Interested in developing your leadership skills? Would you like to connect with other AmeriCorps*state, AmeriCorps*National Direct, AmeriCorps*VISTA, RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Corps members who promote service and volunteerism across Vermont? Applications are now being accepted for the VTCNCS’  SERVICE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL.

What is the Leadership Council?

The VT CNCS Leadership Council is a select team of national service participants (Service Leaders) from across Vermont that are interested in developing leadership skills, through creating opportunities and participating in activities that promote service and volunteerism across the state. 

Service Leaders foster collaboration among national service programs by bringing together participants serving in AmeriCorps*State, AmeriCorps*National Direct, AmeriCorps*VISTA, RSVP, Foster Grandparents and Senior Corps  programs to collaborate in recruitment activities, and in planning statewide service days and training events. 

VT CNCS Leadership Council Members share their service experience and promote service and volunteerism through activities such as:

• speaking about their service experience before local community groups and schools 
• representing national service programs at tabling and other informational events such as job fairs, gap year fairs and college fairs
• planning and promoting single-event direct service projects and/or celebration of service for AmeriCorps week
• planning a workshop, service project or panel presentation for the Statewide Service Conference (April-May 2009) 

Any AmeriCorps*State, AmeriCorps*National Direct, A*VISTA, RSVP, Foster Grandparent or Senior Corps member can apply to be a Service Leader. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of VT CNCS Commission members and VT CNCS Staff will notify selected individuals.  Selection considerations will include the following; Applicant Statement; Programmatic representation; and Geographic location of the participants

All members must be vigilant in making sure that they are first and foremost completing necessary hours to meet the requirements of their service agreement, this is particularly important for part-time members.  Service to the program and site is always the first responsibility for a participant. 

Time and Service Commitment:

VT CNCS Leadership Council will have an orientation retreat and two additional training meetings focused on leadership principals and development which will be scheduled during the service year. 

Service Leaders will be asked to contribute between 8 and 10 service hours per month and will work in their community to promote an ethic of service. 

Service Leaders will serve 12 months or, if enrolled in AmeriCorps*State or AmeriCorps*VISTA, will serve during their full term of service.  While most of the opportunities occur during the regular work week schedule some events do occur on weekends and in the evenings.

Benefits of VT CNCS Leadership Council:

Participating in the VT CNCS Leadership Council provides the national service participant with opportunity to reflect upon his/her experience with leadership and to set individual goals around leadership development.

Service Leaders receive mileage reimbursement for attending all approved activities pursuant to the mileage reimbursement policy and additional training above their normal national service program.  Some events provide meals for participants.  However, meals will not be provided at events unless organized by VTCNCS. 

Additional Information on the VT CNCS Leadership Council

Please contact Information & Education Specialist, Liz Lepore at the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service at 802-828-4982.
 

The Vermont Commission on National and Community Service (VTCNCS) announces that funds are available for the 2009-2010 AmeriCorps program year (September 2009 - August 2010) through the Corporation for National and Community Service, www.cns.gov.  Typically, programs are funded that have a minimum of 15 full-time equivalent AmeriCorps members. Match funding is required.

The Corporation for National and Community Service funds and supports high-quality programs that develop an ethic of civic responsibility in those who participate, strengthen communities, and help meet needs through service in the areas of the environment, education, public safety, homeland security, and other human needs.

The VTCNCS will be hosting public forums in Montpelier on October 8, 2008, and in Rutland on October 10, 2008, to provide information to interested applicants. To register for either of the forums or to receive an application, please call Martha Faber, Program Officer, VTCNCS at 802-828-4982, or email at Martha.Faber@state.vt.us. For information about current AmeriCorps programs in Vermont, please visit www.state.vt.us/cncs or www.volunteervt.org.