AmeriCorps Week
Presentation to AmeriCorps Alums @ Hands On Network Leadership Conference 2007
March 15, 2007
Presented By
John Enterline
Corporation for National and Community Service
Eli Segal Fellow
AmeriCorps*NCCC Denver, Class XI
AmeriCorps Week????
What have you heard so far about AmeriCorps Week?
What Is AmeriCorps Week?
First ever weeklong opportunity to shine the spotlight on AmeriCorps
A locally-driven initiative that will be highlighted by several national events run by CNCS
Still to be Determined---By Us
Why Have an AmeriCorps Week???
Top 10 Reasons to Have an AmeriCorps Week
10. Good Excuse to Wear the Old Uniforms
9. When you are used to getting less than a $1 an hour, your budget says no to celebrating an entire month
8. Thank AmeriCorps’ Community Partners
9. The domestic Peace Corps deserves a week too!
6. AmeriCorps Week is so easy to celebrate even a caveman can do it
Top 10 Reasons to Have an AmeriCorps Week (continued)
5. Way to bring more Americans into Service
5. More “This one time when I was in the AmeriCorps…” stories
3. Salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact
2. Taking a week off of trying to understand “Lost” might be the best thing possible for your sanity.
#1 Reason to Have an AmeriCorps Week
Way for the AmeriCorps Community to bring the power and the passion we have for AmeriCorps together in a
united effort to further AmeriCorps’ role in getting things done in this country
Why May 13-20?
Aligns with 500,000th AmeriCorps member milestone
Coincides with AmeriCorps Grant announcements
Spotlights AmeriCorps in key recruitment season
Spring theme fits well
National Events/InitiativesAmeriCorps Week closing ceremony at Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps blitz build in Mississippi.
Washington, DC policy events
“My AmeriCorps” Video Contest on YouTube
Signature Events Across the Country
NCCC Events, VISTA Events, Alum Chapter Events, Etc.
AmeriCorps Week Success
YOUR AmeriCorps Week
AmeriCorps Week is not just something for CNCS
AmeriCorps Week is about YOU
AmeriCorps Week is about everyone who cares about AmeriCorps
The local role is vital to AmeriCorps Week, even more so than the national events.
Success Will Look Like:More Americans volunteer More members and alums embrace AmeriCorps identity and connect with programs AmeriCorps partners feel appreciated The service inspired by this week benefits many peopleThe AmeriCorps community will be re-energizedThe AmeriCorps Alums site will gain momentumSociety has a better appreciation for AmeriCorpsWe all have a lot of fun!
Reflection
• What are you most proud of?
• What in your service experience touched you the most?
• What was the most fun you had in AmeriCorps?
Group Discussion
• Do you have plans for AmeriCorps Week?• Think about what you want to do to celebrate AmeriCorps Week
– Use what you reflected on to help get the brainstorming kick-started– Think of how to recreate what AmeriCorps brought to you.
• What kind of events would interest your AmeriCorps Alums local chapter?
• Could you use AmeriCorps Week to launch a new AmeriCorps Alums chapter?
• Millions of Possibilities
What You Can Do (A Few Ideas)
Encourage “AmeriCorps for a Day”Speak to a Community GroupTalk about AmeriCorps where you are servingStage a Special EventUse MySpace or FacebookParticipate in the Video Contest by submitting a video or by votingTake part in the postcard projectThe “A” wordService projects
How CNCS Will Support You:Online tools on www.americorps.gov/americorpsweek
Technical assistance conference calls on specific issues
National Media outreach
Project registration
Web Marketing with regional spotlights
Media and Marketing Support
Promotional materials….banners, pins, posters
Media kit – sample press release, op-ed, letter to editor, radio copy
Sample Proclamation
Sample speech and message points
Viral emails
What Is Needed from YOU
YOUR IDEAS and InputNowIn 2 months…what can be done to build upon the success of the 1st Annual AmeriCorps Week
Talk up AmeriCorps Week
Start planning what you are going to do for your AmeriCorps Week
Spread the word about what you are doing by registering on the AmeriCorps Week website
Questions
Contact Informationwww.americorps.gov/about/americorps
week. will be a valuable reference that you will be updated frequently
Questions can be directed to me at [email protected] or (202) 606-6946
Or you can get in touch with me via AmeriCorps Alums
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