By Harry Bruell, Director of T/TA, National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC)

SUMMER 1997 - (archived information - please note the date of publication)

Want to earn money for college? Want to make a difference? Want job experience? Want something to do because it's boring sitting around the house? Want to get back in the workforce? Want a job?

People of all ages join AmeriCorps for a variety of different reasons. While it would be nice if everyone joined just because they want to serve, it's clear that this is not always possible. Family obligations, work experience, financial liabilities, and personal motivation all play big factors in why people sign on to "serve their community." Many folks are clever enough to write the "right" reasons on their application and express these motivations during an interview. However, their true attitude and motivation may appear after the program begins.

Helping members develop a true ethic of service can be a challenge for many programs. Some members do come with a well-defined ethic, but many join for the reasons discussed above. The National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC) developed a training and "working publication" focused on helping programs to help their members develop the service ethic. The training is based around three principles:

1. An ethic of service cannot be instilled in members. Program staff cannot give someone a service ethic. People develop their own values, attitudes, and beliefs. Each member must develop his or her own ethic from within. Staff can only guide them and direct them to the appropriate resources.
2. There is not one exercise or speech that will help members develop their own ethic of service. Rather, it is a combination of small steps over the entire term of service that help members develop an ethic. The NASCC working publication, "Ethic of Service Master Plan," contains 123 small steps programs can undertake throughout the term of service to help members develop their service ethic.
3. Not all members will develop an ethic of service. No matter how hard staff may try and how well they do, not everybody is going to develop a service ethic on our time frame. While many will develop a service ethic during their year, it is unrealistic to expect every member to develop an ethic of service. Some may draw on this service experience many years later and will then develop an ethic of service later in life that is attributable to their experience with AmeriCorps.

The issues around motivation and ethic of service are complex. Each member is different and has different motivations, skills, and needs. The program director, coordinator, or supervisor must find the tools and means to help each individual develop their own service ethic - some tools are included in this newsletter; others can be provided by T/TA providers; many will be developed through personal experience. Best wishes for the success in your programs in getting things done.

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