Program Start Up Institute: September 13, 15-16, 2010

Purpose

Provide AmeriCorps National new program and planning grantees with the tools and resources to launch high-quality AmeriCorps programs, focusing on:

Program Development and Management
Financial Management
Member Development

The program will provide an important context for programs part of the national service movement through its integration with the AmeriCorps Grantee Meeting.

Participants

New AmeriCorps National programs, planning grantees and new staff at National programs.
Note: Participants are asked to bring laptops for the interactive session on Thursday, September 16.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

9:30 am - Opening Session
Welcome, Agenda Overview, Introductions

10:00 am - Panel of Peers
AmeriCorps Grantees will reflect on what they wish they had known when they began working with AmeriCorps and the most important things to know and do in starting an AmeriCorps program.

11:15 am - Overview of the Grantee Meeting
What to expect and how to get the most from the next 2½ days.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

2:00 pm - Check-in
Review agenda

2:15 pm - Debrief of the Grantee Meeting
What did you learn? What questions remain?

2:30 pm - Member Development and Support - Panel of Peers
Program Directors will discuss the key aspects of member recruitment, orientation/training, and recordkeeping/ member files with a focus on strategies for supporting and retaining AmeriCorps members.

View Tyrone Begay’s prepared remarks (doc) or (pdf)
View an example of a Bi-weekly Timelog (doc) or (pdf)
View an example of a Daily Timelog (doc) or (pdf)
View an example of a Member Database (xls)

3:45 pm - AmeriCorps Program Year
An interactive session to review the key milestones of the AmeriCorps program year from how your grant is awarded to how you report your success.

View the handout (doc) or (pdf)

THURSDAY, SPETEMBER 16, 2010

8:15 am - Check-in
Review agenda and set up day.

8:30 am - Financial Literacy
A presentation on the systems AmeriCorps National programs need to develop, especially related to internal controls and documenting match.

View the presentation (ppt) or (pdf)

10:15 am - You Have a Question…You Have the Answer
An interactive session where participants will explore common questions and navigate finding answers.