Individuals who serve as a Corps Member with Impact America spend a year of service after graduation at a nationally recognized organization working to mitigate the effects of poverty, while also gaining professional experience and a broadened perspective. Corps Members plan and execute all initiatives that operate in their state of service, as well as recruit and manage the service of college students as they participate in those initiatives. Corps Members are in the community every day, collaborating with community partners and interacting with a diverse group of people, ranging from preschoolers to college students to working parents.
Positions are currently available in Birmingham, AL; Memphis, Tennesee; and Greenville, South Carolina
Service Activities
Corps Members plan and execute all initiatives that operate in their state of service, as well as recruit and manage the service of college students as they participate in those initiatives. Corps Members are in the community every day, collaborating with community partners and interacting with a diverse group of people, ranging from preschoolers to college students to working parents.
FocusFirst (AL, TN)
· Conduct vision screenings at Head Start and daycare centers throughout your state of service.
· Process results from vision screenings to ensure that follow-up care is provided for all children who need it.
SaveFirst (AL, TN):
· Obtain certification as an Advanced Volunteer Tax Preparer
· Recruit and train college students on tax law.
· Manage students’ service at community-based sites
· Implement marketing strategies to encourage families to utilize free tax preparation.
· Develop community partnerships to establish tax preparation sites.
SpeakFirst (AL):
· Supervise students at debate tournaments.
· Provide tutoring and standardized test preparation.
Community Need Addressed
AmeriCorps Members serving with Impact America engage with communities through Impact’s three initiatives: FocusFirst, SaveFirst, and SpeakFirst. FocusFirst ensures that children in urban and rural communities receive comprehensive vision care during their crucial formative years. SaveFirst provides free tax preparation and savings opportunities to facilitate economic improvement for working families. SpeakFirst uses academic debate as a platform to support middle school and high school Birmingham students and to guide them on a path toward college excellence.
Position Outcomes
Collectively, AmeriCorps Members serving with Impact America in Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina will provide vision screenings for more than 68,000 children through the FocusFirst initiative and tax preparation for 13,400 families through the SaveFirst initiative. Members serving in Alabama will implement a debate program and provide college preparation activities for high school and middle school students through the SpeakFirst initiative.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Meals when providing service outside of your home county, Mileage reimbursement when driving your personal car for service, All travel costs during overnight trips (hotel, rental car, meals), Professional development
Skills you will gain
Volunteer Management, Public Speaking, Customer Service, Effective Communication, Advanced Tax-Preparation Certification
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Tools
Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization