Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GFBCI)

Celebrates AmeriCorps Week

What is AmeriCorps Week?

AmeriCorps Week is an annual event designed to:

- Bring more Americans into service

- Salute AmeriCorps members and alums

- Thank community partners

The first-ever AmeriCorps Week, in 2007, was a huge success, with more than 200 events taking place in all 50 states, including an Oval Office event with President Bush. We’re aiming to make the 2008 AmeriCorps Week—which is taking place May 11-18—even bigger and better, and that can happen only if as many AmeriCorps projects, members, and friends participate as possible.

What Can I Do for AmeriCorps Week?

Whether you’re a program director, member, alumnus, partner, or friend, we encourage you to take part in AmeriCorps Week 2008.  For more information visit:

www.AmeriCorpsWeek.gov

How will Alabama celebrate AmeriCorps Week?

Alabama AmeriCorps will be celebrating National AmeriCorps Week with a statewide initiative during the week of May 11-18, 2008. This initiative will bring together fellow AmeriCorps members, alums, community leaders and volunteers, along with over 500,000 AmeriCorps members, to celebrate the contributions that have been made in our nation. 

FOCUS AREA:  Mobilizing More Volunteers in accordance with the Corporation for National and Community Service Strategic Plan.

“Since President Bush issued his call to service in 2002, nearly six million more Americans have begun volunteering in their communities to help meet critical needs, including responding to and preparing communities for disasters.  In an effort to continue that upward trend, we are committed to supporting faith and community-based nonprofit organizations as they develop the capacity to recruit and manage additional volunteers.”

The AmeriCorps State Programs in Alabama will recruit as many volunteers as they can leading up to and during AmeriCorps Week.  GFBCI’s goal for the AmeriCorps State Programs is 200 volunteers state-wide.  Each program is responsible for recruiting at least 25 volunteers. This will also help you meet your volunteer recruitment goal for the 2007-2008 program year. The program that recruits the most volunteers will receive a special award and be recognized at our next state-wide event. 

How will we do it?

Speak to a Community Group

AmeriCorps members, alumni, and programs have great stories to tell.  Arrange a public speaking opportunity (or two or three) at a local school or college, or before a local community organization like the Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce.  Talk about your AmeriCorps experience and the difference that AmeriCorps has made in your life.  Get people excited about the power of serving their community and ask them to be a VOLUNTEER for your program!

 ‘AmeriCorps for a Day’

Ask a local official, potential funder, celebrity or reporter to become an AmeriCorps member for a day---or even a half-hour, if that’s what they can offer.  Once they get an inside look at your organization and the work that AmeriCorps members do, they’re certain to gain a deeper appreciation of the value of your program to the community. Similarly, why not invite your people from the community, friends, or family members to serve as a VOLUNTEER beside you or your members for a day, either as part of your regular duties or on a special AmeriCorps Week service project.

Stage a Special Event

Everyone likes special events, especially if they help your organization fulfill its mission. AmeriCorps Week is the perfect time to host an Open House, sponsor a local service project, or connect with other AmeriCorps programs in your area to stage a joint volunteer recruitment fair. Another idea is to hold a Community Appreciation Reception to thank your AmeriCorps program’s funders, volunteers, and other partners for their support. The events need not be formal or expensive – it’s the spirit that counts!  During the event give a special invitation to and/or have attendees sign up as a volunteer for your program or a specific service project.

Reach Out to the Media

Your organization does great work every day to meet a host of needs.  What better excuse to draw attention to your efforts than National AmeriCorps Week?  Contact your local newspaper, radio, television, and cable stations to request coverage of your group during the week, or ask them to run public service announcements that you can use as a tool to recruit volunteers.

Engage Officials and Community Partners

Ask your mayor, town council, county leader, or even your state’s governor to issue a proclamation recognizing AmeriCorps Week and your group’s connection to it. Get local sports teams to recognize AmeriCorps members during a game, or ask a local celebrity to serve with ‘AmeriCorps for a Day.’  Have the elected officials, sports teams and/or local celebrities speak on the behalf of the program and solicit volunteers.

Spread the Word About Your AmeriCorps Service

Not everyone has time to speak to a school or community group.  But everyone can do something to let others know of the power and impact of AmeriCorps.  Drop off AmeriCorps brochures at your local library.  Blog about AmeriCorps on MySpace or FaceBook or another online site.  Send a letter to the editor of your local paper, and send an e-mail to your friends, family, and colleagues to let them know about your service or about AmeriCorps Week activities that are happening in their communities.  Request individuals to sign up as volunteers for your program at the library and also ask family and friends to also be volunteers.

Next Steps:

·        Visit www.AmericorpsWeek.org and www.servealabama.gov

·        Order AmeriCorps posters and stickers for members and new volunteers

·        Decide what event you will host to get your minimum of 25 volunteers

·        Plan your event

·        Log at least 25 volunteers

·        Log the most volunteers and win a special prize and recognition