Volunteer Coordinators

[Turner.House]

I am replying to the person who suggested applying for an AmeriCorps 
program in order to get volunteers...  I was an AmeriCorps member 
(technically you cannot call them "volunteers") for three years.  If you 
wanted to start an AmeriCorps program at your site it would be very 
involved and there would have to be at least one full time person to 
supervise your AmeriCorps members.  An organization needs a lot of 
resources (staff, time, money, etc) to invest into an AmeriCorps program.

However, under the AmeriCorps umbrella there is a program called VISTA. 
You could apply for just one or two VISTA members.  The application 
process is year round.  VISTA was set up to help organizations in low 
income areas start programs and develop their sustainability.  VISTA 
projects typically lasts 3 years.  (Each VISTA member serves one year.) 
You could apply to get a VISTA position that would develop a volunteer 
program and find funding to sustain it when they are gone.  VISTA is an 
excellent way to start a program if you don't have a lot of start-up 
money.

Also, look to see if there are AmeriCorps projects within your area.  Some 
groups have outreach/collaboration goals within their workplans and would 
love to lend their members for short-term and sometimes long-term 
projects. (I know City Year is a national org. that often does this.)

You can find more information at the AmeriCorps website: 
www.americorps.org

Good Luck!
Katherine Patterson-Paronto

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