The AmeriCorps State Update
July 23, 2021
New information this week has its subject line in RED.
July PD Webinar
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Program Staff Launch
As we are planning the Staff Launch to be held Oct. 20-21, we would like your feedback as to whether you would prefer/be more comfortable with an in-person or virtual meeting. If we do hold the launch in person, we will do all we can to provide a space in which we can practice CDC guidelines for gatherings. We will also continue to monitor those guidelines and make adjustments, as needed, up until the meeting dates.
Please respond to this survey https://forms.gle/CSrBMzoasiMxymEh7 by July 28. We will use this information as we continue to plan. Regardless, save the date for the Program Staff Launch on your calendars!
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Branding and Recruitment Resources for Iowa AmeriCorps Programs
We want to remind all programs of the branding and recruitment resources available from the AmeriCorps agency. We expect all programs to be using the new AmeriCorps logo/language starting in 2021-2022 program year.
Volunteer Iowa also has an communications toolkit to programs to help you in your outreach efforts: https://www.volunteeriowa.org/document/americorps-communications-toolkit. Additionally, Volunteer Iowa is collecting Testimonials from members, alumni, and program staff. These testimonials will be used to inspire and recruit future AmeriCorps members, programs and host sites. Please share this link with members and alumni: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEZ2mw-2ybOtJBid4SLFcBpe5mlTTlazyYeHmcVoVMbXyqAQ/viewformewform. For questions about the above recruitment and branding resources, please contact Betsy Shelton (betsy.shelton@volunteeriowa.org), Volunteer Iowa’s Communications and Engagement Officer.
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21-22 Grant information in IowaGrants
Programs should now have access their 21-22 grants in IowaGrants. Please note that some program grants are not awarded at the federal level and other grant awards are in the process of being signed. The start forms are available on the main landing page for the 21-22 grant (called the Grant Component page) and also in the Status Reports Component. If you have questions on the status of your grant award and/or how to complete the forms, please contact your Program Officer or Jane Mild, Compliance Officer. Over the next couple of weeks, all of the reporting forms, claims and other elements of IowaGrants will be completed.
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New Update Section on ARP Funding
Please see the new section below for American Recovery Plan (ARP) funding updates for AmeriCorps State and National Programs. We will continue to post updates here as more information comes out for programs.
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Financial Tip: Match Waiver
We want to be sure all programs are aware that AmeriCorps, the agency, has indicated that a Match Waiver for AmeriCorps Cost Reimbursement grants continues to be in place for the 21-22 AmeriCorps grants. Under this waiver, programs are not held to the statutory matching levels as outlined annually in AmeriCorps, the Agency’s authorization language. However, programs are still encouraged to provide match to their grant as they are able and they are still required to report and use Program Income in accordance with federal regulations.
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AmeriTeam Staff Schedule
Volunteer Iowa staff are currently teleworking and can still be reached via regular phone numbers and email addresses.
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AmeriTeam Staff Contact Updates
All Volunteer Iowa staff are now using the updated email address: firstname.lastname@volunteeriowa.org. We will still receive email under our old addresses using "@ieda.com," but please update your contacts with the information below. Additionally, our general information email is now info@volunteeriowa.org (updated from icvs@iowaeda.com).
Rebecca.Gernes@VolunteerIowa.org
Kristin.Honz@VolunteerIowa.org
Jane.Mild@@VolunteerIowa.org
Jamie.Nagel@VolunteerIowa.org
Ashley.Tenney@VolunteerIowa.org
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AMERICORPS AGENCY UPDATES
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NSCHC Resource Update
AmeriCorps wants to ensure your success with the national service criminal history
check rule. Grant recipients can access recorded trainings, review summary information, and FAQs regarding the rule on our Knowledge Network. Read about our updated resources:
- Vermont recently joined the National Fingerprint File Program and the National Fingerprint File Pre-Approved Waiver has been updated to include Vermont. This update and information about the National Fingerprint File Program can be found in the "National Service Criminal History Check Manual."
- "May 1 Rule Interim FAQs" includes questions regarding the new Fieldprint improvements.
- A recording of the most recent training is posted in Litmos and a link to the training is available on the Knowledge Network
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Public Comment Sought on Racial Equity in AmeriCorps- Comments due by Aug. 2, 2021
On Jan. 20, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government,” to address racial, economic, and other disparities faced by underserved communities in the United States. The Order requires Federal agencies to conduct an equity assessment. In furthering the AmeriCorps Agency's commitment to bringing together and serving all communities, AmeriCorps seeks general public input on the following:
- Potential barriers that underserved communities and individuals may face to enrollment in and access to benefits and services in AmeriCorps programs;
- Potential barriers that underserved communities and individuals may face in taking advantage of Agency procurement and contracting opportunities;
- Whether new policies, regulations, or guidance documents may be necessary to advance equity in Agency actions and programs; and
- Knowledge of any offices or divisions within the Agency that are responsible for advancing civil rights or whose mandates specifically include serving underrepresented or disadvantaged communities.
To be considered, public comments must be received electronically no later than midnight eastern standard time (EST) on Aug. 2, 2021. Public comments should be submitted online at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/07/12/2021-14735/notice-inviting-public-input-on-executive-order-13985. |
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COVID-19 FAQ
We encourage you to check the CNCS FAQ pages regularly because information changes without notice. CNCS is now adding the date to when the Q&A was posted. Volunteer Iowa is also monitoring this information and will keep you posted of significant changes.
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AMERICAN RECOVERY PLAN FUNDING UPDATES
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Full-Time Member Living Allowance Update
The minimum FT member living allowance is $16,000. All programs that have full time members must be in compliance at the start of their program year. Meeting the minimum FT living allowance is a requirement regardless of whether the agency provides the additional American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. Volunteer Iowa will be providing information to programs in the coming days/weeks about how to request additional funding through the ARP dollars allocated to AmeriCorps, to support this living allowance increase.
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OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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Recruitment and Retention Bootcamp and Office Hour TA
The final BootCamp training on recruitment and retention will occur Aug. 10. Sign up here: https://calendly.com/kerry-bloomed/america-s-service-commission-recruitment-and-retention-bootcamp. The consultant is also available to help you brainstorm recruitment/retention solutions during weekly office hours from 12-2PM EST through Aug. 11. Join her at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6858436399. No appointment necessary! You can get feedback on your recruitment strategy, marketing plans and assets, your selection process, onboarding plans, retention efforts and alumni engagement, etc. She also will be designing weekly trainings in the fall based on the needs of AmeriCorps programs in the seven states that opted into this training series (Iowa is one of them!). If you have ideas about what they should be, email your suggestions to Kerry@bloomedgroup.com. We hope you take advantage of this training and technical assistance.
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National Service Community Challenge Grants
With the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Service Year Alliance will be awarding four $25,000 grants to organizations that are able to secure a new financial match and begin to implement or expand upon a shared, community-defined goal that will strengthen or expand national service in their community. For more information on these grants, visit the National Service Community Challenge Grants page. Applicants must attend the virtual Flint Convening: A Blueprint for Accelerating Outcomes through National Service (Aug. 3-5, 2021) and have a willingness to come together regularly to report on progress and lessons learned, virtually, and if feasible, in person at least one time within the grant period (with support of travel awards). Learn more about the convening.
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AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award
Service Year Alliance is excited to announce that the 2021-2022 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award applications are now open! We will be selecting two outstanding emerging leaders for this award. Potential candidates should demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills as well as a commitment to advancing diverse, inclusive, and equitable strategies in their communities. To be eligible, you must have successfully completed an AmeriCorps program between August 2018 and August 2021. We welcome a diverse applicant pool.
Learn more about the expectations, benefits, and how to apply at serviceyear.org/segalaward. Applications are due Monday, Aug. 23 by 5 pm (ET)! |
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Points of Light Volunteer Engagement Training
In partnership with the Volunteer Centers of Iowa, join Volunteer Iowa for this 6 series virtual program training kicking off Aug. 3. This engaging and interactive virtual training series, created by Points of Light, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the major components of nonprofit volunteer engagement and provide the opportunity to develop volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies and methods of offering projects for diverse audiences.
Through the Training Program you will learn about:
- Establishing the Framework
- Planning for Volunteer Engagement
- Opportunities and Outreach
- Intake and Onboarding
- Supervision and Support
- Evaluation
Dates: Aug. 3, 17, & 31; Sep. 14 & 28; and Oct. 12. All sessions run 10:00am – noon. Cost to participate is $125. To register, follow this link.
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Nominations open for Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll
Points of Light is accepting nominations for the 2021 Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll and specifically looking to receive nominations of individuals engaged in national service to recognize on the Honor Roll this year. Now in its second year, the Inspiration Honor roll celebrates acts of service, kindness and civic engagement by individuals who create change in communities around the world. The Inspiration Honor Roll recognizes the people who take action, in both large and small ways, to improve the lives of others.
Individuals recognized on the Inspiration Honor Roll will have their photo and story shared on the Points of Light website, and may be considered for one of 10 Inspiration Spotlight Stories that will be highlighted (virtually) during The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration on Sept. 28.
They want to highlight at least one national service individual as an Inspiration Spotlight.
The general nomination period will be open through Sept. 7 – however, they are looking at candidates for a Spotlight role in the next 1-3 weeks, which gives their team more time to work with the nominee to share their story. Nominate them here.
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ASC Member Assistance Program (MAP) Informational Webinar
The AmeriCorps Member Assistance Program (MAP) is designed to support AmeriCorps State programs in providing accessible and quality mental health services to AmeriCorps members and employees of their organizations. In order to participate in MAP, the AmeriCorps program must be an existing AmeriCorps State Service Partner with America's Service Commissions or pay the fee to join as part of the MAP enrollment.
For the 2021-2022 AmeriCorps Program Year, all programs (new and re-enrolling) must complete the enrollment form by the following dates:
- Aug. 1, 2021 Start Date. You must enroll by July 23
- Sep. 1, 2021 Start Date. You must enroll by Aug. 21
ASC hosted an information webinar this week. You can watch the recording here. Review our extensive FAQ for more information.
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July 25 (or earlier): Claims due in IowaGrants (June claims). Reminder that FY21 and FY22 costs cannot be combined in the same GAX.
July 31: Budget Modification Request due in IowaGrants for programs with January Start Date
July 31: 2020-2021 Grant Agreement ends for programs with a start date of August 1, 2020 (all members should be ending their service term and no further grant costs should be incurred, unless grant agreement extension was requested and approved)
August 4: New AmeriCorps Staff Virtual Orientation
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