The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state.
Commonwealth Corps members serve 10 months in a full- or half-time position at one of our host site partners in the areas of Economic Opportunity, Education, Health and Nutrition, or Youth Development. Joining Commonwealth Corps means becoming part of a diverse group of people across Massachusetts who share a common desire to discover their passion and build their network in the service to their communities and the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts Service Alliance oversees the program and supports the host site partner agencies and members, while each host site partner manages its own member recruitment and selection. Specific postings for each position/host site are available on our website: bit.ly/JoinCommCorps
*Half-time positions also available, see separate listing.
Service Activities
General Responsibilities:
• Serve at your host site, providing direct service and building capacity.
• Complete a minimum of 1,500 (full-time) or 750 (half-time) hours of service from August 21, 2023 through June 22, 2024.
• Attend Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA and your host site, including a new member orientation starting August 21.
• Participate in MSA-related activities each week. This may include filling out timesheets, completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.
Community Need Addressed
Members serve across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to expand the scale, reach, efficiency, or effectiveness of programs and organizations. Member activities achieve lasting positive outcomes for the beneficiary populations served by organizations in a variety of focus areas and regions.
Position Outcomes
Commonwealth Corps Members will engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in service to strengthen communities, address unmet community needs, and increase volunteerism.
Benefits
College Credit, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Training
• Stipend of $1,200 every other week while in service, up to $25,200, minus taxes and withholdings;
• Health insurance (individual coverage only, no monthly premium);
• Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to three free, in-person counseling sessions, plus a lot more;
• Completion award of up to $4,000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings;
• Training and other professional development opportunities, including outside training stipend up to $100;
• Limited reimbursement for travel to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities;
• Limited travel reimbursement from their host site for certain service-related travel away from their usual service location, according to that agency's policies;
• The opportunity for at least 10 days of planned absences (may include holidays);
• Opportunity to join with others with a common sense of purpose as part of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program; and
• Any other benefits specified by the host site.
Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.
Skills you will gain
Public speaking, facilitation, time management, resume/cover letter building, networking, leadership, stress management, cultural competency, DEI, mindfulness, and many more!
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Improvise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization