AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award

What are the qualifications to apply?

Potential candidates for the 2020-2021 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award will meet the following criteria: 

• Have demonstrated strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills while serving in AmeriCorps
• Commitment to advancing diverse, inclusive, and equitable  strategies in their communities
• Have successfully completed an AmeriCorps service year position between August 2017 and August 2020. 
• Seek meaningful participation as a lifelong Segal Fellow in the Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program
• Preference will be given to applicants residing in the Baltimore - Washington, DC region
• Members of underrepresented populations across AmeriCorps programs (African American, Latinx, Native American, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented populations) are highly encouraged to apply 

Expectations and Benefits of Selected Awardees

Cash Award: Receive a $2,000 cash award to further your leadership and professional development (anticipated delivery in Q1 2021). 

Segal Fellowship Program: Be an active participant in activities of the Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program at Brandeis University, a national network which aims to inspire, support, and enable new generations of leaders and promote citizen leadership. During their first year, awardees are expected to participate in this program through:

• Mandatory attendance in virtual monthly Segal Program professional and leadership training and events from Oct 2020 to May 2021.
• Meaningful connection with their Segal near-peer “buddy” (year one), their Segal Coach
  (year two), and the larger Segal network of 130 Fellows and 600+ partners (lifelong).
• Participation in Segal events throughout their lifetime and career, after June 2021 (networking events, service opportunities, biannual retreat, monthly webinars, etc).

• Write a blog post about your service year experience.
• Attend a Hill Day or congressional office visit when available. 
• Write a letter to the editor about the importance of service year opportunities.
• Act as a mentor to a prospective or currently serving service year corps member.
• Or another idea or opportunity of your choice!

About the Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program

Eli J. Segal has been described as the "father of AmeriCorps.” He served as the first CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and under his leadership AmeriCorps was created. To honor Eli, and build upon his legacy, AmeriCorps Alums gives the AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award to recognize the achievement and potential of an outstanding alum whose work, after completing his or her service in AmeriCorps, demonstrates entrepreneurial vision and leadership to make this a better world.

Being awarded the AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award automatically enrolls the awardee as a lifelong Segal Fellow in the Eli J. and Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program. The Segal Program provides emerging leaders an opportunity to join a community of other like-minded changemakers. These leaders collaborate across sectors and topic areas to break down silos and create solutions in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

There are over 130  inspiring, diverse, and multi-generational fellows who are already leaders in their communities, as well as a network of over 6500 Founders and program partners. In addition to joining through AmeriCorps Alums @ Service Year Alliance, Fellows gain entry into the program through partnerships with diverse leaders from Brandeis University, City Year, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Service Year Alliance. For more information about the program, please visit segal.brandeis.edu.

How to Apply

Submit your application documents by  August 21st, 2020 at 1pm EST  to americorpsalums@serviceyear.org. No late applications will be considered.

Documents to include: 

• A 1-2 page PDF resume. 
• Proof of AmeriCorps service completed between August 2017 - August 2020 (check on my.americorps.gov for proof of service letter, or submit other documentation).
• 1 page PDF cover letter (see instructions below).

• How AmeriCorps was a transformative experience for you?
• What being a lifelong Segal Fellow in the Segal Citizen Leadership Program would mean to you, how you would actively engage over time, and how it would further your professional development?
• Why do you believe that advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the nonprofit sector is critical to making communities safer, stronger, and healthier?