Overview

AmeriCorps joins a long tradition of programs that encourage and reward service ­ programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Peace Corps.

In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance and an education award that can be used to pay existing college loans or continuing education costs.

Partnerships that sponsor AmeriCorps programs recruit, select, and train their own AmeriCorps members, design and operate their local programs, and are responsible for providing funds and other resources to match the federal funds they receive through their AmeriCorps grant.

To search for AmeriCorps or other national service programs in New Mexico by county, visit our Program Service Directory.

AmeriCorps Goals

In the short time since AmeriCorps' inception in 1994, its members have achieved impressive results.

More than 500,000 individuals are alumni of the program, and now take their place as the next generation of community leaders, educators, health professionals and the like.

In 2008, more than 75,000 AmeriCorps members served in communities throughout the country.

Goals of AmeriCorps include:

* Getting Things Done. AmeriCorps helps communities meet needs in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs through direct and demonstrable service.

* Strengthening Communities. AmeriCorps builds the capacity of community organizations and other institutions to more effectively engage community volunteers to improve our communities.

* Encouraging Responsibility. Through service and civic education, AmeriCorps members become agents of community solutions and develop an ethic of lifelong service.

* Expanding Opportunity. AmeriCorps helps those who help America. Members develop professional skills, gain invaluable experience and receive education awards for education or job training.

The AmeriCorps Family of Programs

AmeriCorps*State and National
More than three-quarters of AmeriCorps grant funding goes to Governor-appointed state service commissions, such as NMCCV, which in turn award and monitor grants to hundreds of nonprofit groups and agencies. The other quarter goes to national nonprofits that operate in more than one state.

The organizations that receive grants are responsible for recruiting, selecting, and supervising AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps grantees include national groups such as the National Council of La Raza, Catholic Network of Volunteer Service, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, as well as hundreds of smaller faith-based and local community organizations.

AmeriCorps*VISTA
For more than 40 years, AmeriCorps*VISTA members have helped impoverished individuals and communities attain self sufficiency. Members serve full-time for a year with nonprofit groups, public agencies, and faith-based organizations throughout the country, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create and expand businesses, increase housing opportunities, and bridge the digital divide.

Approximately 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve in more than 1,200 local programs; nearly 15 percent of AmeriCorps*VISTA members are assigned to projects that support the work of faith-based organizations.

AmeriCorps*NCCC
AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a 10-month, team-based, full-time residential program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24. It combines the best practices of civilian service with the best aspects of military service, including leadership training and team building.

Members serve in diverse teams of 10 to 14 individuals. Priority is given to homeland security and disaster relief projects. Teams are based at four campuses across the country and are assigned to projects in their respective regions. Approximately 1,200 members serve in AmeriCorps*NCCC each year.

How Can My Organization Access AmeriCorps Resources?

Partner with an existing AmeriCorps Program
Sometimes existing AmeriCorps programs are able to place a portion of their corps of AmeriCorps members with a partnering agency. If you are interested in hosting one or more AmeriCorps members with your organization, but are unable to manage an AmeriCorps grant, you may wish to contact AmeriCorps programs in your area to determine if a partnership may be feasible.

To search for AmeriCorps or other national service programs in New Mexico by county, visit our Program Service Directory.

For more information on community volunteerism in New Mexico, please see http://www.newmexserve.org/.