Annual AmeriCorps Landscape

SW National Service Training July 24, 2013 Susan Hyatt, Core Thought www.core-thought.com 1

Session Description
Being a new AmeriCorps grantee can be daunting as

there are many balls to juggle as you learn and make your way through your first full annual grant cycle.
This session is designed to clarify the basic flow and

requirements for all AmeriCorps programs regardless of your program design or which state you are from.
Learn more about general expectations for program

operations including site and member management and where the potential landmines are that can derail your program so you can avoid them.

Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, you will: Know the essential components of the annual AmeriCorps program cycle that you must focus on; Know how and where to locate information online about each focus area; and Identify areas in which you need further information.

Session Agenda
Welcome and Setting the Stage
Overview of the AmeriCorps Annual

Program Landscape
Small Group Work Time (25 minutes)
Group Presentations (5

minutes/group)
Wrap Up

Need to Keep Your Eye on Many Balls!

The ESSENTIAL Resources

AmeriCorps Grant Provisions AmeriCorps Regulations (45 CFR Chapter XXV

(2012) AmeriCorps State and National Policy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Other Key Resources

As well as. The National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended by the Serve America Act Megasearch Document (parts may be outdated) AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measure Resources OMB Circulars National Service Knowledge Network Your grant contract with your state Other

The Basic Landscape

Program Operations

Performance Measurement and Reporting

Community Engagement, Partnerships, Days of Svc

Member Recruitment, Selection, Management

Program
Development

Member Training & Development

Note: Financial management not included and its HUGE!

The Basic Landscape

Program Operations
Includes such tasks as: Policies and procedures Staff roles and responsibilities Hire and develop staff Materials (Handbooks, MOUs, etc.) Financial management and match Communications Relationships with sponsor organization

The Basic Landscape

Program
Development,
Implementation

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Includes such tasks as: Operationalize specifics of planned intervention/program model Site selection Assure program fidelity Develop monitoring procedures and schedule Do site visits and desk reviews Site supervisor training and communication Other

The Basic Landscape

Member Recruitment, Selection, Management
Includes such tasks as: Develop member position descriptions based on selected intervention (and avoiding prohibited activities) Identify types of skills/experience/qualities desired in members Develop recruitment outreach strategy and process Have selection process and criteria Develop member service agreements Check member eligibility Other

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The Basic Landscape

Member Training & Development
Includes such tasks as: Annual calendar of training Pre-service training AmeriCorps basics Program expectations Service-specific skills Life After AmeriCorps training Ongoing professional development Member assessment and performance reviews Other

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The Basic Landscape

Performance Measurement and Reporting
Includes such tasks as: Assign roles and responsibilities Identify what data to collect based on selected PMs Create annual process Develop/revise instruments Train data collectors (sites & members) Set timeline for data submission Identify reports dates Prepare timely reports

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The Basic Landscape

Community Engagement, Partnerships, Days of Svc
Includes such tasks as: Identify roles for community volunteers Prepare volunteer/recruitment/training/managem ent plan Engage volunteers Plan projects for National Days of Service Identify and engage partners (e.g., business, nonprofit, govt) Conduct community outreach

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Group Exercise
Choose topic that you are interested in Work with group to identify:
Main tasks that need to be done Tips for success Pitfalls to avoid

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Prepare a 5 min presentation:

Chart paper

Use:
Online AmeriCorps regs, provisions, and FAQs!!

Provided materials from Program Start Up Handbook

Other online resources from National Service Knowledge Network

Group Presentation

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Program Operations

Note: Financial management details will not included here

Group Presentation

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Program Development,
Implementation

Group Presentation
Member Recruitment, Selection, Management

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Group Presentation

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Member Training & Development

Group Presentation

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Performance Measurement and Reporting

Group Presentation
Community Engagement, Partnerships, Days of Service

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Next Steps
Revisit SW Cluster Meeting Agenda to Select

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Sessions That Will Fill in Your Info Gaps

Ask Lots of Questions of Experienced Program

Directors
Communicate Openly with Your Commission Program

Officer
Review All Grant Materials and Your Contract Check online National Service Knowledge Network
www.nationalserviceresources.org/

Ways to Connect

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Susan Hyatt
shyatt@core-thought.com 303-512-0808

@Susan_Hyatt http://www.facebook.com/CoreThoughtinc www.core-thought.com