Organizing a Successful AmeriCorps Service Project

1. Click the numbers to go to a step. 1 2 Design a Project Develop a Plan Organizing a Successful AmeriCorps Service Project 3 4 Iowa DNR Keepers of the Land During the Event Post Project Tasks

2. Design a Project • Are you interested in teaching children about the outdoors? Should invasive species be removed from a nearby park? All successful service projects begin with the same inspiration you followed when you joined AmeriCorps. • However, your project cannot be directly related to the service you perform as an AmeriCorps member. Next >>

3. Design a Project Here are some examples of past projects that AmeriCorps members organized. If you need more inspiration, you can check out the AmeriCorps Flickr website for photos of recent service projects. Click here! << Home

4. Quick Tips • Weekends and evenings are easier for more families to attend. • Be aware of any other big events in the area at the same time you plan to host your event. Develop a Plan You’ve thought of a concept.Now it’s time to plan the details. When and where will your event take place? Who or what organizations will your project partner with? How will you make sure people know that your event is happening? • What to Include on Flyers: • - Where, when, time • - Project tasks • - What to bring AmeriCorps members may count up to 8 hours of service for pre and post project tasks. Next >>

5.  Submit pre-project authorization forms  Partner with at least 1 other AmeriCorps member Develop a Plan  Does your project plan follow these guidelines? You can check off each item by clicking on the red bars to track your progress. Remember to submit communications materials and publicity posters to the AmeriCorps program office a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the event! Partner with at least 1 other non-profit organization  Plan event to last at least 4 hours  Recruit at least 3 volunteers per AmeriCorps members  Event must be in Iowa and on public land  Event must be natural resource related If you need help recruiting volunteers, contact Linda King at Linda.King@dnr.iowa.gov << Home

6. Quick Tips • Show up early to prepare forms and other activity materials. • Make extra copies of all forms before the event to make sure every volunteer gets one. • Have necessary tools for project ready to go During the Event The day has come to host your event. What forms do volunteers need to fill out? Should you bring snacks? Should you take pictures? Remember to also be prepared for the weather. Have a inclement weather plan and stick to it. I think we can all agree Iowa weather is anything but predictable. Meet and greet with volunteers! Explain what you will be doing and why it will benefit the environment. Be sure to thank them for coming when the event is over. Next >>

7. During the Event Volunteer Waiver Form Volunteer Log Make sure these forms are filled out by each volunteer. Parents or guardians must fill out a form on behalf of youth volunteers. Click on each form to download the file to your computer. These files are also available on the DNR’s Intranet website. These forms are very important! A volunteer is not allowed to participate in your event without signing both forms. Next >>

8. Follow these flow charts to answer some basic questions that you may have during your event. Click the question to reveal the answers. During the Event • Many AmeriCorps members have received donations from places like Walmart and Target. • Unfortunately, the AmeriCorps program cannot pay for these goods. • .. And then send them to the AmeriCorps program office! • Snacks are a good idea if the event overlaps with common meal times. • Individual size servings like granola bars are a simple, healthy snack. • Yes! • Should I take pictures? • Always prepare water and disposable cups. • Who pays for the snacks? • Should I bring snacks? • Make sure you have enough for everyone! • We you encourage you to reach out to local businesses for donations. Next >>

9. During the Event • Other Notes • Volunteers must be actively engaged 75% of the time; 25% of time can be used for educational purposes • DNR employees on duty do not count as volunteers. However, if they participate on their own time (not paid status) they can count as a volunteer participant. • AmeriCorps members do not count event hours as direct service. • No reimbursement is available for service project travel. Here are some more notes about your service project. • If you have any questions this presentation could not answer, don’t hesitate to contact the program director Dawn Stohs. • Remember to thank your volunteers and encourage them to volunteer again! << Home

10. Post Project Tasks • Where to Submit • DNR AmeriCorps Program Office • Dawn Stohs • Dawn.Stohs@dnr.iowa.gov • 502 E 9th St. Des Moines, IA 50319 • 515.281.0878 • What to Submit • Volunteer Waiver Forms • Volunteer Log • Photos • Volunteer hours on monthly report You’re done!... Almost. The only thing left to do is to submit the required documentation from your event. Next >>

11. Post Project Tasks But wait! Organizing one service project does not fulfill all service requirements for many AmeriCorps members. Refer to this chart to track your progress. Next >>

12. What to Submit • Volunteer Waiver Forms • Volunteer Log • Photos Post Project Tasks Here are a couple of notes on participatory volunteer projects. Our best tip for fulfilling all service requirements? Start early and plan ahead. Warmer seasons generally tend to provide more opportunities for events as well. Finish! >>