AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship...Inland Empire United Way is proud to partner with CalSERVES for...
Transcript of AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship...Inland Empire United Way is proud to partner with CalSERVES for...
AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs made up of three primary
programs (VISTA, State or National, and NCCC) that each takes a different approach to
improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address
critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth,
fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more.
The Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellowship is an AmeriCorps State program
that addresses the significant challenges faced by California’s communities. Managed by
CalSERVES as a statewide program, VIP harnesses the desire to serve and directly
impact communities in need. Each VIP Fellow serves at a partner site full-time for 11-
months to develop a volunteer program, forge partnerships with the community, and
build infrastructure that can be sustained.
Locally, VIP Fellows with IEUW mobilize to create new possibilities in our Inland Empire
communities. Partner sites are nonprofits across our service region operating various
programs to meet critical needs. Typically, our VIP Fellows are based in offices located in
Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Riverside, and Apple Valley, while serving communities
across our region of Pomona Valley/West End, the High Desert, Eastern Riverside County,
and East Valley San Bernardino County.
Inland Empire United Way is proud to partner with CalSERVES for AmeriCorps VIP, which is administered by CaliforniaVolunteers and sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship
Every VIP Fellow position is unique with tasks and assignments based on the partner site’s infrastructural needs. However, all VIP Fellows participate in volunteer
infrastructure and capacity building, volunteer recruitment, training and development, and fundraising. VIP Fellows commit to serve 11-months, 40-45 hours per
week, and at least 1,700 hours total towards these goals.
About 45% of time (765 hours)
Develop and implement a volunteer
program, as well as build on the
existing volunteer program by
increasing its capacity.
Develop a system to support and
recognize volunteers.
Track volunteer program and
infrastructure development at the site
throughout the year.
Communicate with supervisors and
program staff on an ongoing basis.
Conduct infrastructure development
activities.
Establish volunteer training and
recognition plans.
Generally, any in-office tasks to create,
develop, or implement systems and
processes.
About 35% of time (595 hours)
Recruit volunteers to support children,
youth, and families.
Recruit both ongoing and one-time
volunteers for specific events and
projects.
Create and distribute marketing
materials for recruitment.
Tabling at local community events or
recruitment fairs.
Interview, screen, orient, and train
volunteers.
Leading volunteers in their assigned
project.
Exactly 10% of time (170 hours)
Includes statewide, online webinar
regional, and monthly local trainings, as
well as participation in National Days of
Service, all staff meetings, supervisor
check-ins for guidance and task
assignment, and additional
opportunities with prior approval, such
as workshops.
Maximum 10% of time (<170 hours)
Making requests to businesses or
individuals for donations to the
volunteer program.
May include hosting volunteer supply
drives, accounting for inventory of
those drives, writing grant proposals, or
volunteer-donor relationship building.
AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship
VIP Fellows serve throughout the Inland Empire at local nonprofit organizations, called
Partner Sites, to help those organizations build their volunteer programs and, in doing so,
expand and improve the services provided to children, youth, and families.
Organizations apply to host a VIP Fellow, and contribute staff time, workspace, and a
limited cash match as their investment in building a strong volunteer program. VIP
Fellows serve at one designated site during the service year, playing a vital role in the
site’s growth and capacity building.
VIP Fellows and Partner Sites are matched based on the VIP
Fellow’s experience and skills, as well as the organization’s
needs and goals for the upcoming service year. The VIP Fellow
application process is as follows:
Submit application materials at www.ieuw.org/americorps
15-minute informational phone call
If selected to move forward, there is an initial interview with
Inland Empire United Way, including discussion of which
partner sites are best aligned with your interests.
For successful 1st interviews, candidates are invited to
participate in a 2nd interview with one or more partner sites.
Candidates who receive a position offer may accept, decline,
or request to interview with other sites to find a best fit.
VIP alumni have gone on to graduate
degree programs such as:
Azusa Pacific University
CSU San Bernardino
George Washington University
University of Chicago
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
VIP alumni have also entered
careers such as:
Inland Empire United Way and VIP Partner Sites (service does not guarantee employment offer)
Nonprofits across Southern California
K-12 charter, private, and public schools
Higher Education institutions
Continued AmeriCorps service with IEUW or in other opportunities such as with City Year and United Way Worldwide
Many VIP Fellows use the service year to build
their resumes with hands-on experience,
strengthen their skills while also taking time for
the GRE and applications, or prepare for the next
step in their career path.
AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship
Annual living stipend of $16,000
Education award of $6,095
Extensive professional development, networking, and hands-on skill building and experience in achieving and implementing impactful projects
Exposure to the nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors
Possible educational loan deferment
Health insurance
Childcare assistance (if eligible)
Letters of Recommendation, based on performance
As AmeriCorps is a federal program, selected candidates must meet the following
minimum criteria. Please see the application website for a full position description and
other requirements.
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must clear a criminal background check (DOJ and FBI; National Sex Offender Public Database)
Must follow the AmeriCorps Code of Conduct while serving
Must provide current photo ID, signed Social Security Card, and proof that candidate is a US Citizen (Birth Certificate, Valid Passport, etc.), a US National, or a Legal Permanent Resident before or at the time of sign-up.
No more than 3 previous AmeriCorps State/National terms.
I learned so much about nonprofits—the strategy and persistence it takes to manage and recruit volunteers, the
networking and fundraising that goes into funding our programs, and the individualized care that goes into each and every one of our volunteers and children we serve. It
has been an invaluable experience.
Katie, AmeriCorps VIP 2018-19 BA Educational Disparities, University of Redlands
I have a new perspective on nonprofits. I now see the importance of partnerships
to helping nonprofits meet their mission and create change. I see the need to really get
to know and hear from those in need. The different skills I’ve learned here will help
prepare me for the next step in this journey.
Emily, VIP 2018-19
BS Business Administration, Marketing, UC Riverside
APPLY NOW: www.ieuw.org/americorps
Questions? Please email [email protected]
Serving with AmeriCorps has been a
great experience that has allowed me to give back to the community. It has
solidified my desire to pursue a career in the public sector.
Cindy, VIP 2016-17 BA History and Anthropology, UC Riverside