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AmeriCorps Update
06.30.2014
IMPORTANT DEADLINES + EVENTS
July 2, 2014
Deadline to Register for New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) (Austin, TX). Click here to register. See below for details.

July 3, 2014
PER Processing Deadline.

July 8, 2014
AmeriCorps Alums Virtual Career Fair. Click here for details.

July 17, 2014
PER Processing Deadline.

July 22-23, 2014
New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) (Austin, TX).

July 23-24, 2014
SAVE-THE-DATE: Advanced Disability Inclusion Training (Austin, TX). See below for details.

August 5, 2014
National Grants Management Association (NGMA) Training (FREE – Austin, TX). See below or click here for the agenda and event details.

September 11, 2014
9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Click here for details.

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
Texas Nonprofit Summit (Austin, TX). Click here for details.

NEWS + UPDATES
It’s a Wrap for NCVS 2014!
Thousands of changemakers united in Atlanta last week for Points of Light’s Conference on Volunteering and Service. Thanks to all AmeriCorps Texas programs who attended and contributed!

Across a multitude of forums, workshops, and hallway conversations, attendees heard amazing stories of personal transformation, collective action, and the importance of unleashing the power of individuals to create disruption and make change. Neil Bush reminded us that when his father, President George H. W. Bush, launched Points of Light 24 years ago, “He had a single, disruptive idea: Every single person can change lives."

Let’s help keep the conversations going and the connections growing!
An announcement will be made later this summer with details around the 2015 Conference. In the meantime, please help us plan future Conferences by participating in the 2014 attendee survey. Every attendee who completes a survey will be entered into a drawing to win a cash prize. Thanks in advance for sharing your feedback!
Monthly Call Recording Available
If you missed OneStar’s last Monthly Grantee Call on June 19th, the call recording is now available on our Grantee Resources Library and by clicking here. The June call’s theme was Updates from the Field, hosted by Emily Steinberg, Director, National Service Programs. Topics included: Summer Training Updates, SW Cluster Update, Texas Nonprofit Summit, Planning for the AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary, CNCS IPERA Monitoring, AmeriCorps Health Care, and more. This call was required.
Please also 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.
Using Unexpended “Travel to CNCS Sponsored Meeting” Funds in 2013-2014
OneStar has obtained permission from CNCS to allow AmeriCorps Texas grantees to use any current unexpended funds from their “Travel to CNCS Sponsored Meetings” line item for “Non-CNCS training” such as the upcoming New AmeriCorps Staff Orientation (NASO) on July 22-23, Advanced Inclusion Training on July 23-24, or other program-related training.  To use the funds for other program-related training, send a short description of the training along (web links encouraged) to your assigned Grants Officers to review/approve.
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.
For more information and to view the job description, please visit http://www.unitedwayelpaso.org/employment.htm. Interested parties should send their resume and cover letter to nsiros@unitedwayelpaso.org.
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.
*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 NASO. If you have questions about this, please contact your assigned Grants Officers.
Advanced Disability Inclusion Training – July 23-24
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 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
Space is limited. Register by Wednesday, July 16th at http://www.tfaforms.com/336491!
*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.
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.
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
Fees: $235 for Greenlights members and OneStar Foundation grantees; $280 for non-members/grantees. Special rates are also available if you plan to attend the Alliance for Nonprofit Management Conference on September 17.
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.
Social Innovation Fund “Pay for Success” Grants Available
The Corporation for National and Community Service is pleased to announce the launch of the Social Innovation Fund Pay for Success Grant Competition.
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!
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.
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 Career Fair for AmeriCorps Alums
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.
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
A Year of Service in Review:
Communities In Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps
This week’s spotlight is on the Communities In Schools of Central Texas AmeriCorps program.
CIS of CT is an education and social work agency that focuses on drop-out prevention. As a local affiliate of a national non-profit organization, Communities In Schools of Central Texas works in area schools to provide mentoring, tutoring, and counseling services. These individual and group services help students address academic, discipline, and attendance challenges that are obstacles to the students’ success in school and life.
As mentors and tutors, CIS of CT AmeriCorps members provide individual services to over 1000 students each year. AmeriCorps members serve as positive, consistent role models to the students they mentor and tutor.  They provide a stable relationship that helps their students focus on improving their grades and behavior at school. As mentors and tutors, our AmeriCorps members help build the network of support that provides the necessary tools for these students to succeed in school and achieve in life.
This video was produced for and presented at CIS of CT’s recent Member Recognition Ceremony as a tribute to honor the program’s 2013–2014 members. It truly defines the espirit de corps of the program:
Congratulations to CIS of CT and all Texas AmeriCorps members who have just completed their service!
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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