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2/26/2009 |
AmeriCorps State and National Update |
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In this issue: Message from Acting Director Lois Nembhard: Implementing the Recovery Act; New MSY Factors; Program Income FAQs; Changing a Less-than-full-time Slot to a Greater Slot Type; Your Contact Information in eGrants; New Federal Financial Report (FFR); NCCC as a Second Term Opportunity; AmeriCorps Week News; Dates to Remember |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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2/5/2009 |
AmeriCorps National - Peer Mentor Program |
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We are making preparations for our Peer Mentor program Kick-Off for 2009. This program gives staff with AmeriCorps National programs a chance to learn from colleagues around the country. While you may have already requested a mentor or discussed serving as a mentor with your Program Officer, we wanted to give everyone a final opportunity to join the program. If you are a new staff member with your organization (or new to AmeriCorps grant management) and would enjoy working with someone who has tackled many of the same challenges you face, or if you have been in your position for awhile but would like to work on a particular area of program management, a peer mentor may be right for you. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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2/4/2009 |
Performance Measurement |
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You are invited to register for a one-hour web-based presentation offered by Project STAR. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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1/27/2009 |
Listening Post Project |
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I am writing to invite your organization to become part of the Johns Hopkins University Nonprofit Listening Post Project, a cutting-edge initiative designed to identify the major challenges facing nonprofit organizations in our country and the promising responses nonprofit executives are taking to cope with them. For the first time, the Corporation has formed a partnership with Johns Hopkins that will allow a select group of AmeriCorps programs to participate in the Listening Post Project. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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1/26/2009 |
AmeriCorps State and National Customer Satisfaction Survey |
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By now you have received an electronic message from the CFI Group, LLC (www.cfigroup.com), inviting you to complete the AmeriCorps State and National Customer Satisfaction Survey. We really appreciate that 40% of State Commissions and 31% of National grantees have already responded. If you have not yet completed the survey, please take a few moments to fill it out. It is important that we hear your feedback. The survey will close within the next month. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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1/26/2009 |
CNCS - Transition Update |
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As the new administration begins here in Washington, the Corporation is undergoing many changes. Nicky Goren, the Acting CEO, has asked me to continue as the Chief of Program Operations. In this role, I have made the following assignments to ensure a smooth transition. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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12/10/2008 |
AmeriCorps State and National Update |
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In This Issue: Message from the Director: Transition Begins; Reminder: Your 2009 Requests; For AmeriCorps National Applicants: How to Enter Performance Measures in eGrants This Year; Open for Public Comment through December 14: Application Instructions and Member Application; Language to Include in Application if Participating in Youth Corps Study; Converting Member Slots; Third Term Members?; Updated CCRAA FAQs; Digital Television Transition Information; Dates to Remember |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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12/8/2008 |
Update and FAQs on FY 2009 AmeriCorps Grant Funding |
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Following up on the note you just received from Nicola Goren, I am writing to give you an update and answer some questions on the status of funding for FY 2009 AmeriCorps State and National grants. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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10/30/2008 |
2009 Admin/PDAT/Disability Update |
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This update contains information on the 2009 Commission Administrative, PDAT and Disability Inclusion grants |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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10/23/2008 |
AmeriCorps State and National Update |
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Message from the Director: New Responsibilities, 2009 Application Instructions: Performance Measures for National Applicants, Correction: State Continuations, Reminder: What’s Ne, Character Limits in eGrants, My AmeriCorps Portal Update, AmeriCorps Rule is Final!, New AmeriCorps FAQs and Program Income FAQs, Timeline for FFR, Alternative Criminal History Background Checks, ED Conference Materials, Dates to Remember. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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9/30/2008 |
eGrants Open for Applications |
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eGrants is now open and ready to accept 2009 applications |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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9/18/2008 |
WBRS |
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WBRS Reminder |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
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9/18/2008 |
Final AmeriCorps Rule |
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|
Final AmeriCorps rule is published |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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9/16/2008 |
Admin/PDAT/Disability Call |
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Notes from the Admin/PDAT/Disability Conference Call |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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9/5/2008 |
Admin/PDAT/Disability Grants |
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Information on the 2009 Admin/PDAT/Disability due Novermber 4, 2008. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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8/7/2008 |
Important AmeriCorps State Program Updates |
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|
This update contains information about the following issues: 2009 Commission Admin/PDAT/Disability Allocations; Additional 2008 Supplemental Disability Available; Draft 2008 Executive Directors Conference Agenda; Draft 2008 Commissioner Institute Agenda; Registration Flyer for the ED Conference and the Commissioner Institute
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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7/25/2008 |
AmeriCorps State and National Update |
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In This Issue: Message for the Director: HEART Act, 2009 Application Instructions, College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, WBRS Transition Update, Notice Anything Different?, Americorps Week 2009 and Dates to Remember. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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7/8/2008 |
ServiceNation Activities |
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Important FAQ's Regarding Involvement in ServiceNation Activities |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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6/23/2008 |
Policy Update |
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|
In This Issue: Message from the Director - Following Up, College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Correction - Estimated amount for states and territories without commissions in Notice, Single State EAP FAQs, EAP Member Evaluation
FAQs, Dates to Remember |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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6/16/2008 |
Program Updates |
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|
This update contains the following information:
- Save the Date flyer for the Executive Directors Conference and Commissioners Training Institute in September;
- Exciting new online training resource to assist commissions with working with faith-based and community organizations; and
- Reminder about the embargo regarding the release of information in the “Volunteering in America: 2008 State and City Trends and Rankings” report.
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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6/16/2008 |
Training & Technical Assistance Update |
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Information on training funds for 2009 |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
5/20/2008 |
Discussion for National Conference |
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|
As you may have read in the 2008 National Conference newsletter, our AmeriCorps State & National Town Hall meeting will feature an opportunity to learn from one another about what a world without WBRS will look like. With the hard work, creativity, and determination of AmeriCorps programs, the future looks bright. Many of you have shared your systems on our Resource Center website – thank you. Still, we know concerns in the field exist. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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5/20/2008 |
National EAP Policy |
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Please join Director of AmeriCorps, Kristin McSwain, for a conference call on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 2:30 – 3:30 Eastern. Kristin will be discussing AmeriCorps requirements that may affect your program. Topics will include the member evaluation requirement as well as the proposed change in eligibility for institutions of higher education operating in one state. This change was outlined in the recent policy update that you received and we would like to hear your feedback and respond to any concerns you may have. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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5/9/2008 |
Policy Update |
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|
Message from the Director: WBRS Transition Update, Preview: Changes in Grant Provisions, Timeline for 2009 Grant Competitions, AmeriCorps Week!, Need Your Input: EAPs in the 2009 Competition, Living Allowance Waiver for State Formula Professional Corps
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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4/23/2008 |
Formula Allocation |
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|
2008 Formula Allocation Chart and Guidance |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
4/16/2008 |
AmeriCorps Week |
|
|
AmeriCorps Week Governor's Proclamations and Data |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
4/8/2008 |
AmeriCorps Week Update |
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|
AmeriCorps Week is coming May 11-18! Lots of exciting things are happening and we want to share the latest news. Whether you are an AmeriCorps member, alum, project staff, commission, friend, or supporter -- whether you are with AmeriCorps State, National, VISTA or NCCC -- we hope you are planning to participate in AmeriCorps Week. Our goals are to bring more Americans into service, salute members and alums, and thank our partners who make AmeriCorps possible. We need you to make AmeriCorps Week 2008 a big success! |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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3/26/2008 |
The National Conference/Grantee Meeting |
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|
Info on the 2008 AmeriCorps Grantees Meeting and National Conference on Volunteering and Service |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
3/26/2008 |
Update |
|
|
Update on My AmeriCorps Portal Release 3 |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
3/21/2008 |
AmeriCorps Week Call |
|
|
AmeriCorps Week 2008 Idea Sharing Call Information
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
AmeriCorps*VISTA
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|
3/14/2008 |
Important Program Updates |
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|
Information on 2008 GARP Update conference call to commissions, 2008 New/Recompete Clarification Process, 2008 Formula Allocations and Guidance, Administrative and Disability Grant Supplemental Awards, and September 2008 Commission Executive Directors Conference. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
3/10/2008 |
Update |
|
|
Update on My AmeriCorps Portal Release 3 |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
2/28/2008 |
Updates and Information |
|
|
Updates regarding the following topics: 2008 Executive Directors Conference, Administrative Grant processing and Supplemental Awards, Disaster Services Protocol Issues work group meeting, AmeriCorps Week – Collaboration with CNCS State Offices
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
|
2/27/2008 |
FAQs on Single Match |
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|
Frequently Asked Questions on the new single match |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
2/15/2008 |
Updates |
|
|
Update on Supplemental Administrative Grants |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
2/12/2008 |
AmeriCorps National Updates |
|
|
Thanks to those of you who were able to participate in the AmeriCorps National conference call that took place on January 22, 2008. Hopefully you found it to be informative. Below, I have summarized some of the key topics, as well as provided some information on additional topics. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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2/6/2008 |
Update: GARP 2008 & 2008 ED conference |
|
|
Includes updates regarding GARP 2008 and the targeted date for the next Executive Directors Conference.
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
2/5/2008 |
Final Admin Allocation & Supplemental Admin and Disability Information |
|
|
Guidance on the award of the final portion of your 2008 administrative grant allocation |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
|
1/30/2008 |
Alert on eGrants Submission of Commission FSRs |
|
|
Update regarding submission of the FSRs |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
|
1/29/2008 |
eGrants Submission of Commission FSRs |
|
|
Update on FSR submission deadline |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
|
1/24/2008 |
Important eGrants message |
|
|
eGrants and My AmeriCorps Portal System Update |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
|
1/24/2008 |
New Grantee Training |
|
|
New Grantee Training Reminder & Flyer |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
|
1/17/2008 |
Grantee Administrators |
|
|
The following message is for all eGrants grantee Administrators regarding the launching of the new system to support recruiting and application process. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
|
1/17/2008 |
Policy Update 7 |
|
|
2008 Appropriations Language Changes Match Requirement |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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|
|
1/11/2008 |
State Administrative Grant Update |
|
|
Information regarding the CEO's message on the President's signing of the omnibus spending bill. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
|
1/11/2008 |
Release II of My AmeriCorps Portal |
|
|
The next generation of My AmeriCorps is targeted to launch on January 10, 2008. As you know, this phase integrates the recruitment system with the web portal. To help you use the system we are pleased to provide you with training and support materials that are available online, any time for your convenience. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
12/19/2007 |
Taking Financial Management Home - PowerPoint Presentation |
|
|
The PowerPoint presentation used in the November 28 webinar can be downloaded here |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
12/12/2007 |
2008 Administrative Grant Information |
|
|
Issues related to this year’s Administrative grants.
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
12/12/2007 |
2008 Competitive Continuations Guidance |
|
|
The purpose of this message is to remind you of the Corporation’s policy for submitting 2008 AmeriCorps requests for competitive continuations and continuation expansions |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
|
12/7/2007 |
Policy Update - December 2007 |
|
|
Included in this message are several updates for your information. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
12/3/2007 |
Commission Executive Directors Conference |
|
|
Update for the Executive Director Conference |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps
|
|
|
11/20/2007 |
New AmeriCorps Proposed Rule |
|
|
New AmeriCorps Proposed Rule in the Federal Register |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
|
|
|
11/1/2007 |
Grantee Progress Report Information and Instructions |
|
|
The new progress reporting system has launched, and you may access it through eGrants. Instructions for completing the GPR, and a 1 page “tip sheet” are attached. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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|
|
11/1/2007 |
Web Conference on New Criminal History Check Requirements |
|
|
Webinar on Criminal background checks |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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|
|
11/1/2007 |
eGrants Orientation Calls |
|
|
eGrants Orientation |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
10/25/2007 |
High Priority Commission Program Updates |
|
|
Included in this message are several updates for your information |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
10/23/2007 |
Customer Satisfaction |
|
|
Every year, the Corporation sends grantees a customer service satisfaction survey. The survey is designed to guide us toward specific areas for improvement, as well as help us to strengthen our relationship with you and others with whom we collaborate. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
10/18/2007 |
2008 Training Resources |
|
|
Based on the priorities and funding provided by the program offices, the Office of Leadership Development and Training has worked with the national training and technical assistance providers to develop workplans for FY 08 T/TA activities. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
10/11/2007 |
Policy Update - October 2007 |
|
|
Included in this message are several updates for your information. |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
9/17/2007 |
Updates |
|
|
Included in this message are several updates for your information. |
|
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
9/13/2007 |
Playback Numbers for WBRS Conference Calls |
|
|
All of the conference calls on the WBRS transition will be taped and available for playback for one week after the call. Here are the numbers for playback: |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
9/7/2007 |
Web-Based Customer Satisfaction Survey for Commissions |
|
|
On behalf of AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service, within the next few weeks the CFI Group, LLC (www.cfigroup.com) will electronically invite your commission to complete a web-based Customer Satisfaction survey. Organizations who have been engaged with the agency for a minimum of seven months are invited to participate in this survey. The survey is designed so that we can better understand your experiences as AmeriCorps resource recipients; particularly about your level of satisfaction with the dynamics of our program and the services that we provide. We will use the survey’s results to guide us toward specific areas for improvement, as well as help us to strengthen our relationship with you and others with whom we collaborate. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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|
|
9/7/2007 |
WBRS Transition Update |
|
|
Following is the first of many communications that we promised regarding the WBRS transition. As you know, we are hosting a series of conference calls this month to provide information and address concerns raised by our users. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
8/29/2007 |
National Learn & Serve Challenge |
|
|
We’re just 20 days away from the first-ever National Learn & Serve Challenge—and it’s not too late for you to participate. |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
8/27/2007 |
Important: Criminal History Background Check Final Rule |
|
|
The Corporation’s Final Rule on criminal history checks was published in the Federal Register, Vol. 72, No.164, Page 48574, Friday, August 24, 2007. |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
8/27/2007 |
Office of Leadership, Development and Training: Fall Focus Webinars |
|
|
Hands On Network is pleased to announceour annual Fall Focus, a series of FREE webinars on topics related to volunteer management for national service programs. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
|
|
|
8/15/2007 |
Reporting Elements and WBRS Slide |
|
|
You will find attached the current draft of our new reporting template, which includes three sections. Section I consists of the demographic elements which have been published in the Federal Register for public comment until September 18. Section II focuses on performance measure reporting and Section III is a place for narratives, including great stories. Note that in Section I, the definitions for disadvantaged youth and mentoring in particular are not final and are presently being rewritten. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
8/14/2007 |
2007 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll Program |
|
|
The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll program for 2007 is now underway! The Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities for their encouragement and support for noteworthy student community service efforts. |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
8/6/2007 |
Guidance for New AmeriCorps National Grantees |
|
|
I am excited to have you join the portfolio of approximately 100 AmeriCorps National programs, and the wider AmeriCorps State and National network of programs. Congratulations and welcome! |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
7/26/2007 |
Policy Update - July 2007 |
|
|
It was energizing to spend time with you this year at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. Thank you very much for your continued commitment to national service and to improving the ways we work together. I recognize that the big news from the AmeriCorps business meeting and the policy session on Wednesday was the WBRS transition. This issue of the Policy Update presents our plan and timeline, and a summary of answers to your questions from the conference sessions. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
6/27/2007 |
Important Information for the Conference |
|
|
I hope that the summer is off to a good start for all of you. We have been busily preparing for the National Conference. Not only are the workshops and plenaries going to be thought provoking and entertaining, we are working on several draft documents to share with you at the Town Hall meeting, grantee luncheons, and AmeriCorps leadership coffee. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
6/6/2007 |
State Level Evaluation of Programs |
|
|
This email is a reminder on allowable means to fund state level evaluations of your AmeriCorps State programs. |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
5/23/2007 |
AmeriCorps State Instructions for 2007 Awards Processing |
|
|
In the past week and over the next few weeks, your AmeriCorps*State Program Officer will be sending applications needing either budgetary or programmatic adjustments directly back to the grantees for rework. Unfortunately we are experiencing a glitch when the grantees resubmit their applications: they are not returning to the correct status of “Awaiting PO Certification”. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
5/17/2007 |
My AmeriCorps Portal, 2008 Application Instructions and Notice are Now Available!!! |
|
|
My AmeriCorps Portal, 2008 Application Instructions and Notice are now available on the AmeriCorps website. |
|
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
5/17/2007 |
Policy Update - May 2007 |
|
|
Please consider this issue of Policy Update as your guide to the 2008 grant competition. |
|
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
4/23/2007 |
2007 AmeriCorps Grantee Meeting and Staff Training at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service Registration Is OPEN |
|
|
As a follow-up to our memorandum dated March 6, 2007, we are pleased to announce the on-line registration for the National Conference on Volunteering and Service and AmeriCorps Grantee Staff Training is open and ready for you to register at www.volunteeringandservice.org. The Early Bird registration cut-off date is June 15. After that date, registration fees for CNCS-affiliated participants will increase to $475. |
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|
|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
|
|
|
4/2/2007 |
2007 Commission Formula Allocation |
|
|
Attached please find the 2007 allocation chart for AmeriCorps state Formula funds. This year you may request the total number of MSYs you deem appropriate for your programs given the funding available to you. The number of MSYs you request must be based on Corporation expectations for full enrollment in your identified programs. The chart also shows the amount you have available from your 2006 allocation that you did not request in 2006 – your “reserve.” You must apply by July 2, 2007 via eGrants and identify all of the programs and planning grants you want to support. The Corporation will award your grant within 45 calendar days of submission if your reporting, including closeout, is up-to-date. |
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|
Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
|
|
|
3/30/2007 |
Best Practices Conference |
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|
We are excited to invite you to the 2007 AmeriCorps*National Best Practices Conference: Weaving the Fabric of National Service – Threads of Success. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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3/30/2007 |
Youth Report Briefing |
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We would like to invite you to join us for a preview of the Corporation's newest report on volunteering and community engagement among youth from economically disadvantaged circumstances. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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3/29/2007 |
Clarification on Amendments to Administrative Grants |
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We are in the process of amending all 2007 Commission Administrative grants to ensure the purpose of the grant covers the range of activities Commissions can support with Administrative funds. Those activities and duties are described in the Corporation’s regulations and referenced in the revised purpose you will see when you get your amendment. While supporting and monitoring your AmeriCorps programs is the primary duty of Commissions, use of Administrative funds is not restricted to that responsibility. By referencing the regulations, we are making it clear for audit and finance purposes that you may use Administrative funds to support activities described in the regulations. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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3/28/2007 |
Updates and Conference Call Notes |
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I hope that all is well with you, your staff and your programs. This memo includes updates, as well as notes from the March 12 conference call. If you have questions about this memo, or other issues, please don’t hesitate to contact me or your program officer. My contact information is at the end of this email. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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3/28/2007 |
Upcoming AmeriCorps Events in Massachusetts |
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Please mark your calendars! In 2007, Massachusetts Service Alliance will host two events for AmeriCorps members serving in AmeriCorps*State, National Direct, and VISTA programs in the Commonwealth. Please see the attached save-the-dates for more information, and feel free to forward to all of your corps members. Details and registration information will follow. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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3/21/2007 |
WBRS/eGrants Integration |
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I know that many of you have been wondering about the status of the WBRS/eGrants integration. Over the past several months, we have been engaged in a review of the integration project: both the technical progress we have made as well as how our streamlining efforts are impacting data collection, reporting and the system integration. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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3/20/2007 |
Update: Summer of Service and Related Policies |
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A number of you have been conversing with Theresa Clower, Senior Advisor and Executive Director of the Federal Mentoring Council, on plans for developing summer of service programs for youth. Theresa shared with me questions she received regarding the possibility of converting full-time slots to minimum time AmeriCorps slots (300 hours per term) and using those minimum time slots in a full-time capacity for summer of service programs. Two questions arose: (1) how many minimum time slots might a full-time slot be converted into; and (2) would a minimum time member's completion of service in a summer of service program count as one of her/his two allowable terms of service in an AmeriCorps*State or National program? |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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3/7/2007 |
2007 AmeriCorps Grantee Meeting and Staff Training at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service |
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The 2007 gathering of AmeriCorps Grantees will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in conjunction with the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The meeting provides an opportunity for sharing stories, building on our successes, expanding our networks, and growing our professional skills– so that we can make our organizations and programs even better. For the first time, you can pre-register for the conference and select your workshop sessions. Therefore, it is important to register early to reserve a space in the sessions you want. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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3/5/2007 |
Updates |
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Included in this message are several updates for your information. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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2/14/2007 |
Message from the CEO Regarding Lobbying |
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As we enter this budget season, I have been asked to forward the attached message regarding lobbying from David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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2/13/2007 |
Disability Inclusion "Train the Trainer" Institute |
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The National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP), the Corporation’s disability inclusion training and technical assistance provider, will hold the first Disability Inclusion Train the Trainer Institute from April 18-21, 2007 in Boston, MA. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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2/13/2007 |
Change in Deadline |
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Due to inclement weather in the Washington, DC area and the closing of the federal government, we are extending the deadline for our National and South Dakota applicants. This includes applications for National Direct, National Education Award Program, National Professional Corps, Indian Tribes and South Dakota. The new deadline is February 16 at 5pm EST. We are sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your interest in national service. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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2/12/2007 |
Professional Corps Exemption from Statutory Benefits Requirements |
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It has come to our attention that there are some questions about the requirements for health care coverage for full-time participants in professional corps programs. While the national service legislation generally requires AmeriCorps programs to provide health care coverage for eligible full-time participants, our Office of General Counsel has opined that the specific statutory authority for professional corps programs exempts them from health care coverage requirements. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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2/1/2007 |
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Higher Education Match List |
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The complete list, as of January 30, 2007, of colleges and universities that match the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is now available. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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2/1/2007 |
Using Corporation Resources to Fund AmeriCorps Alum Activities |
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Recently we have received a large number of questions regarding the use of PDAT, Admin and AmeriCorps program funds for activities provided by AmeriCorps Alums. I hope that the following will provide the needed clarification. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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1/7/2007 |
National AmeriCorps Week is May 13-20, 2007 |
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Message from Kristin McSwain regarding National AmeriCorps Week. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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12/19/2006 |
Change in Submission of Closeout Documents |
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We recently learned that some grantees may not be aware of a recent change in the Corporation’s closeout policies and are sending this notice to ensure everyone is up to date on the requirements. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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12/14/2006 |
2007 Evaluation Requirements |
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|
We have been receiving lots of questions on the new evaluation plan or summary requirement this year. You will find attached a revised FAQ with new Qs and As on what we expect for internal evaluations, and for state commissions, how you can use formula, admin, and PDAT funds to support statewide evaluations. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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12/8/2006 |
FY 2007 Guidance for Commissions on Submitting Continuation Recommendations |
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The purpose of this message is to inform you about the Corporation’s policy for submitting 2007 AmeriCorps request for continuations and continuation expansions. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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11/13/2006 |
Policy Update - November 2006 |
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|
I am particularly pleased to announce our new slot conversion and transfer policy in this Update. We hope this added flexibility will make it easier for programs to get things done. We received positive feedback on the first issue of the Update, and will continue to publish new issues as we develop new policies and procedures designed to decrease burden for you, and increase ease of doing business with us. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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11/9/2006 |
Continuation Applications for Grantees Applying for Year 2 Funding |
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As you know, we have been accepting continuation requests for FY ’06 on a rolling basis. For FY ’07, however all continuation requests will have the same due date: February 15, 2007. As a result, those of you with FY ’06 program years that do not begin until the 2007 calendar year, are caught in the transition between the two different continuation processes. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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11/9/2006 |
Recompeting Applicants |
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We will be hosting a technical assistance call for interested recompeting grantees on Friday, November 17th at 2:30pm EST. The conference call will review the application requirements for the AmeriCorps*National Grant competition, including changes that have occurred since your previous application for funding. The call will be recorded in case you are not able to participate. Call-in and replay information is listed below. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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11/9/2006 |
Continuation Applications for Grantees Applying for Year 3 Funding |
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|
As you know, we have been accepting continuation requests for FY ’06 on a rolling basis. For FY ’07, however all continuation requests will have the same due date: February 15, 2007. As a result, those of you with FY ’06 program years that do not begin until the 2007 calendar year are caught in the transition between the two different continuation processes. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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11/9/2006 |
Continuation Applications |
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After utilizing a rolling deadline for continuation applications last year, this year, all AmeriCorps*National continuation requests will have a single deadline - Thursday, February 15, 2007. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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11/2/2006 |
Draft of the 2008 National Application Instructions |
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|
You will find below a link to a draft of the 2008 National Application Instructions, which reflect a change from a one-step to a two-step process. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*National
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11/1/2006 |
Extension of Deadline for Admin, PDAT and Disability Application |
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|
Please be advised the deadline for submission of commission Admin, PDAT and Disability applications has been extended to COB EST on Friday, Nov. 3, 2006 due to temporary shut down of the eGrants system. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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11/1/2006 |
Recent HHS interim final rule determining that service in AmeriCorps State/National or AmeriCorps VISTA constitutes a "work activity" for TANF purposes |
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Under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF), adults receiving assistance are expected to engage in work activities and develop the capability to support themselves before their time-limited assistance runs out. Under the TANF rules issued by HHS in 1999, “community service” was included as a type of “work activity” but the rules did not define “community service.” Thus, states had leeway to define the term “community service” differently. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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10/26/2006 |
February 2007 ED Meeting - Save the Date |
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I am writing to invite you to participate in a two day ED meeting in Washington DC on February 15 and 16. I know that this can be a busy time for people but there is a great deal happening on multiple fronts at the Corporation and we want to make sure that all of you have the opportunity to participate in the discussion. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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10/25/2006 |
Statute, Regulations, and Provisions |
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You will now find our statute, regulations, and provisions available in a new format on our website, under Manage Current Grants and Contracts. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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10/4/2006 |
Policy Update - October 2006 |
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|
Welcome to the AmeriCorps State and National Policy Update Newsletter. Every quarter, or more frequently if warranted, we will distribute this collection of briefs on recent policy work at AmeriCorps State and National. The newsletter will include new policies that have been cleared and issued, as well as provide structured opportunities for you to provide input and feedback. We will follow most Updates with a conference call to discuss the issues raised. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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9/26/2006 |
Transition for Nicky Goren |
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|
Information regarding the recent transition of COS Nicky Goren from the Office of General Counsel to the CEO's office. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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9/8/2006 |
2007 Admin / PDAT / Disability Instructions |
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2007 Admin / PDAT / Disability Instructions are now available. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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8/29/2006 |
eGrants Now Accepting Applications |
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|
Notification that eGrants can now accept applications for the following competitions. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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8/23/2006 |
Correction to 2006 AmeriCorps Application Instructions |
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Notification of corrections to the 2006 AmeriCorps Application Instructions. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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8/22/2006 |
Serve to Remember… Marking the Anniversaries of Katrina and 9/11 |
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|
Thank you to all who responded to our request earlier this month for information on your disaster response efforts in the Gulf region and plans for commemorating the upcoming anniversaries of Katrina and 9/11. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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8/16/2006 |
2007 AmeriCorps State and National Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity Available, Application Instructions, Continuation Deadlines, Continuation Expansions |
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Message from Kristin McSwain, Director of AmeriCorps State/National, on the
2007 AmeriCorps State and National Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity Available, Application Instructions, Continuation Deadlines, and Continuation Expansions. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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8/16/2006 |
2007 Instructions for State Commissions and eGrants Screens |
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Message from Kristin McSwain, Director AmeriCorps State/National, on 2007 Instructions for State Commissions and eGrants screens.
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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8/8/2006 |
State Service Plans and ACSI Survey |
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Two reminders of interest, one regarding State Service Plan submission and the other about the ACSI (customer satisfaction) survey. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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8/2/2006 |
Funding Available to Administer Child Care Payments for AmeriCorps Members |
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The Corporation for National and Community Service today announced the availability of an approximately $6 million grant to an organization that will administer the payments for child care for approximately 1,800 eligible AmeriCorps members.
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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7/20/2006 |
Additional Formula Funding to Your 2006 Allocation |
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Each year, the Corporation allocates AmeriCorps funds to cover the costs of childcare for AmeriCorps members who qualify for the subsidy. The Corporation recently determined that we will not need all of the budgeted childcare funding for this fiscal year and can re-allocate the unneeded funds to the Formula and Competitive allotments. The attached chart shows revised allocations to each state for 2006 Formula funds, adding additional funds from this re-allotment of childcare funds. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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7/17/2006 |
Process for Requesting Additional Formula Funding to Your 2006 Allotment |
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At the recent National Conference on Volunteering and Service and on a Conference call held on July 10, 2006, David Eisner spoke to many of you about the increasing emphasis on federal agencies to clearly demonstrate efficient utilization of funds. Congressional appropriators have raised concerns about the amounts of AmeriCorps unobligated funding carried over from year to year. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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7/17/2006 |
Policy Update #1 |
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|
Many thanks to those of you who attended the policy session at the national conference. I have attached the Powerpoint presentation from this session for your information, and the list of policy issues that was generated by the participants. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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7/11/2006 |
Additional Formula MSYs |
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This is to remind you that State Commissions need to send a written request to your Corporation Program Officer requesting additional MSYs to your formula allocation by July 14, 2006. These MSYs are without additional funding attached. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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6/30/2006 |
On Behalf of the Office of Leadership Development and Training - Announcing the AmeriCorps Program Start-Up Institute |
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The Corporation’s Office of Leadership Development and Training is pleased to announce the first offering of the AmeriCorps Program Start-Up Institute. The target audience is staff of new AC*State and National grantees and their sub-grantees/sites, as well as, new staff to existing programs. We know that some of you have plans for training new programs that may be similar. We are not asking you to change your plans. Just know this training and the materials developed to support it may be useful to you in the future. For those looking for a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive training for new programs and staff - this is it! |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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6/29/2006 |
On Behalf of the Corporation Trust Office - Announcing the new AmeriCorps Online Payment System |
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The National Service Trust is getting ready to launch a new online payment system that will automate the AmeriCorps Education Award process. As you might have learned at the recent National Conference in Seattle, the Trust has developed an online payment system that will allow AmeriCorps Members (and Alumni) to request their AmeriCorps Education Award benefits, including interest accrual and forbearance, online. The new automated process will be easy to use and eliminates the need to fill out and submit paper forms. Members will also be able to update their contact information, view their account information, the status of their requests, and contact the Trust all through the system. Best of all, payments will be made faster then previously. The new online system will make the Education Award process a much quicker and simpler process for all involved. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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6/26/2006 |
Message on the 2005 CNCS American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) of AmeriCorps State and National Grantees |
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Message from Elizabeth Seale, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Director of AmeriCorps, regarding the 2005 CNCS American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) of AmeriCorps State and National Grantees |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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6/6/2006 |
Additional 2006 PDAT Funds to Strengthen the Capacity of AmeriCorps Programs to Prepare For and Respond To Disasters |
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The Corporation is making additional PDAT funds available to commissions to build the capacity of AmeriCorps State and National Direct programs (including EAPs) to prepare for and respond to disasters. These funds will be added to your 2006 State Commission PDAT grants. In addition, specialized training and technical assistance will be available through selected Corporation training providers. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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6/1/2006 |
AmeriCorps Boosts Disaster Response, Youth Service with $139 Million in New Funds to Support Nearly 18,000 Members |
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|
As hurricane season kicks off today with experts predicting another extremely active season, help is on the way from thousands of new AmeriCorps members who will work with Gulf Coast communities to prepare for upcoming disasters and rebuild from last year’s devastating storms. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps
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6/1/2006 |
Frequently Asked Questions: Evaluation |
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|
During rulemaking, defining new requirements for evaluation was one of the most difficult elements to work through. Our intent in defining the evaluation requirement in the rule is to offer opportunities for standardization while affording you the most flexibility in deciding what you want to evaluate, and how you want to evaluate it. We don’t want to be prescriptive, but want to allow each of you to determine your own evaluation design. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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5/30/2006 |
Change to One-year Funding in 2008 |
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The purpose of this memo is to inform you that AmeriCorps State and National is expecting to change from two-year to one-year funding effective in Fiscal Year 2008. Since its inception, AmeriCorps State and National has operated with two-year funds, enabling some carryover of unobligated funds from one fiscal year to the next. The move to one-year funding will align us with the practices of other federal grant programs. This change will not affect the length of your grant period—a three-year grant will be awarded with no change from present practice.
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
AmeriCorps*National
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5/11/2006 |
Frequently Asked Questions: 2006 State Service Plans |
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A State Service Plan, formerly known as the Unified State Plan, is a state commission’s 3-year strategy for coordinating national service and volunteer service activities across all streams of service in the state. Our statute requires a state service plan in order to ensure that all national service and volunteer service entities within a state—state commissions; State Offices; AmeriCorps National programs and other Corporation grantees and stakeholders; State Education Agencies; state networks of volunteer centers; Campus Compacts; and/or other volunteer service organizations within the state—are aware of each other and are coordinating activities. We encourage you to provide enough detail in your plan so that your partners in national service and volunteer service across the nation can learn from your experience. |
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Program: |
AmeriCorps*State
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Forms
