Volunteer Maryland places 30 Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorps Members (ACMs) at selected nonprofit or government agencies (called Service Sites) to develop or expand a volunteer program that can be sustained by the agency after the partnership year ends.
Service Activities
AmeriCorps Members:
create program materials;
recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers or students;
develop community partnerships and solicit in-kind donations to support the program;
evaluate program results and submit regular reports;
train key staff members and volunteer leaders in “best practices” of volunteer management
and service-learning to help them sustain the program; and more.
Community Need Addressed
Volunteer Maryland (VM), an AmeriCorps program of the Governor’s Office, works to build stronger communities by developing programs that meet critical needs in the areas of disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans’ services.
Position Outcomes
Since 1992, Volunteer Maryland has worked with 688 AmeriCorps members to mobilize 125,323 volunteers, contributing over 1.6 million hours of service to Maryland communities. On average 80 – 85 percent met their volunteer recruitment goals and 90 – 95 percent are better able to manage their volunteer programs. In our post surveys that we do three years after our partnership concludes, 90-95 percent are continuing to manage and expand the volunteer programs.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Volunteer recruitment, program management, public speaking, professional writing, problem solving, time management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
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, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
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, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
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, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, 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, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment