r/AmeriCorps

I'm part of a food access/energy program under Americorps. My cohort and I signed up to work on a produce farm and learn farming skills. However, we are barely ever on the farm, and this week is the third time we've been tasked with painting walls for the owners of the building. Just wondering if this is allowed/legal? We're frustrated because we're not gaining any new skills and feel like we're being used for our free labor to do tasks that should be jobs for other people.

Would love to hear thoughts/opinions and any rules or regulations surrounding this.

If someone exits early to start school, can they still receive a pro-rated education award?

I just started my VISTA service, and I am very excited for the work I would be doing. HOWEVER, I was severely confused on how many hours I should be at my host site.

My site supervisor was thinking 36 hours a week, but stayed on the side of caution having me work 40 hours a week (7-4pm with an hour lunch) since she didn’t know if VISTAs had a minimum hour service requirement. And if I need to work a Saturday event then I would.

I would like to go to being on site from 7-3 pm and working any Saturday events but is that within my bounds??? And do I still get “2days off” with that.

Can anyone help, please? I really don’t want to burn out too fast being on site for 45 hours, “working” 40 hours.

I just recently had an interview with what seems to be the perfect VISTA position. I just finished my second interview with them and it went well; I think there's a good chance I get offered this position. This is the only position I have even seen through Americorps that is in a great and affordable location I've always wanted to live in, and actually pays halfway decent, enough for me to cover my loan payments in addition to my rent and food. It's exactly what I want to do, would look great on my resume, and is even partially hybrid so I could work remote partly.

I keep thinking back to something the guy said in the first interview. He seemed really cool, and then he hit me with this:

"Yeah you won't get any off days here! Actually, if you find yourself with an off day, you'll need to call me so we can find something for you to do!"

I honestly thought he was joking and laughed with him but I actually think he might not have been joking. But like, that isn't allowed right? I'm currently doing VISTA summer service and we have to do timesheets and if we're way over or under our hours the HR people or whoever will ask you what's up.

So my question is, if I get offered this job and I take it, it's not allowed for them to work me every day right? There's a weekly hourly limit? If they need 40-50 hours a week, I've got it in me. I don't have 7 back to back 10 hour days in me though.i

I have a genuine question: Why do some organizations or affiliates pass up qualified candidates for people who may not seem as committed to the organization’s mission or vision?

I’m asking because I’ve served in AmeriCorps before and have seen situations where people who seemed like a good fit were not selected. I’ve also been involved in interviewing candidates as a member, so I’ve seen some of the decision-making process from the other side.

At one organization where I served, there were also serious leadership and workplace issues. My host site manager drank heavily, and conflicts were not handled well. One person ended up being fired, several people quit, and multiple AmeriCorps members left their service terms early.

Now I’m in a situation where I feel like I have relevant experience and would be a good fit for certain AmeriCorps roles, but I’m still being rejected. It makes me wonder what some organizations are actually looking for when selecting members.

I currently have a job that allows me to work from anywhere as long as I have Wi-Fi, and I honestly just wanted to use my extra time to serve through AmeriCorps again because I believe in the work and the mission.

At this point, I’m starting to think I may just need to find another way or organization to volunteer with.
Has anyone else experienced this with AmeriCorps or a host site? I’d genuinely like to hear other perspectives.

I know the obvious risks, but how safe is it typically? Like during training on campus and project sites (i know that it will vary depending on where you get stationed, so just in general). Does the campus have wifi? Thanks!

I’m filling out my AmeriCorps VISTA application. I know the system automatically messages the people on my References list, but do they ever actually call the managers listed in the Employment History section?
I left a past job on bad terms and don't want that supervisor contacted. Do VISTA projects stick strictly to your reference list, or do they cold-call past employers? Thank you

I have a VISTA applicant who would start a year-long service Sept 8. They will be applying to grad school in the fall and are concerned about whether they would lose their education award if they have to leave service a week or two early, in the case where a grad program might start in August of 2027. Can someone advise?

Hello all,

Can anyone share their perspective on the admissions process to the Forest Corps? I'm interested in applying in November for the 2027 cohort, but I was just wondering how competitive the application process is. Is it less competitive for team leader positions?

I don't have any Forestry experience (though I've gathered that's not required), and some minimal community service, but my current job is volunteer management, recruitment, and coordination. Thanks!