Team Tennessee AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities and strengthen civic engagement. In other words, it's the Peace Corps in the U.S. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally and receive benefits for their service. By harnessing the energy and idealism of Americans, Volunteer Tennessee's AmeriCorps programs are making our communities -- and this country -- a better place for all of us to live.
Any US citizen or legal permanent resident alien 17 years old or older can be a member of AmeriCorps, from 17 to 117! There are no other limitations, such as income. Different local programs may, however, have their own individual requirements.
AmeriCorps is, first and foremost, about getting things done! AmeriCorps members engage in solving problems and meeting a wide variety of needs across Tennessee and the country. Here in the Volunteer State, for example, AmeriCorps members tutor at-risk youth, teach conflict resolution and mediation skills, improve the health and quality of life of senior citizens, work with families to prevent child abuse, and help children who are far behind in their growth and development to catch up to normal. And that's just for starters!
AmeriCorps State & National members engage in a diverse range of service projects at local, regional, and national organizations to address critical community needs of disaster services, economic opportunity, education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship and veterans and military families.
AmeriCorps VISTA members go where the need is greatest: to communities facing poverty, inequity, and unemployment. VISTA members serve in a professional setting building partnerships, writing grants, and organizing volunteers. Above all, VISTA members are catalysts for change, working to advance local solutions. For more information on AmeriCorps VISTA program in Tennessee, please contact tn@cns.gov.
AmeriCorps NCCC members strengthen communities and develop leadership skills through direct, team-based service. Teams of young adults, age 18-24, travel across the country to complete projects that meet crucial community needs. FEMA Corps members complete projects specifically designed by FEMA to support disaster preparedness and response.
You can also learn more on the "Other National Service Programs" page.
People can be a part of AmeriCorps in two capacities--as a part-time member or as a full-time member.
Full-time AmeriCorps members must give at least 1,700 hours of service in an approved AmeriCorps program in approximately one year. In return, they receive valuable training, a living allowance, health insurance, childcare (if they qualify), and, upon completing their service, an Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award is good for seven years and can be used to pay off student loans and/or upcoming educational expenses. Some colleges and universities match the education award.
Part-time AmeriCorps members must give 300 to 1.200 hours of service in an approved AmeriCorps program over one year. Part-time AmeriCorps members may receive a living allowance if the local program offers one, and will, upon the completion of their service, receive an education award based on the number of hours served. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed work incentives to encourage individuals with disabilities to attempt and retain employment. While national service is not employment, the SSI work incentives can be used to offset the impact of receipt of the living allowance and still retain SSI benefits.
Any non-profit and state or local government agencies are eligible to host AmeriCorps programs. Contact Volunteer Tennessee at 615-253-8585 or by email volunteer.tennessee@tn.gov, and we'll be happy to share about how your agency can apply to host an AmeriCorps program. You can also look at funding process information on our Funding Opportunities page.
What resources are available for AmeriCorps Alumni?
AmeriCorps Alums (a program of Service Year Alliance) is a ational network that connects the nearly one million alumni of all AmeriCorps programs who have served since 1994 to the people, ideas, and resources that support their commitment to a lifetime of service. For resources and more information visit the AmeriCorps Alums Site.