Study of AmeriCorps Members Finds Huge Impacts Eight Years Later

Still Serving: Measuring the Eight-Year Impact of AmeriCorps on Alumni , is the most rigorous evaluation ever conducted focusing on AmeriCorps' long-term impact on its members.  The study collected data eight years after members completed their year of service, and determined AmeriCorps alums are significantly more civically engaged and more likely to pursue public service careers in government and nonprofit sectors than their counterparts in the comparison group, which was also tracked for eight years.  They are also significantly more likely to be happy and satisfied with their lives.  The report, executive summary, and other information are available at www.NationalService.gov/research .

"This study shows that the AmeriCorps program is an excellent opportunity for nonprofit and government sectors to gain a new wave of leadership.  Former AmeriCorps members have gone on to become legislators, educators, nonprofit and corporate executives, and entrepreneurs.  We here in Michigan are fortunate to continually gain dedicated AmeriCorps members who bring their service minded efforts to the areas that need it most," said Musette A. Michael, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission.

Michigan State Representative and House Majority Leader Steve Tobocman is an outstanding example of the journey of growth and development an AmeriCorps member experiences.  In 1995, Tobocman served as an AmeriCorps member for a program in Southwest Detroit.  He has served that community; Michigan's 12^th District, since his election in 2002 and was appointed as House Majority Leader in 2007.  Tobocman states that:

"Devoting a year of my life to AmeriCorps set me on a path of service.  It helped me build a foundation in community development and urban policy issues.  The opportunities AmeriCorps presented to me helped drive my career aspirations towards public service and a desire to be more than just an advocate."

If you'd like to devote yourself to service and help transform communities across the state, Michigan's 18 AmeriCorps programs are seeking close to 1,000 committed individuals to join their efforts.  AmeriCorps members are people of all ages who serve full- or part-time.  To learn more visit www.americorps.gov  or visit www.michigan.gov/mcsc .

BACKGROUND:

More than 540,000 women and men have served all across the nation in AmeriCorps since the program's inception in 1993, providing more than 705 million hours of service.  AmeriCorps members serve with more than 4,100 nonprofit and faith-based groups to expand their reach and better meet their mission.  AmeriCorps members recruit volunteers, tutor children, build homes for low-income families and individuals, educate citizens about environmental issues, and assist in disaster-stricken areas.  Last year AmeriCorps members mobilized or managed 1.7 million volunteers for the organizations they serve.  In Michigan this year, AmeriCorps has engaged approximately 950 members in nonprofit organizations, schools, or other agencies.

If you're interested in hosting an AmeriCorps program in Michigan visit www.michigan.gov/mcsc .  Funding is provided to an organization to host teams of individuals who serve their community for a year.  Local issues are addressed by these programs, such as the environment, education, public safety, homeland security, and other human needs.  Funding is granted in three-year cycles with renewal funding based upon successful completion of annual goals.  The website listed above will provide the RFP when it is available.  The RFP is available online, but hard copies of proposals must be submitted.

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2007-08, the MCSC is granting more than $5.9 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 18 AmeriCorps programs, 23 Learn and Serve programs, and 13 Volunteer Investment Grant recipients.  The Governor's Service Awards and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.  The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Human Services, whose mission is to assist children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe, stable, and self-supporting.  The Corporation for National and Community Service grants federal funding that the MCSC administers to its programs.