Message From the Director
Dear colleagues,
Thank you for your patience as we continue to work on the logistics around the AmeriCorps Seniors convening. The nature of changing pandemic policies caused us to shift our work a few times, requiring collaboration internally and externally to iron out all the wrinkles in our convening planning.
This month brings several activities that I want to spotlight for you. As it is Women’s History Month, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the achievements of women, past and present, who served and continue to serve through our AmeriCorps Seniors programs. There is no doubt that their volunteer service greatly benefits families, organizations, and our society. I encourage you to find a way to acknowledge women serving in your projects.
AmeriCorps Week is March 13-19. We will recognize the service that all our volunteers contribute to their communities, thank our community partners, and broadly share the value our programs give to communities. Be sure to share your plans with us at SCInnovation@cns.gov, so we can elevate your work. Check out our website for more information on AmeriCorps week and our toolkit for engagement ideas.
March also welcomes the advent of spring, the season of new beginnings. Flowers bloom, animals come out of hibernation, and things just seem to come to life again. Spring is a great time to update, refresh and/or find ways to reinvigorate your programs, especially as more organizations re-open. I mentioned this opportunity to you last month, so I hope you will join our webinar with the Institute for Museum and Library Services to learn about the Digital Navigators Initiative.
Finally, Sunday, March 20 is the International Day of Happiness. Given our current environment, it’s often hard to stay focused on the victories and the things that bring us joy. However, I challenge you to make a list of ten things that bring you happiness and joy. You may even find some time to engage in a random act of kindness and share your joy with someone else.
In service,
Atalaya Sergi, Director
AmeriCorps Seniors
Convening Moving to Virtual Event
Due to public health considerations, AmeriCorps Seniors will host our 2022 AmeriCorps Seniors Convening in a virtual space through a series of sessions later this spring and throughout the summer. More information, including dates and agendas, will be shared as those details are finalized.
Our time together will focus on your incredible innovation and resiliency, particularly during the past year. We are excited to use this event to create space for discussion around sustaining program advances, future innovation and growth, and practical strategies for program implementation and management.
This year our content will focus on the following key concepts:
- Innovation: Discussions that empower grantees to explore what is possible through AmeriCorps Seniors programming.
- Partnerships: Showcasing effective community partnerships and helping grantees identify opportunities for growth.
- Sustainability: Elevating best practices in the field and encouraging grantees to dig deeper into lifecycle planning for their grants.
While we truly hoped to be able to meet in person, one of our primary goals has always been the safety of attendees, project directors, staff, speakers, etc. Virtual sessions will best accomplish this goal.
AmeriCorps Week
During AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of the millions of Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, and we encourage others to follow in their footsteps of service. Visit our website for more information or access our social press kit for a one-stop-shop for communication resources. Be sure to follow the digital conversation about AmeriCorps Week and the days leading up to it on AmeriCorps' Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Updated Child Tax Credit Benefits
While the Expanded Child Tax Credit ended, there is an opportunity for income-eligible families to receive additional income through regular Child Tax Credit, as well as the Earned Income Tax Credit that increased in dollar amount and expanded age eligibility. Even families who did not receive advance Child Tax Credits are still eligible; however, they must file a tax return by Monday, April 18.
AmeriCorps Seniors projects, especially those that help residents with their taxes and educate them about benefits, are in a unique position to continue to educate residents and share resources about these credits. Please support families in your community by sharing this information, and encourage your volunteers to share it too. You can find information and resources on the Child Tax Credit's recently updated site.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. For more information, see the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Drug Take Back Day page.
National Service Criminal History Check Training Opportunity
Wednesday, March 23, 1 p.m. ET
The Office of Monitoring is offering an AmeriCorps Seniors specific training session to review National Service Criminal History Check requirements and resources. We encourage you to register for this training. A recording of the session will be available on Litmos.
Policy Corner
National Service Reports
Don't miss this year’s National Service Reports, reflecting the profound impact AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs, members, and volunteers have in our states and territories.
Each year, AmeriCorps scours thousands of data points to compile our National Service Reports. The results are a snapshot of national service programs and the total investment by AmeriCorps in communities across the country.
To learn more about the impact of service in your state or community, please visit the impact page of our website to view and download your state’s National Service Report. Social media graphics are available for download through our Social Press Kit.
Upcoming Deadlines and Reminders
Reporting Deadlines
Quarter 3 (Start Date: Friday, April 1)
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Performance Progress Reports Annual Due: Saturday, April 30
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Federal Financial Report (Budget Year 1 or Year 2) Due: Saturday, April 30
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Federal Financial Report Final (Budget Year 3) Due: Saturday, July 30
Quarter 4 (Start Date: Friday, July 1)
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Performance Progress Reports Annual Due: Saturday, July 30
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Federal Financial Report (Budget Year 1 or Year 2) Due: Saturday, July 30
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Federal Financial Report Final (Budget Year 3) Due: Sunday, Oct. 30
Project Progress Reports Annual resources are on program pages under Grantee Resources. Filter for “submit a progress report.”
Review Handbooks and Litmos for additional guidance.
Elder Justice Corner
“Slam the Scam”
March 6-12 is National Consumer Protection Week. The Social Security Administration has designated Thursday, March 10, as National “Slam the Scam” Day to raise public awareness of Social Security and other government imposter scams.
In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission received over 396,000 complaints of government imposter scams. Nearly 9% said they lost money to a scammer—equating to more than $442 million. To prevent further losses, everyone should use caution when receiving calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency.
The government will never:
- threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment.
- promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account.
- require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash; or
- send text or email messages that contain personal information.
Our scam prevention message is simple:
- Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account.
- NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash.
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Report Social Security scams
- Report other scams
Training Corner
Tuesday Talk: Digital Navigator Program with the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Tuesday, March 15, 1 p.m. ET
AmeriCorps Seniors is partnering with the Institute of Museum and Library Services to share a Digital Navigator program focused on improving digital literacy and inclusion in communities. Digital Navigators are trained community members that help Americans learn how to access technology and gain competencies in Internet use, ensuring that they can fully participate in our highly online society.
In this webinar, program directors will learn about the Digital Navigator program, how it works, and how you can engage new partners in your community to bring this model to life. The webinar will cover the facets of digital inclusion, Digital Navigators’ role in facilitating the whole digital inclusion process from connectivity to digital skill building, and necessary training for potential Digital Navigators. Digital inclusion needs assessment, collaborations, and program implementation will be discussed to support program directors’ decision-making, planning, and implementation of a digital navigator program.
This is not only a new service opportunity, but potentially an opportunity to recruit new service stations and volunteers with digital and computer backgrounds or those willing to learn.
Multiyear Budget Periods, Unexpended Funds Reporting, and Match Waiver Requests
AmeriCorps Seniors and the Office of Grant Administration have completed two webinars and Q&A sessions that provided an overview of multiyear budget periods, and their impact on AmeriCorps Seniors grantees. Staff explained the unexpended funds concept, the process for reporting unexpended funds to AmeriCorps, and the connection between unexpended funds and multi-year budget periods. Additionally, staff provided an overview of AmeriCorps match waiver request process. A recording of these webinars and related resources are available on Litmos.
Effective Project Management Litmos Course
The following AmeriCorps Seniors’ “Effective Project Management” Litmos courses provide the tools to assist with understanding AmeriCorps Seniors National Performance Measures, reporting requirements, managing AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, how to prepare for compliance and monitoring, and continue making a measurable impact on community needs.
Launch a New Project Litmos Course
The following AmeriCorps Seniors’ “Launch a New Project” Litmos course provides an overview on how to manage AmeriCorps Seniors projects and tools to assist in facilitating a successful project. Topics include notice of grant award and policies, outreach efforts, advisory councils, criminal history check requirements, and management of volunteer stations.
Meet the Team
AmeriCorps Seniors is excited to introduce you to Tynetta Darden.and John Leverston.
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Tynetta Darden is excited to be part of the grants and policy team at AmeriCorps Seniors. She brings enthusiasm and passion for service along with more than 25 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, state commissions, and the federal government. Tynetta worked directly with AmeriCorps Seniors for 11 years where she served as a program officer and was the former Virginia state program director. These combined experiences give her a unique 360-degree view of national service and grants management. She received her Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. |
John Leverston is excited to join AmeriCorps Seniors as an American Rescue Plan program officer where he will be supporting Senior Demonstration Programs and grants. John is an AmeriCorps alumnus and has a passion for public service. His prior roles include program management and grantmaking at public and private institutions in the southeast. It is his hope that his contribution to AmeriCorps Seniors will build on the legacy of this important institution. |
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