefits and challenges that come with this position carefully before deciding to apply to our program and serve with us.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE PROGRAM:

Washington Service Corps (WSC)-sponsored programs are drug and alcohol-free as stated in the WSC Member Contract.Members are prohibited from unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or illegal drugs (including marijuana) during the term of service. Members are prohibited from consuming or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, or other intoxicants during the performance of service activities or training. All members (State and VISTA) must comply with this policy, and if found in violation will be subject to formal disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.