This Holiday Season: Give the Gift of Time Through Service

As we approach the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and gift-giving. However, this year, consider giving a different kind of gift- the gift of time. By volunteering, you can make a positive impact on someone's life and give back to your community. 

If you are looking for ways to give back to your community during the holiday season, visit our website to find opportunities near you. 

Find a Volunteer Opportunity

Join AmeriCorps Federal Career Opportunities Workshop

As part of the celebration of AmeriCorps’ 30th anniversary, the agency is excited to host a Federal Careers Networking event on Tuesday, Jan 30 at 4 p.m. ET. If you’re an AmeriCorps member or alumni, register to learn how you can kickstart your career in federal agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. Plus, join us for a federal resume workshop to get tips and tricks on developing a resume for USAJobs.  

Register

This event has limited capacity and is first come, first serve registration. Please register only if you plan to attend. We will not be recording this session.

AmeriCorps is Coming to SXSW EDU 

AmeriCorps will be at SXSW EDU 2024 March 4-7. AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith will be hosting a conversation about AmeriCorps’ impact on education over the last 30 years, and we’d love to connect with you when we are in Austin, Texas.

If you plan to attend SXSW EDU, or would like to have senior leaders from AmeriCorps join an event you are hosting in Austin, please email P12education@americorps.gov.

Intergenerational Alumni Virtual Networking

Are you interested in sharing your AmeriCorps service story? We are looking for panelists to share their story as part of our 30th anniversary Intergenerational Alumni Virtual Networking Event. This event will combine interactive discussions and a panel of alumni to share their AmeriCorps experiences.

Please submit the following information by Monday, Jan 15, to EmSmith@americorps.gov. 

1. Provide a 5 - 8 sentence bio of the alumni.
2. Why are you nominating this person to be a panelist?
3. When did they serve? Where did they serve? Which decade did you serve in?
4. Optional: Share a unique characteristic or project they accomplished when serving.

Save the Date: Alumni Virtual Networking Opportunity

Celebrate AmeriCorps Week with us by joining our virtual alumni networking event. AmeriCorps is hosting an Intergenerational Alumni Virtual Networking on Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

Stay tuned to our social media accounts for additional information.

Professional Development Resources

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Webinar

Did you miss the Public Service Loan Forgiveness webinar? On Wednesday, Sept. 20, AmeriCorps hosted, “Public Service Loan Forgiveness: A Primer for AmeriCorps Members and Grantees.” During this event, US Department of Education officials provided an overview of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, recent changes to the program and income-based student-loan repayment plan options, and special considerations for AmeriCorps members. 

If you were unable to attend, we encourage you to check out the recording and presentation slides. 

Become a Qualified External Reviewer

AmeriCorps is working to expand our pool of qualified external reviewers to support future grant reviews, including our upcoming fiscal year 2024 grant application reviews. Reviewers must meet the minimum qualifications in order to be accepted and describe these qualifications in their application. This opportunity is ideal for someone who has five or more years of demonstrated experience in such fields as:

• disaster services;
• education;
• environmental stewardship; 
• healthy futures; 
• economic opportunity; 
• veterans and military families; and/or 
• capacity building. 

Learn how to apply and more on our website.   

New Employers of National Service

More than 700 employers have pledged their support for AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni by becoming Employers of National Service. These employers are committed to creating career opportunities for alumni, recognizing that national service provides highly qualified, mission-oriented candidates with unique skills. Check out some of our new employers that signed on in 2023:

• Intrepid College Prep
• "I Have A Dream" Foundation
• Research Data and Communication Technologies Benefit Corporation
• Nevada Humane Society
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Genesee Intermediate School District
• Greenville Renaissance Scholars
• Liberty Therapy Solutions
• Detroit School for Digital Technology
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
• Lower Rio Grande Valley Nature Center
• Change Often - Social Innovation Firm
• Sophia Learning Center
• Brooklyn SolarWorks
• Florida Department of Health in Pasco County
• Cross Over Community Development
• Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Interested in Serving Abroad?

Now that you've served with AmeriCorps, are you ready to serve abroad? There is something special about people who join AmeriCorps to make a difference in the lives of others. If you’re interested in taking your commitment to service a step further, consider the Peace Corps. 

More than 60 countries are requesting Peace Corps volunteers to partner with them to advance locally prioritized solutions – so now is a great time to apply! Programs departing next summer and fall are posted, and most have a Monday, Jan 1, application deadline. You can choose which country to serve in, or you can leave it to Peace Corps staff to determine the best fit.

Find out more on the website. 

Employment Opportunities 

Looking for employment with the federal government? Visit our page on USAJobs for opportunities to work with AmeriCorps.  

Know someone who served with AmeriCorps? Share this newsletter, so they can subscribe to learn about alumni opportunities. 

Ready to serve again? Check out other opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps.