Abstract

AmeriCorps program directors may occasionally find themselves with extended training time. In this situation, unique and inexpensive training methods can be utilized. These could include training that takes place outside the office or that is several days in duration. These training ideas might also be employed during the regular course of training, depending on the individual needs of the program and its members. This effective practice proposes different training ideas that were shared on ACList, the AmeriCorps e-mail discussion list, in July 2002.

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Issue

Instead of viewing extended training time as a "problem to be solved" or "interruption" from the normal course of activities, it may be seen as an opportunity for creativity in training volunteers and members.

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Action

Program directors have successfully utilized the following trainings for AmeriCorps members during extended training time:

• Build service projects into training. For instance, painting day care centers or visiting other placement sites. Service projects can be conducted at libraries. Or conduct a book drive.
• Contact other literacy organizations in your state to see if they have service projects that could be conducted during the time of your AmeriCorps members' training.
• Contact summer literacy programs or summer camp programs to see if your members could enable them to extend the life of their programs.
• Visit hospitals and conduct reading activities with the residents.
• Contact local writers and publishers to see if they could conduct workshops or site visits.
• Contact the Adult Education system in your state to see if they have ideas for projects.
• Help other organizations solicit materials for their projects.
• Use the time for community building and as a way to get members acquainted with the local community where they will be serving.
  [Shared by Anna B. Schink, Maine Service Alliance, abschink@gwi.net]
• See if a local nonprofit or other service program could use some temporary help.
• Check on placements with local libraries for summer reading programs. This would be a good mix of service with hands-on training.
  [Shared by Aaron Gray, Program Coordinator, Knowledge to Empower Youth to Success (KEYS) Service Corps, Pittsburgh, PA. AGray@dhs.county.allegheny.pa.us].
• This might be an ideal time to focus on training regarding individuals with disabilities, such as inclusion issues or accessibility.
  [Shared by Anne Marie Mann, Program Director, Project ACCEPT, Anne.Marie.Mann@hattielarlham.org]
• It may be useful for members to get practice tutoring with real youths in a controlled and highly supervised setting. If there are government or community based summer camps, try to arrange a creative session or two of reading or dramatizing a storybook for children in the camps.
• Members could read to waiting children in pediatricians' offices while incorporating parent education about reading to youth at the same time.
• Arranging short-term service projects for members and incorporating their input into the design would be an effective adjunct to their training time.
• Time could also be invested in the development of a signature project or "legacy" that this cohort of AmeriCorps members could leave behind so that their service would live on after them.
  [Shared by Drew Carberry, CHP International, Dcarberry@chpinternational.com]

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Context

AmeriCorps programs are required to provide members with the training, skills, and knowledge they need to perform well in their service projects. Training is an ongoing part of every program.

Programs typically allocate at least 80 percent of the required participation to direct service activities and no more than 20 percent of the aggregate required service hours to education, training, and other non-direct service activities.

Examples of training for assigned service activities include:

• Skills training (such as tutoring, mentoring, giving immunizations)
• Working with volunteers
• Cross-cultural sensitivity
• Team building

Examples of training to develop members (suggested topics; each program will determine their own training needs):

• citizenship training
• Cross-cultural sensitivity
• Communication
• Accommodation of persons with disabilities
• Conflict resolution
• Resume writing
• CPR/First aid
• Life after AmeriCorps

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Outcome

Making the most of extended training time can strengthen the outcomes usually associated with training, including:

• Improving skills, internalizing project goals and increasing members' insight
• Reinforcing AmeriCorps information, including prohibited activities
• Increasing levels of motivation among AmeriCorps members

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For More Information

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Conducting a service project during "down time" at a conference

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Related sites

AmeriCorps

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