AmeriCorps Week Presentation to AmeriCorps Hands On Network Leadership Conference 2007 March 15, 2007

Presented By John Enterline Corporation for National and Community Service Eli Segal Fellow AmeriCorps*NCCC Denver, Class XI

AmeriCorps Week???? What have you heard so far about AmeriCorps Week?

What Is AmeriCorps Week? First ever weeklong opportunity to shine the spotlight on AmeriCorps A locally-driven initiative that will be highlighted by several national events run by CNCS Still to be Determined---By Us

Why Have an AmeriCorps Week???

Top 10 Reasons to Have an AmeriCorps Week 10.Good Excuse to Wear the Old Uniforms 9.When you are used to getting less than a $1 an hour, your budget says no to celebrating an entire month 8.Thank AmeriCorps’ Community Partners 7.The domestic Peace Corps deserves a week too! 6. AmeriCorps Week is so easy to celebrate even a caveman can do it

Top 10 Reasons to Have an AmeriCorps Week (continued) 5. Way to bring more Americans into Service 4.More “This one time when I was in the AmeriCorps…” stories 3.Salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact 2. Taking a week off of trying to understand “Lost” might be the best thing possible for your sanity.

#1 Reason to Have an AmeriCorps Week Way for the AmeriCorps Community to bring the power and the passion we have for AmeriCorps together in a united effort to further AmeriCorps’ role in getting things done in this country

Why May 13-20? Aligns with 500,000 th AmeriCorps member milestone Coincides with AmeriCorps Grant announcements Spotlights AmeriCorps in key recruitment season Spring theme fits well

National Events/Initiatives AmeriCorps Week closing ceremony at Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps blitz build in Mississippi. Washington, DC policy events “My AmeriCorps” Video Contest on YouTube Signature Events Across the Country NCCC Events, VISTA Events, Alum Chapter Events, Etc.

AmeriCorps Week Success

YOUR AmeriCorps Week AmeriCorps Week is not just something for CNCS AmeriCorps Week is about YOU AmeriCorps Week is about everyone who cares about AmeriCorps The local role is vital to AmeriCorps Week, even more so than the national events.

Success Will Look Like: More Americans volunteer More members and alums embrace AmeriCorps identity and connect with programs AmeriCorps partners feel appreciated The service inspired by this week benefits many people The AmeriCorps community will be re-energized The AmeriCorps Alums site will gain momentum Society has a better appreciation for AmeriCorps We all have a lot of fun!

Reflection What are you most proud of? What in your service experience touched you the most? What was the most fun you had in AmeriCorps?

Group Discussion Do you have plans for AmeriCorps Week? Think about what you want to do to celebrate AmeriCorps Week –Use what you reflected on to help get the brainstorming kick-started –Think of how to recreate what AmeriCorps brought to you. What kind of events would interest your AmeriCorps Alums local chapter? Could you use AmeriCorps Week to launch a new AmeriCorps Alums chapter? Millions of Possibilities

What You Can Do (A Few Ideas) Encourage “AmeriCorps for a Day” Speak to a Community Group Talk about AmeriCorps where you are serving Stage a Special Event Use MySpace or Facebook Participate in the Video Contest by submitting a video or by voting Take part in the postcard project The “A” word Service projects

How CNCS Will Support You: Online tools on Technical assistance conference calls on specific issues National Media outreach Project registration Web Marketing with regional spotlights

Media and Marketing Support Promotional materials….banners, pins, posters Media kit – sample press release, op-ed, letter to editor, radio copy Sample Proclamation Sample speech and message points Viral s

What Is Needed from YOU YOUR IDEAS and Input Now In 2 months…what can be done to build upon the success of the 1 st Annual AmeriCorps Week Talk up AmeriCorps Week Start planning what you are going to do for your AmeriCorps Week Spread the word about what you are doing by registering on the AmeriCorps Week website

Questions

Contact Information  week. will be a valuable reference that you will be updated frequently week  Questions can be directed to me at or (202)  Or you can get in touch with me via AmeriCorps Alums