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| AmeriCorps Update
07.14.2014
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| IMPORTANT DEADLINES + EVENTS
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| July 16, 2014
July 17, 2014 PER Processing Deadline.
July 22-23, 2014 New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) (Austin, TX).
July 23-24, 2014 Advanced Disability Inclusion Training (Austin, TX).
July 31, 2014 PER Processing Deadline.
August 5, 2014
September 11, 2014
September 12, 2014 AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary & Texas Statewide Swearing-In Event (Austin, TX; tentatively 1-3pm Central). Details and formal invitation forthcoming.
September 18-19, 2014
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| Informal Peer Call this Thursday Please join us this Thursday, July 17th from 1:00-2:00pm Central for our next Monthly Grantee Peer-Led Call. This month’s topic will be “Open Forum: Planning Your 20th Anniversary and 9/11 Day of Service Events.” The call will include several updates from OneStar regarding the 20th Anniversary on September 12th and will provide an Open Forum for all programs to discuss the following questions and topics: - Provide examples of how OneStar and AmeriCorps Texas programs are planning to honor the 9/11 Day of Service and/or AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary
- How to maximize your $500 Mini-Grant
- How to engage local media, elected officials, Alums, and other partners
- How to leverage social and traditional media to increase visibility of your efforts
- Trouble-shooting and logistics
To join, simply dial: Dial: 1-800-944-8766 Participant Code: 36027 The call is optional but encouraged and will be recorded for those who cannot attend. No advance registration is needed.
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| New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) – July 22-23 Registration is now closed for the 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. We look forward to seeing our NASO attendees next week!
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| Advanced Disability Inclusion Training – July 23-24 There is still time to register for our 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 on July 24th. Training Schedule: - Wednesday July 23rd (2-4:30pm)
- Thursday July 24th (9am-4:30pm)
Location: LifeWorks South Location – 3700 S. 1st St, Austin TX 78704 Sessions will include: - Providing Reasonable Accommodations for AmeriCorps members
- Legal Aspects of Interviewing and Hiring Members with Disabilities
- Creating Inclusive Service Environments
- disABILITY Advocate Training
- Supporting Members with Mental Health Conditions
*UPDATE* OneStar has obtained permission from CNCS to allow programs to use funds from their “Travel to CNCS Sponsored Meetings” line item to attend this OneStar-sponsored training. Therefore, if you have unexpended funds in this budget line-item, you may use it to attend the Advanced Disability Inclusion Training. If you have questions about this, please contact your assigned Grants Officers.
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| AmeriCorps Alums: July Professional Development Opportunities In conjunction with AmeriCorps Alums, we are proud to announce two new upcoming professional development opportunities for AmeriCorps members and Alums to further their Life After AmeriCorps opportunities: Thursday, July 17th, 2014 1PM-2PM EDT (12-1PM CENTRAL) - Int'l Careers Series Podcast: Int'l Education: Do you want to teach internationally, discover what types of education jobs are available internationally, or study internationally? Register for our second International Careers podcast on International Education. Engage with leading alumni of AmeriCorps working in the field and ask about educational and professional opportunities. Register for this event here. During the podcast, we will engage with leading alumni of AmeriCorps working in the field and ask about educational and professional opportunities. Tweet @AmeriCorpsAlums using the hashtag #IntntlCareers during the podcast to share your insights! Thursday, July 31st, 2014, 12PM-1PM EDT (11AM-12PM CENTRAL) - Careers in Disaster Management and Relief: Many AmeriCorps Alums have created careers in Disaster Relief and/or Disaster Management, and many more will enter this field as a career choice. Join us for our July monthly professional development webinar as we explore disaster management careers. We'll convene an all-star panel of AmeriCorps Alums with experience in disaster management and disaster relief. Panelists will share tips and knowledge on a career in disaster management. Please submit any panelists questions you might have in advance to Greg Heinrich at greg@americorpsalums.org. Space is limited so confirm your spot today by registering here.
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| Job Openings – Breakthrough Austin Breakthrough Austin, an AmeriCorps Texas program, is currently hiring for the following positions: - Director of Operations
- Operations Associate
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| Job Opening – United Way of El Paso County: AmeriCorps Parents As Teachers (PAT) Program Director The United Way of El Paso County is hiring for a new Parents As Teachers (PAT) AmeriCorps Program Director.
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| AmeriCorps NCCC Request for Proposals AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region Campus is currently requesting proposals for team-based, community service projects in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, focusing on five main program areas: Natural and Other Disasters, Infrastructure Improvement, Environmental Stewardship and Conservation, Energy Conservation, and Urban and Rural Development. Click here for an overview. Teams of 6-12 Corps members are available to help community and faith-based organizations, nonprofits, schools, local municipalities, federal and state entities, and Indian tribes; projects typically last 6 -13 weeks. Corps Members are supervised by a NCCC Team Leader (TL). Each team has a Unit Leader overseeing the TL’s work and project status. Each team is provided one 15 passenger van; fuel covered by AmeriCorps NCCC. All Corps members are fully insured by Federal Tort Claims Act & Federal Employees Coverage Act. SPONSOR REQUIREMENTS: - On-site support including technical training, supplies, equipment, minimum 15-20 hours of supervision.
- Housing for the team during the course of the project including bathroom and kitchen facilities and parking for one van.
- Service learning support to help the team understand the community’s needs and organization’s work.
- Additional sponsor requirements to make your project application more competitive – see Project Approval Criteria and contact Crystal Kelley below for more information on this.
HOW TO APPLY: Organizations may request an AmeriCorps NCCC team by first completing a Project Concept Form by Monday, July 28th (extended from July 11th). Upon review, selected organizations will be invited to complete a full application. Concept forms and questions may be submitted electronically to NCCC-Southwest Assistant Program Director for Texas, Crystal Kelley, at crkelley@cns.gov. For questions, call (303) 844-7416.
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| Webinar: Educating Members of Congress & Cultivating Service Champions The following is an invitation from America’s Service Commissions regarding an upcoming webinar on “Educating Members of Congress and Cultivating Service Champions.” Please note that OneStar is not directly hosting or sponsoring this event. However, this webinar should provide information about how national service programs can allowably educate elected officials on what they do and the impact they have and will illuminate the differences between lobbying and educating officials. Please be aware of the CNCS Restrictions on Lobbying and direct any questions you may have about the allowability of your specific activities to your OneStar Grants Officers.
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| Apply to Serve on YSA’s Global Youth Council Be a global youth service leader! YSA's Youth Council application is now open.
Members ages 14-22 will provide ideas and substantial feedback to improve YSA's programs, develop resources to increase youth involvement in service, and act as YSA ambassadors on an international scale. Apply now! The application deadline is August 15; preference will be given to those who apply early.
Learn more and apply now at www.YSA.org/youthcouncil.
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| 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.
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| Texas Nonprofit Summit: Collective Action for Impact!
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
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| Webinar Recording Available: Corps Network Health Care Plan for 2014-15 The Corps Network Plan recently 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.
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| 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.
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| Social Innovation Fund “Pay for Success” Grants Available The competition will provide $11.2 million in grants to help cities, states and nonprofits develop Pay for Success projects, where governments pay service providers only when there are demonstrated results. CNCS is specifically providing grants for intermediary organizations to help determine feasibility, build capacity, or structure Pay for Success transactions. Applicants are encouraged to send a letter of intent by July 15 and applications are due by July 31, 2014 at 5 p.m. EST. Visit this website to learn more about Pay For Success and please help spread the word about this opportunity!
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| 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
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| College Forward AmeriCorps: Graduation Edition This week’s spotlight is on the College Forward AmeriCorps program, which recently released its newsletter, The Arrow: Graduation Edition, with student success stories. Click below to read how College Forward AmeriCorps members, known as “College Coaches” and “College Completion Coaches” to their students, are changing lives one diploma at a time.
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| “I recently graduated from Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and American Studies. At Columbia, I worked for four years doing late-night radio programming in the New Music department of WKCR, the Columbia radio station. I also held internships at a major corporate law firm and a small pet industry start-up, and worked as a writer for College Prowler and Inside New York. Additionally, while at Columbia I achieved my dream of living in England when I studied abroad at University College London during the spring of 2013. Throughout my four years at Columbia, I stayed in contact with my [AmeriCorps] College Forward completion coaches, and even managed to make it to a College Forward reunion in 2013. I am currently living in New York, seeking full-time employment and volunteering as a darkroom monitor at Columbia’s photography lab.” – Sara Cervantes, Graduating Collegian
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“Throughout my college career the guidance of the [AmeriCorps] college coaches and the programs piqued my interest in service and in July I will be embarking on a 27 month commitment with the US Peace Corps in the Philippines. I can honestly say that CoFo has and will continue to be a pivotal part of my college experience and story.” – Ricardo Espitia, Graduating Collegian
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| “Getting into college has been one of my major accomplishments thus far. I was able to meet so many people, and grow as an individual... My college experiences are something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. However, I do not plan to stop here. I have a dream of becoming a doctor... I am going to take the necessary steps to make sure it comes true. I know I wouldn’t be able to achieve this goal without College Forward. They have helped me attend one of the top Universities in the nation. In addition, the continued support of my [AmeriCorps] Completion Coaches has kept me going with all their support. It helps a lot to know that there are people in your corner who want the best for you. College Forward has helped me any way they can; whether with snacks in the PCL, or simply a text/phone call to see how I am doing. College Forward has truly helped me get where I am today.” – Tevon Hood, Graduating Collegian Congratulations to all graduating College Forward students and their AmeriCorps Coaches for helping them achieve their dreams and diplomas this summer!
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| 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.
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.
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