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AmeriCorps Update
06.16.2014
IMPORTANT DEADLINES + EVENTS
June 16-18, 2014
National Conference on Volunteering & Service (Atlanta, GA). Click here for details.
 
June 18, 2014 (Deadline Extended)
Governor’s Volunteer Awards (GVA) Nomination Deadline. See below or click here for details.
 
June 19, 2014
Grantee Call: Updates from the Field (Required). See below for details.
 
June 19, 2014
PER Processing Deadline.
 
June 22, 2014 (Deadline Extended)
Early Bird Registration Deadline for Texas Nonprofit Summit. Click here to register.
 
June 23, 2014
AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary Mini-Grant Application Due to OneStar. See below or click here to complete your application.
 
June 24, 2014
Start-Up Document Deadline. For programs operating in 2015-16, Start Up document requirements have been emailed to all programs with documents due to OneStar by June 24th.
 
July 3, 2014
PER Processing Deadline.
 
July 22-23, 2014
New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) (Austin, TX). Click here to register. See below for details.
 
July 23-24, 2014
SAVE-THE-DATE: Advanced Disability Inclusion Training (Austin, TX). See below for details.

NEWS + UPDATES
Monthly Grantee Call This Week – Updates from the Field
Join OneStar this Thursday, June 19th from 1:00-2:00pm Central for our Monthly Grantee Call. This month’s theme will be Updates from the Field, hosted by Emily Steinberg, Director, National Service Programs. Topics will include: Summer Training Updates, SW Cluster Update, Texas Nonprofit Summit, Planning for the AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary, CNCS IPERA Monitoring, AmeriCorps Health Care, and more.
The call is required; each grantee must designate a staff member to participate. No advance registration is needed.
To join, simply dial:
Dial: 1-800-944-8766
Participant Code: 36027 Mark your calendars now for the following calls in 2014 (all third Thursdays from 1-2pm Central):
  • July 17 – Informal Peer-led Call
  • August 21 – OneStar Updates from the Field
  • September 18 – Informal Peer-led Call
  • October 16 – OneStar Updates from the Field
  • November 20 – Informal Peer-led Call
  • December 18 – OneStar Updates from the Field  
If you have a peer topic suggestion or would like to host one of the Informal Peer Calls listed above, please contact your OneStar Grants Officers.
justice AmeriCorps Funding Opportunity
CNCS and the Department of Justice (DOJ), through its Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), have entered into a new strategic partnership called “justice AmeriCorps,” to increase national service while facilitating the effective and efficient adjudication of immigration proceedings involving certain children who have crossed the border without a parent or legal guardian.
Organizations proposing Texas-based justice AmeriCorps programs should apply directly to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
Please be aware of the following deadlines when applying:
  • Notice of Intent to Apply: July 15, 2014 by 5:00 pm Eastern via email to IntentToApply@cns.gov.
  • Application Submission: July 22, 2014 by 5:00 pm Eastern via eGrants.
$500 Mini-Grants Available for AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary & 9/11 Day of Remembrance
OneStar, through authorization by CNCS, has been given the opportunity to award mini-grants to AmeriCorps State programs operating in Texas who are interested in participating in September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance and AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary events and activities to be held September 11th and September 12, 2014 (respectively).
Mini-grants may be requested for up to $500. However, grantees applying for mini-grants should have the ability to match them dollar-for-dollar. For example, if your organization requests $500 in grant funds, you should have $500 available to be used as match (cash or in-kind) for this purpose.

Please note: OneStar is currently working to generate enough in-kind match through the "I Want to Join AmeriCorps" PSA media campaign to cover match requirements for the entire Texas portfolio, but the amount of match generated is still unknown at this time as the PSA campaign is still in progress. Should match become available, OneStar will contact all organizations that have requested a mini-grant of the amount of match available to them and the match requirement may be waived partially or in full.
You may use your mini-grant for an activity that your organization chooses to engage in alone, or you may work collaboratively to pool resources with other AmeriCorps State programs in Texas. Some ideas for utilizing funds include:
  • Travel for AmeriCorps members and program staff to participate in a statewide signature event and Swearing In Ceremony in Austin (to be held the afternoon of September 12, 2014; please hold the 12-4pm Central timeframe if your program plans to attend - OneStar strongly encourages all programs to attend if possible)
  • Materials or space rental for hosting a 9/11 Day of Service Project and/or 20th Anniversary event in your local community with local/regional program collaboration
  • Purchasing 20th Anniversary gear for staff and members (a t-shirt template for all Texas AmeriCorps members is forthcoming)
You may learn more about these two events by visiting their websites:
2014 Governor’s Volunteer Awards - Deadline Extended!
The deadline for nominations for the 31st annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards has been extended until Wednesday, June 18th.
For over 30 years OneStar Foundation has joined the Governor in honoring some of Texas' most dedicated community volunteers at the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards honor Texans who give their time and talents to their communities through exemplary volunteerism and community service.
If you know of an outstanding individual, group or organization that truly embodies the Texas tradition of community service, we encourage you to nominate them for an award.
To view the 2014 award categories and access the 31st annual Governor's Volunteer Awards nomination form, visit http://onestarfoundation.org/2014-governors-volunteer-awards/.
We hope to see every Texas AmeriCorps and Senior Corps program nominate an outstanding member/volunteer!
New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) – July 22-23
OneStar is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) on July 22-23 in Austin, TX. NASO is a one and a half day training for staff at your organization who are new to their position or new to working with your AmeriCorps program. The purpose of this training is to equip participants with basic knowledge about AmeriCorps, member management, grant management, and fiscal compliance.
Visit the registration page here to view the agenda and for more information on the specific training topics.
There is no cost to register for NASO, and you may use grant funds from “Travel to Commission Sponsored Meetings” to attend (lodging, mileage, etc.). Register for NASO by clicking here. The registration deadline is July 2.
Advanced Disability Inclusion Training – July 23-24
Save the Date! OneStar is excited to announce that we are planning to host an upcoming Advanced Disability Inclusion Training for national service program staff that will be held July 23-24th in Austin, immediately following the New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation. The training will be designed to better equip AmeriCorps and other national service programs to provide supportive and inclusive service experiences for their members. The training will start the afternoon of July 23rd and continue the morning of July 24th (exact times TBA).
Based on feedback from AmeriCorps program staff and members, OneStar is partnering with community experts such as Erin Lawler of the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, to bring you in-depth information on relevant topics such as the legal aspects of interviewing and hiring members with disabilities, providing reasonable accommodations, considerations for working with members with mental health conditions and creating inclusive service environments!
Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for registration and more details! If you are interested in sending staff to this training, please let your OneStar Grants Officer know.
Early Bird Deadline Extended through June 22 – Texas Nonprofit Summit
Whether it’s the exceptional keynote speakers, unparalleled networking opportunities, or the unique sessions full of ideas and resources, the 2014 Texas Nonprofit Summit has so much to offer!
When: September 18-19, 2014
Fees: $185 for Greenlights members and OneStar Foundation grantees; $210 for non-members/grantees (regular rates are $235 and $280, respectively.)

Early Bird registration is available through June 22nd! Special rates are also available if you plan to attend the Alliance for Nonprofit Management Conference on September 17.
NGMA Grants Training in Austin – August 5th
OneStar is excited to announce that we are partnering with the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), along with sponsors Abila and Deloitte, to hold a grant management training and networking opportunity on Tuesday, August 5, 2014 from 10am - 6pm at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. This FREE training is for NGMA members and non-members and we encourage you to share this invite with other grant professionals in your community.
Come prepared to learn about federal grants management and grant life cycles, building data infrastructure, and NGMA as well as to network with other grant professionals in your area! 
LIMITED SEATING - REGISTRATION REQUIRED
To register, please contact Amy Starchville in NGMA's Business Office at amy@ngma.org or (202) 308-9443.  Registration is required and is on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you register and are unable to attend, please cancel your registration with Amy as seating is limited. View the agenda and details for this event here.
Corps Network Health Care Plan for 2014-15
The Corps Network Plan has just announced that it will be offering a new ACA-compliant health care plan in partnership with CIGNA for the 2014-2015 year, effective September 1st.  The monthly rate for the plan will be $199.54 per member per month. Over the next month, the Corps Network and Willis of Seattle will be hosting webinars to present the plan and provide an opportunity for discussion and questions.
The basic framework of the policy for September 1, 2014 is:
  • $100 deductible
  • 80% in network/60% non-network coinsurance
  • $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum
  • 80% prescription drug coverage
As an ACA compliant plan, there are no lifetime maximums or caps on essential health benefits.  Major improvements to the current plan include:
  • Eliminate the $50,000 per cause maximum (unlimited lifetime benefits)
  • No cost sharing on preventive care (unlimited benefit, deductible waived, 100% coverage)
  • Removal of the pre-existing condition maximum (regardless of creditable coverage)
Additional improvements include:
  • Name recognition of CIGNA network – Eliminate the confusion around  “we don’t take that insurance”
  • Point-of-service pharmacy transactions – Eliminate the need to pay upfront and await reimbursement on prescriptions (when using a network pharmacy).
Summit America will continue to manage billing and eligibility for the plan.  The dental plan will remain the same without changes to benefits or rates. For more information, contact Julie Nelson at julie.nelson@willis.com or 206-386-7976.
Job Opening - Texas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs: AmeriCorps Program Director The Texas Alliance of Boys & Girls Club is hiring for a Texas Club Corps AmeriCorps Program Director. Applications are due June 21, 2014. The position will be filled by August 1, 2014, pending grant award notification. For a copy of the position description and application instructions, click here.
RSVP Funding Opportunity
CNCS recently released its Fiscal Year 2015 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Senior Corps RSVP program grants.
The RSVP program engages adults age 55 and over in a wide range of activities that meet community needs.  One of three signature programs of Senior Corps, RSVP has more than 40 years of experience engaging older adults in volunteer service to help nonprofits and public agencies build their capacity and expand their impact.
Funding will go to organizations that engage volunteers in one of six CNCS focus areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.
Eligible applicants for these funding opportunities include:
  • Nonprofit organizations (including community based and faith-based organizations); 
  • Tribal organizations; 
  • Public agencies (including state and local agencies)
  • Government-recognized veterans organizations
The full text of the RSVP funding notice with available geographic service areas can be found on our website. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent to Apply by Friday, August 8, 2014. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 9, 2014, by 5 p.m. ET. Successful applicants will be notified by February 2015.
Virtual Resume Review + Career Fair for AmeriCorps Alums
It’s official!  In conjunction with AmeriCorps Alums, we are pleased to announce two exciting upcoming professional development opportunities for alums across the country:
June 25th – Virtual Resume Review: Your preparation for Life After AmeriCorps is an area we strive to prepare you for in every way possible.  One of the most important areas concerning Life After AmeriCorps is your professional and career development.  In conjunction with AmeriCorps Alums, we are proud to announce the launch of the AmeriCorps Alums Virtual Networking Series.  The first event is a Virtual Resume Review, an event that will connect you to seasoned AmeriCorps Alums professionals who have graciously agreed to review your resume.  The event is a great opportunity to learn about how you can make your resume stand out from the crowd and ultimately land you a job interview.  The event will occur on Wednesday, June 25th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM Eastern time.  You can register here. To help ensure that registrants attend the event, there is a small $5 registration fee.  We expect a long waitlist, and the registration fee will confirm your spot.
Then, join the first ever AMERICORPS ALUMS Virtual Career Fair on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 1PM to 4PM Eastern.  One of the top questions you likely are asking yourself is “What’s my next career move after AmeriCorps?” If that sounds like you, then you should register for this unique event.  There will be a wide range of employers who are recruiting AmeriCorps alumni.  The event is a great opportunity to meet with HR professionals who are seeking to land talented professionals for their respective organizations.  We know that AmeriCorps is among the most unique professional experiences, and this event gives you an opportunity to connect with a  captive audience of recruiters who value your national service.  We invite you to learn more about why this event is the right fit for you by clicking here.  The event will be FREE to both current AmeriCorps members and alumni.
Registration Now Open for FREE Growing Healthy Texas Workshops!
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and IT'S TIME TEXAS have proudly collaborated with organizations across the state to provide the first annual series of SNAP-Education workshops focused on regional obesity prevention efforts.
You'll hear from accomplished leaders in the industry including key note speakers Dr. Jeremy Lyon, Superintendent of Frisco ISD and Richard Torres, Corpus Christi Health & PE Specialist.  The 1.5 day conference will have interactive learning experiences and networking opportunities to help make healthy the norm in Texas.
Our first FREE Growing Healthy Texas Conference will take place in Tyler, TX on June 17 & 18 and will be held at the Harvey Hall Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler, TX.  Click here to register for the Tyler conference.
Register today!  For more information, visit www.growinghealthytexas.com.
If you can’t make the conference in Tyler, consider attending one of the following workshops:
These workshops are FREE of charge and continuing education credit for multiple disciplines will be provided. If you have any questions please contact Rex Miller, SNAP-Education Program Specialist at Rex.Miller@hhsc.state.tx.us.
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
AmeriCorps Alums Unveils Survey Results at the Summit at Gettysburg, Launches “20 for 20”
This month has been a great month for AmeriCorps Alums.  
Two weeks ago, more than 30 AmeriCorps Alums gathered at the Franklin Project’s Summit at Gettysburg to release the results of a nationwide survey of 5,000 AmeriCorps alumni in all 50 states. Entitled “Untapped Potential: Findings from a New Survey of Alumni of All AmeriCorps Programs,” the report outlines important new findings. Through the survey, AmeriCorps Alums leadership learned that nearly all Alums want careers that impact the world around them (72% strongly agree), but only one in three strongly agree that upon finishing their service, they knew how to navigate “life after AmeriCorps.”
As AmeriCorps Alums Co-Executive Director Mary Bruce states, “We think this news matters.  The millennial unemployment rate is estimated to be as high as 15%, and two-thirds of large companies report difficulty in filling job vacancies because applicants have unsuitable work habits or insufficient experience.  Meanwhile, alumni of AmeriCorps have civic skills and the drive to have careers that change the world.”
This week, AmeriCorps Alums also launches a new website to honor the 20th anniversary by encouraging AmeriCorps Alums across the nation to pledge “20 for 20” – 20 hours of service this summer to honor 20 years of getting things done for America:
AmeriCorps Alums each take a pledge to launch a Lifetime of Service. Join AmeriCorps Alums this summer in serving 20 hours for the 20th. Find volunteer opportunities in your local community and participate in a campaign this summer with alums in your city and around the country.
Submit your pledge to serve 20 for 20 TODAY!
RESOURCES + TRAINING
Civic Reflection Training Services Request Form
OneStar is pleased to periodically offer Civic Reflection training services to grantees, national service programs, and eligible organizations throughout the state of Texas. The two types of services offered are Civic Reflection Discussions and Civic Reflection Facilitation Workshops. Civic reflection uses short, thought-provoking images, video or readings from literature, history, or philosophy to open up important questions in civic life and explore the underlying values and beliefs that drive our shared work in the world. AmeriCorps programs have utilized the practice of civic reflection as a tool in such areas as member development, staff development, and member retention.
To learn more about or to request one of these services, please complete the request form at http://www.tfaforms.com/265963.

Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
OneStar may have funding available to support grantees with reasonable accommodation requests for members and/or potential members. If you need to request funds to provide a reasonable accommodation for a member or potential member, please complete the request form at http://www.tfaforms.com/167676.

Updating Program Contact Information
If during the year, you have any changes, additions, or deletions to your program’s contacts, please update your program’s Authorized Representative Form (ARF) by visiting http://www.tfaforms.com/159770. This site allows you to add, remove, and/or update contacts at any time and you only need to enter the contact information for the person(s) you need to update. As a reminder, OneStar requires the following roles to be designated and corresponding contact information to be on file:
  • Legal Authorized Signatory
  • Primary Program Contact
  • Primary Fiscal Contact
  • Secondary Contacts (Primary or Fiscal) – as applicable
Please note that it is a grantee requirement to update this form within 10 working days of a change in your program’s key personnel assigned to your AmeriCorps project.

OneStar Foundation: Building a Stronger Nonprofit Sector for a Better Texas
9011 Mountain Ridge Drive, Suite 100 | Austin TX 78759
enews@onestarfoundation.org | 512.287.2000
www.onestarfoundation.org

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