From Volunteer Center of Racine County
AmeriCorps is an American network of more than 3,000 non-profit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. It was created in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. More than 70,000 individuals join AmeriCorps each year. There have been more than 500,000 members since 1994. The work done by these groups ranges from public education to environmental clean-up.
AmeriCorps is a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which also oversees the Senior Corps. AmeriCorps is split into three main divisions, including AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), and NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). Research has illustrated that AmeriCorps programs have a variety of effects on civic education, education, and public service.
The Volunteer Center of Racine County began a collaborative effort with the Youth Volunteer Corps/AmeriCorps in 2004. Since that time, we have had the priviledge of working with AmeriCorps members to provide programming to youth in Racine County. Through our Youth Advisory Board, Youth Leadership Program and Youth Summer Camps, young people ages 11 to 18 become active problem solvers. Our youth are working together to develop solutions that meet the unique needs of our community. Youth Volunteer Corps/AmeriCorps Team Leaders work with the Volunteer Center's Youth Coordinator to provide young people with the tools to make a difference in the world around them. Here they are given a chance to develop confidence in themselves. Youth are offered the opportunity, often for the first time, to interact with other young people who come from differenct ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. And for their efforts, they receive the ultimate reward - the satisfaction of seeing the look on the faces of those they have helped.
AmeriCorps members serve our Racine community, receive a stipend for their service and an education award upon completion. If you are interested in becoming an AmeriCorps member, please contact Marilynn Pelky, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center, 262-886-9612 or mpelky@volunteercenterofracine.org. Contents