Celebrating 30 Years of AmeriCorps: A Legacy of Service and Impact 

This month marks an impressive milestone - 30 years of AmeriCorps. A movement that has reshaped communities, transformed lives, and continues to serve. AmeriCorps is not a moment in time; it's a dynamic, ever-evolving force for good. Since 1994, more than 21,000 Oregon residents have served approximately 29 million hours. Last year more than 2,300 Americans of all ages and backgrounds united to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity through national service in Oregon. AmeriCorps invested more than $10.2 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions, working hand in hand with local partners to empower individuals to help Oregon communities tackle their toughest challenges. To kick off this celebration, OregonServes would like to share AmeriCorps Alumni stories of service on our social media platforms, but we need your help! If you have a story or memory to share about your AmeriCorps service, upload your story here.

Join ORVID and Make a Difference in Disasters

As a partner in Oregon's Emergency Support Function for Volunteers and Donations, OregonServes proudly introduces Oregon Volunteers in Disaster (ORVID). ORVID matches volunteers with organizations during disasters, offering a cost-free, seamless experience for both volunteers and organizations. It's an ideal tool for emergency managers and various disaster-focused organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, and tribal organizations. Volunteers, act now! Explore and sign up for ORVID or watch our volunteer video. For organizations interested in ORVID, watch this video, or learn how to sign up for an account here.

Registration Open for 2024-2025 AmeriCorps Competitive Grant Information Sessions, October 3, and October 5  

OregonServes is hosting two information sessions on October 3 and 5 for organizations interested in applying for the 2024-25 AmeriCorps Competitive Grant Opportunity to operate an AmeriCorps State program in Oregon. The Request for Applications (RFA) for these funds will be announced soon, and the applications will be due December 4. Potential applicants are encouraged but not required to attend the webinar can register here for new or here for continuing. New and continuing applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by October 13 by completing the form here. For a preview of the RFA focus, please review the federal 2024-25 AmeriCorps Notice of Funding Opportunity on which the Oregon RFA will be based. For more information, contact oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov

Reminders for OregonServes Grantees

1. Please send current certificate copies of your AmeriCorps Litmos National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC) and Grant Management courses to the OregonServes inbox by October 2. At least one of your AmeriCorps program staff, preferably two staff members, must complete these courses per year. The 2023 AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions require all grantees (including fixed grants) to complete the NSCHC and Grant Management courses annually in Litmos. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov 

2. OregonServes is participating in a Recruitment and Retention Consultancy with ten other states through America’s Service Commissions. BloomED consultant, Kerry Swarr, created a survey for your members to learn about their reasons and motivations for joining AmeriCorps to help design our recruitment and retention strategies for the upcoming service year. The survey is due by 2PM today. Please refer to your emails from 8/28, 9/11, and 9/15 for the survey link and details.