Tackling the Big Issues with AmeriCorps
Lindsey Ravizza, AmeriCorps VISTA program director at Campus Compact
Among many other celebrations– civic learning, women, and regional pastries amongst them–every March is an opportunity to celebrate national service and its impacts. Here at Campus Compact, we’re big fans of national service: more than half of our staff are alumni of either AmeriCorps or Peace Corps (sometimes both!), and we've been engaging with national service since Bill Clinton signed it into law (as depicted by this framed photo on our office wall).
Currently, Compact hosts three national service programs: the Campus Climate Action Corps, which leverages multiple kinds of service terms for members to do the critical work of helping campuses play a role in mitigating the climate crisis; the College Renaissance Corps, which activates community college students as ambassadors in key industries; and AmeriCorps VISTA, which places members in full-time roles on college campuses to build capacity for projects or partnerships that impact low-income communities. Each of these programs tackles big issues through both direct and indirect service in their focus areas as well as by giving the folks who participate as AmeriCorps members a key service experience that will hopefully shape both their own path as well as the path of our nation.
While we’ve celebrated AmeriCorps in many ways this month, one of the best has been our participation in a pilot program sponsored by Service Year Alliance. Through this program, we’ve been able to work with a small group of AmeriCorps members from across our programs to complete a bridge-building curriculum and reflect together on the power of perspective and how that intersects with our service experiences. As AmeriCorps celebrates 30 years this year, we at Campus Compact remain committed to providing service experiences in partnership with our member campuses as a way to not only give back, but also to see things from different perspectives, shape trajectories, and continue to imagine what’s possible for the future.
AmeriCorps In Action
Read these stories from across the country that illustrate the different ways AmeriCorps programs can create powerful impact.
Stetson University AmeriCorps members promote environmental sustainability in Central Florida
Campus Climate Action Corps members in FL have been working to reduce carbon footprints and rehabilitate a local nature trail that was severely damaged during Hurricane Ian.More →
Houston Community College student Inspires others to enroll in community college & begin a career in welding
College Renaissance Corps Industry Ambassador Adaiah Jones, a part-time welding student, shares her story as a reminder of the transformative power of higher education.More →
Roosevelt University AmeriCorps VISTA member addresses campus food insecurity
Read about AmeriCorps VISTA member Larniecia Smith’s experience working to enhance capacity and visibility of the Laker Union Pantry through volunteer recruitment, organizational efforts, and student engagement initiatives.More →
Community College of Denver and Arapahoe Community College launching first College Renaissance Corps Denver cohorts
Students studying advanced manufacturing, robotics, welding, and engineering will soon become the first Denver Industry Ambassadors. Stay tuned—the new cohort will be announced soon!More CRCorps news →
MLK National Day of Service: AmeriCorps Members Make a Difference Across the Nation
On January 15th, 2024, AmeriCorps members nationwide participated in the MLK National Day of Service, collectively aiming to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and address essential needs.More →
Get Involved: AmeriCorps
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Know someone who would make a great AmeriCorps member? Our VISTA program is currently recruiting! You can check out open positions on our website or nominate a VISTA member to us directly.
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For news about environmental sustainability efforts and tips on how to reduce your own carbon footprint, subscribe to the monthly Campus Climate Action Corps newsletter.
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Follow CRCorps on social media for the latest news as the program expands across the country.
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Are you an AmeriCorps sponsor based out of a higher education institution? We have a Higher Ed AmeriCorps Sponsors network that meets quarterly – sign up here for more information
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For more info about the intersection of national service and civic bridge building, check out this AmeriCorps Bridging and Belonging fact sheet.
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If this issue of Common Cause has inspired you to explore AmeriCorps further, you can check out the America’s Service Commissions toolkit about National Service and Higher Education Partnerships.
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Coming to Compact24? Don’t miss our Tuesday morning general session featuring AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith!
Join Campus Compact
To leverage the full benefits of Campus Compact at your institution, join our coalition. Campus Compact membership offers valuable information, powerful networks, and opportunities to work collectively with peers across the country.