Montana Campus Corps Pre-Service Orientation

1. Montana Campus Corps Pre-Service Orientation Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Montana Campus Corps!

2. The purpose of this orientation is to help you: Learn About AmeriCorps: This orientation will give you an overview of National Service, and specifically, the role of AmeriCorps Education Award programs, like Campus Corps. Determine Your Eligibility: This orientation will help you determine whether or not you are eligible to participate and what types of service activities you can do. Understand Your Commitment: This orientation will help you learn more about our program before you make a formal commitment. There are a limited number of service scholarships available for students who commit to Campus Corps. Once we enroll you in our program, we cannot offer that same scholarship to anyone else. We want to help you make sure that this is a program to which you can commit and one which you will complete successfully!The purpose of this orientation is to help you: Learn About AmeriCorps: This orientation will give you an overview of National Service, and specifically, the role of AmeriCorps Education Award programs, like Campus Corps. Determine Your Eligibility: This orientation will help you determine whether or not you are eligible to participate and what types of service activities you can do. Understand Your Commitment: This orientation will help you learn more about our program before you make a formal commitment. There are a limited number of service scholarships available for students who commit to Campus Corps. Once we enroll you in our program, we cannot offer that same scholarship to anyone else. We want to help you make sure that this is a program to which you can commit and one which you will complete successfully!

3. Why Should You Join? SERVE your community and “give back” LEARN about your community and yourself EARN an AmeriCorps Education Award

4. How Does It All Work? To be done BEFORE Pre-Service Orientation: Step 1: Click “Apply Now!” at mtcampuscorps.org. Step 2: Wait up to 48 hours to receive e-mail invitation. Step 3: Follow the link provided in the invitation e-mail to set up an account with the MyAmeriCorps Portal.

5. How Does It All Work? To be done AFTER Pre-Service Orientation: Step 4: Click “Get Enrolled!” at mtcampuscorps.org. Step 5: Attend a Member Training session and submit a paper copy of the Campus Corps Enrollment Packet. Step 6: Fulfill service commitments and earn an Award!

6. What is AmeriCorps? Part of a family of National Service programs Engages more than 75,000 Americans each year (250,000 by 2017) Funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) in D.C.

7. What is AmeriCorps? Participants are called “members” Members “join” AmeriCorps Participation is called “term of service” A term of service is generally one year Participants are called “members” Members “join,” and are not “hired” Service commitment is called a “term of service” Service term is generally one calendar year, but can be up to two..Participants are called “members” Members “join,” and are not “hired” Service commitment is called a “term of service” Service term is generally one calendar year, but can be up to two..

8. Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps is just one of many “streams” of National Service CNCS also manages Learn & Serve, Senior Corps, and AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) National Service network includes various streams of service, including AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Learn & Serve, and Senior Corps. National Service network includes various streams of service, including AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Learn & Serve, and Senior Corps.

9. AmeriCorps is one of many streams of National Service. This slide identifies the different organizations and programs within the National Service community here in Montana. AmeriCorps is one of many streams of National Service. This slide identifies the different organizations and programs within the National Service community here in Montana.

10. Funding stream for AmeriCorps programs in Montana. Specifically, this chart shows how funding flows from Congress all the way to you, the Campus Corps member.Funding stream for AmeriCorps programs in Montana. Specifically, this chart shows how funding flows from Congress all the way to you, the Campus Corps member.

11. Some quick notes regarding the Campus Compact.Some quick notes regarding the Campus Compact.

13. The Montana Campus Compact

14. Campus Corps is: An AmeriCorps program hosted by MTCC (name campuses) Entering its 16th year, almost as old as AmeriCorps itself A corps of engaged citizens who serve and lead… that’s you!Campus Corps is: An AmeriCorps program hosted by MTCC (name campuses) Entering its 16th year, almost as old as AmeriCorps itself A corps of engaged citizens who serve and lead… that’s you!

15. What is Campus Corps? The mission of Campus Corps is: To actively engage college students in meeting community-identified needs through meaningful service.

16. What is Campus Corps? In general . . . Members are students who commit to serving between 300 and 1700 hours in one year Leaders are non-students who support the members & organize team-building activities Program Coordinators are campus-based staff who administer the program locally Service Site Supervisors are staff at local community agencies who supervise members In general, these are the qualities of a Campus Corps member. Members are students who serve between 300 and 900 hours in one year – Most of you are serving 450 hours over the summer months, which works out to about 40 hours per week . . . full time service! Leaders are non-students who support student members and organize team-building activities and service events – Those of you who are Leaders will serve 1700 hours, or full-time for 12 months! Program Coordinators are local campus-based staff who oversee the program and all members. Service Site Supervisors are the staff at community sites who directly supervise members’ daily activities.In general, these are the qualities of a Campus Corps member. Members are students who serve between 300 and 900 hours in one year – Most of you are serving 450 hours over the summer months, which works out to about 40 hours per week . . . full time service! Leaders are non-students who support student members and organize team-building activities and service events – Those of you who are Leaders will serve 1700 hours, or full-time for 12 months! Program Coordinators are local campus-based staff who oversee the program and all members. Service Site Supervisors are the staff at community sites who directly supervise members’ daily activities.

17. Terms of Service We ask that you commit to a “term of service” that fits your individual goals and interests: 300 hours in one calendar year = $1,000 450 hours in one calendar year = $1,250 675 hours in one calendar year = $1,800 900 hours in up to 2 calendar years = $2,362 1700 hours in one calendar year = $4,725 These service hours may be a combination of volunteer time at a nonprofit agency and academic service through coursework. These service hours may be a combination of volunteer time at a nonprofit agency and academic service through coursework.

18. Terms of Service Individuals can participate in two terms of service through AmeriCorps in their lifetime. (NOTE: part-time terms are considered full terms.) Members who exit without completing their term receive no Education Award and use one of their two possible terms of service.

19. What are the benefits of joining the Campus Corps program? The difference you can make in your community. An opportunity to grow professionally and personally. The network of hundreds of students in Montana and thousands across in the region committed to improving their campuses and communities. The National Service movement you join through AmeriCorps. Note: The AmeriCorps Education Award is a voucher of between $1,000 - $4,725, to be used for your education expenses, student loans, and continuing education. Note: The AmeriCorps Education Award is a voucher of between $1,000 - $4,725, to be used for your education expenses, student loans, and continuing education.

20. What are the benefits of joining the Campus Corps program? In addition, members have an opportunity to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award After you’ve completed your term of service, you are eligible to receive this award voucher This “service scholarship” can be used for your educational expenses, student loans, and continuing education Additional benefit: opportunity to earn an Education Award, a type of “service scholarship” “Upon completion of service” . . . I’ll explain what that means in a moment Ed. Award can be used to to pay back student loans or to pay for future tuition expenses ONLY.Additional benefit: opportunity to earn an Education Award, a type of “service scholarship” “Upon completion of service” . . . I’ll explain what that means in a moment Ed. Award can be used to to pay back student loans or to pay for future tuition expenses ONLY.

21. The Education Award Is a voucher issued by the National Trust in Washington, D.C. Can be applied to a financial institution or to an institution of higher education (Title IV school). Is considered taxable income by the IRS in the year it is used, not the year it is earned Is valid for 7 years after being issued Can be taken away from a member if a member receives a felony drug conviction during or after successfully completing their service term

22. The Education Award An Education Award can be used in one of three ways: Past Expenses? Members can repay qualified student loans such as the Stafford, Perkins, Federal Direct/Indirect Present Expenses? Members can apply the voucher to their current education expenses through the financial aid office on their campus Future Expenses? Members can use the voucher for up to 7 years toward graduate programs, individual classes, specialty and trade schools, or qualifying study abroad programs Once again, there are three ways to use the Education Award: Past Expenses, Present Expenses, Future Expenses. Students should check with the financial aid office on your campus to see how the Education Award may be used for tuition or other expenses.Once again, there are three ways to use the Education Award: Past Expenses, Present Expenses, Future Expenses. Students should check with the financial aid office on your campus to see how the Education Award may be used for tuition or other expenses.

23. How can I earn an Ed. Award? It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3! Submit all enrollment paperwork Fulfill your service commitments Submit all exit paperwork Within 4 weeks the award is yours to use! *We offer awards of $1,000, $1,250, $1,800, $2,362 or $4,725, depending on the Term of Service. These awards can be applied toward the cost of attendance at a college or university, or to pay back qualified student loans. *We offer awards of $1,000, $1,250, $1,800, $2,362 or $4,725, depending on the Term of Service. These awards can be applied toward the cost of attendance at a college or university, or to pay back qualified student loans.

24. What do members do? Members serve at nonprofits, public agencies and faith-based organizations Members’ service meets critical needs in: Education Health Public Safety Human Needs / Social Services Environmental Initiatives What do members do? Direct Service! AmeriCorps members serve at more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. Service meets needs in Education, Health/Public Safety, Human Needs/Services, Environment, (NEW) Economic Recovery (thanks to American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 … $201 mil. for AmeriCorps)What do members do? Direct Service! AmeriCorps members serve at more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. Service meets needs in Education, Health/Public Safety, Human Needs/Services, Environment, (NEW) Economic Recovery (thanks to American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 … $201 mil. for AmeriCorps)

25. What do members do? All Campus Corps members do the following: Increase the capacity of nonprofits and public agencies to meet critical community needs Recruit and manage new volunteers

26. How do I accrue service hours? Allowable service hours can be categorized as: Direct service at a not-for-profit organization (including public schools, government agencies, faith-based organizations, & cultural institutions) Indirect service, in the form of either Fundraising or Member Development activities. 1)You can do service that fits into one of five AmeriCorps focus areas: education, environmental issues, human needs/services, health & public safety, and economic recovery. 2)Service hours can be categorized as one of the following: a. Direct Service includes: tutoring/mentoring in high-needs public schools (K-12) and youth development sites; providing low-income patient care at nonprofit health care facilities; directly meeting client needs at area non-profits or faith-based institutions; recruiting and managing volunteers; planning and organizing special events; coordinating service-learning and volunteer projects on your campus or in the community; Other suggestions? b. Indirect Service, which includes Fundraising and Member Development. 1)You can do service that fits into one of five AmeriCorps focus areas: education, environmental issues, human needs/services, health & public safety, and economic recovery. 2)Service hours can be categorized as one of the following: a. Direct Service includes: tutoring/mentoring in high-needs public schools (K-12) and youth development sites; providing low-income patient care at nonprofit health care facilities; directly meeting client needs at area non-profits or faith-based institutions; recruiting and managing volunteers; planning and organizing special events; coordinating service-learning and volunteer projects on your campus or in the community; Other suggestions? b. Indirect Service, which includes Fundraising and Member Development.

27. How do I accrue service hours? Direct Service Hours Time spent directly meeting human needs at your site At least 70% of your service Member Development Hours Time spent working toward personal/professional goals outlined in your Member Development Plan No more than 20% of overall service commitment Fundraising Hours Raising funds for events or specific projects is allowed No more than 10% of overall service commitment Not a service requirement Direct Service – self-explanatory Member Development – refer to Member Development Plan. No more than 20% which is 90 hours for 450-hour members. Fundraising – Two types: Not allowed: Grant writing or fundraising for operational expenses at a non-profit agency; Allowed: Fundraising for specific service projects or soliciting in-kind donations (supplies, services, etc.) Direct Service – self-explanatory Member Development – refer to Member Development Plan. No more than 20% which is 90 hours for 450-hour members. Fundraising – Two types: Not allowed: Grant writing or fundraising for operational expenses at a non-profit agency; Allowed: Fundraising for specific service projects or soliciting in-kind donations (supplies, services, etc.)

28. What is Direct Service? Direct Service activities may include: Hands-on service that directly meets human needs at your designated service site Some administrative or clerical tasks Other volunteer activities in the community Member Development is an important part of AmeriCorps service. It gives you the opportunity to pursue personal and professional goals that are educational and service-oriented. Direct Service includes: 1) Hands-on service that directly meets human needs at your service site; 2) Some administrative support – must be less than half of your time; 3) Other community activities, such as volunteering at the local food bank or hosting a service project at your local campus – NOTE: “other” activities must be approved by your service site supervisor and campus-based program coordinator. Member Development is an important part of AmeriCorps service. It gives you the opportunity to pursue personal and professional goals that are educational and service-oriented. Direct Service includes: 1) Hands-on service that directly meets human needs at your service site; 2) Some administrative support – must be less than half of your time; 3) Other community activities, such as volunteering at the local food bank or hosting a service project at your local campus – NOTE: “other” activities must be approved by your service site supervisor and campus-based program coordinator.

29. What is Member Development? Member Development activities may include: Coursework directly related to your service Team trainings and reflection activities Professional conferences or workshops Formal meetings or trainings with faculty, campus staff or service site staff Member Development is an important part of AmeriCorps service. It gives you the opportunity to pursue personal and professional goals that are educational and service-oriented. Member Development may include: 1) Coursework that is directly related to your service (i.e., early childhood stages of youth development, keeping a journal for a social work practicum); 2) Team and program trainings/events; 3) Professional conferences, workshops or community lectures; 4) Meetings with faculty, campus-based coordinator, or service site staff meetings. Member Development is an important part of AmeriCorps service. It gives you the opportunity to pursue personal and professional goals that are educational and service-oriented. Member Development may include: 1) Coursework that is directly related to your service (i.e., early childhood stages of youth development, keeping a journal for a social work practicum); 2) Team and program trainings/events; 3) Professional conferences, workshops or community lectures; 4) Meetings with faculty, campus-based coordinator, or service site staff meetings.

30. Prohibited Activities Political Engagement Religious Activities Union Organizing Working for For-Profit Businesses There are some activities that are not allowed to be included in AmeriCorps projects and activities. Individuals may engage in these activities in their personal time, but may not include these activities as part of their term of service. These are: Political Engagement - Efforts to influence legislation; lobbying; Engaging in partisan political activities; Advocacy for or against political parties, platforms, or candidates; Voter registration drives; Participating in boycotts, strikes, or protests. Religious Instruction - Engaging in religious instruction or proselytizing; Conducting worship servicesl Constructing or maintaining facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship. Union Organizing - Assisting, promoting or deterring union organizing; Interfering with contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. For-Profit Work - Providing a direct benefit for a for-profit entity, a labor union, a partisan political organization, or an organization engaged in religious instruction; Reminder: Qualifying not-for-profits include public schools, government agencies, charitable nonprofits, faith-based centers, and arts and cultural institutions. There are some activities that are not allowed to be included in AmeriCorps projects and activities. Individuals may engage in these activities in their personal time, but may not include these activities as part of their term of service. These are: Political Engagement - Efforts to influence legislation; lobbying; Engaging in partisan political activities; Advocacy for or against political parties, platforms, or candidates; Voter registration drives; Participating in boycotts, strikes, or protests. Religious Instruction - Engaging in religious instruction or proselytizing; Conducting worship servicesl Constructing or maintaining facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship. Union Organizing - Assisting, promoting or deterring union organizing; Interfering with contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements. For-Profit Work - Providing a direct benefit for a for-profit entity, a labor union, a partisan political organization, or an organization engaged in religious instruction; Reminder: Qualifying not-for-profits include public schools, government agencies, charitable nonprofits, faith-based centers, and arts and cultural institutions.

31. Prohibited Activities In addition, members agree to avoid the following: Safety Risks Participating in activities that pose a significant safety risk to clients or self. * Note: “Challenge by choice” and ropes courses are appropriate service activities.

32. What about . . . ? The following are activities for which members may not accrue service hours: Work for which outside compensation is received International service Travel time to and from a service site Personal recreation time Hours spent sleeping during an overnight retreat Grant writing and/or fundraising for an agency’s capital or operating costs In addition to the Prohibited Activities we’ve discussed, here are some non-allowable activities that often show up on member’s time logs: Paid positions – all of you will receive an AmeriCorps living allowance to support you during your term of service. Members are not allowed to received additional compensation, hourly pay or lump-sum payments for their service. International service – any service performed outside the 50 states is not allowable. Travel time – your commute time or travel to events/activities cannot be counted. Personal recreation time – example: you work at a community gym or fitness center and spend your “down time” working out. Make sure it doesn’t show up on your time log! Sleeping during overnight events – self-explanatory Grant-writing for capital or operating costs is not allowed because it is not considered direct service.In addition to the Prohibited Activities we’ve discussed, here are some non-allowable activities that often show up on member’s time logs: Paid positions – all of you will receive an AmeriCorps living allowance to support you during your term of service. Members are not allowed to received additional compensation, hourly pay or lump-sum payments for their service. International service – any service performed outside the 50 states is not allowable. Travel time – your commute time or travel to events/activities cannot be counted. Personal recreation time – example: you work at a community gym or fitness center and spend your “down time” working out. Make sure it doesn’t show up on your time log! Sleeping during overnight events – self-explanatory Grant-writing for capital or operating costs is not allowed because it is not considered direct service.

33. Know your rights! The Member Agreement is: A contract saying you agree to serve as a Campus Corps AmeriCorps member A thorough overview of your rights and responsibilities as a member Available online at mtcampuscorps.org

34. Know your rights! By enrolling, you agree to the following: Sexual Harassment and Non-discrimination: VI Grievance Procedure: IX Rules of Conduct: XI Drug-Free Workplace Act: XII Suspension and Release from Service: XIII When you sign it, you agree to it!

35. Next steps . . . If you haven’t already, apply online by going to mtcampuscorps.org. Meet with the campus coordinator and your site supervisor to review your position description. Visit mtcampuscorps.org often to stay up-to-date and get questions answered.

36. Review Questions What are the five AmeriCorps service focus areas? Politics, environment, public safety, human needs, education Religion, education, environment, public safety, human needs Education, environment, health, human needs, public safety. What is member development? It gives you the opportunity to pursue personal and professional goals that are educational and service-oriented. It is time spent reflecting upon your service It is time spent in training, workshops, classes or conferences related to your service All of the above What percentage of your service can be spent on member development? 20% 40% 80%

37. Review Questions Which of these are prohibited activities? Religious activity, political activity, fundraising for capital or operating costs Serving with a for-profit organization, lobbying, or union organizing Serving in a church’s food bank, tutoring students at a parochial school Both A and B Which of these statements is NOT true? You must be either United States citizen or a permanent resident You must have participated in community service before. You must be at least 17 years old You must have a GED or high school diploma or be working toward one of the two and receive it by the end of the service term. How can you use the AmeriCorps Education Award? I can give it to a family member for them to use. I can use it to pay tuition expenses or pay back outstanding student loans. I can wait and use it in 10 years. All of the above

38. AmeriCorps Pledge I will get things done for America, to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.

39. Thank You! Thank you for your interest in the Campus Corps AmeriCorps Program! If you have any questions please contact the Program Coordinator at your local college or university campus. Return to http://www.mtcampuscorps.org