AmeriCorps members often solidify existing interests and work toward future career goals during their service experience. This was the case for 24-year-old Tucker Hlad. Currently performing his service through online video and chat features due to COVID-19 restrictions, Tucker shares about his experience with Mentors for Success in Columbus and how it has shaped him personally and professionally.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on service and the communities in which AmeriCorps members serve. Many members have shifted their efforts to comply with the stay-at-home restrictions, including Barbara Hamilton-Mbambara. Currently serving in Parma Heights, Barbara shares about her experience as an elementary school tutor and how she has adapted her service to follow current health and safety guidelines.

Each year – for the past 25 years – thousands of Americans have taken this pledge to become AmeriCorps members. They come together with a common commitment to build community and improve lives through service. Putting aside their own needs and individual challenges, they share a transformational experience that benefits both themselves and the neighborhoods in which they live.

Our world and culture are rapidly changing, and volunteers have different expectations then they did 5 years ago. How can volunteer and service professionals adapt today’s strategy to meet the needs of tomorrow’s volunteers? Tobi Johnson tackled this topic in her keynote presentation at the Ohio Conference on Service and Volunteerism.

Developing and implementing a new AmeriCorps program can be an overwhelming proposition – even for the most capable organization. Program design, member management, site relationships and evaluation are just a few of the variables that factor into the initial process. It takes time and resources to sort it all out – exactly what a planning grant provides.