Intro
Welcome to AmeriCorps! We hope you find this guide helpful, whether you’re
from Rhode Island or not. We’ve focused on affordability and fun here, and
highlighted some important info to answer questions many AmeriCorps
members have asked in the past, etc.
AmeriCorps in RI
Small state, big impact.
Serve Rhode Island currently administers eleven AmeriCorps programs that
engage nearly 270 AmeriCorps members. In addition to these, there are eight
AmeriCorps National Direct programs that have operating sites in the state.
They include: City Year RI, ClearCorps, Jumpstart, Local Initiatives Support
Corporation, Providence After School Alliance, Rhode Island Teaching Fellows,
Teach for America, and Youthbuild Providence.
As an AmeriCorps member in the smallest state in the country, you have the
unique opportunity to network with all of the State AmeriCorps members
during statewide events and service projects over the course of the year. These
include:
• September 11, National Day of Service and Remembrance
• AmeriCorps Opening Day
• Martin Luther King Day of Service
• Justice Talks
• Serving Rhode Island Week
• National AmeriCorps Week
You’ll be seeing the following people at AmeriCorps and Serve Rhode Island
events, not to mention site visits, so get to know their names and faces, and
introduce yourself.
Serve Rhode Island AmeriCorps Program Officer
Marisa Petreccia: 401-331-2298; mpetreccia@serverhodeisland.org
Serve Rhode Island Executive Director
Bernie Beaudreau: 401-331-2298; bbeaudreau@serverhodeisland.org
AmeriCorps Pledge
I will get things done for America—
To make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
I will bring Americans together
To strengthen communities.
Faced with apathy,
I will take action.
Faced with conflict,
I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity,
I will persevere.
I will carry this commitment with me
This year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps member,
And I will get things done.
Member Benefits
Stipend
Full-time AmeriCorps members will receive a stipend of $11,800 for a full year of
service. Deductions will be made for federal and state income taxes and FICA.
Because the volunteer stipend is not considered a salary or wage, members are
not eligible for unemployment benefits after service.
Health Insurance
Full-time AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive health care benefits
unless they are already covered by an alternate source. If a member is covered
through another program, he or she is not eligible to enroll in the AmeriCorps
plan. [check CNCS] Part-time members are not eligible for health care benefits.
Childcare
A childcare subsidy is provided to eligible members. Eligibility is based on family
income, age of dependents (up to 13 years), and whether the member is
currently receiving childcare support from another source. Part-time members
are not eligible for childcare benefits. For more information, see your program
director.
Education Award
Members will be eligible to receive an educational award based upon successful
completion of all program requirements. The award amount will be based upon
the number of service hours completed. The following information describes
the basics about the education award. If you have other questions, you may
contact the financial aid officer at the post-secondary institution you plan to
attend, the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID, or
consult the Student Guide issued by the U.S. Department of Education. You can
also reference www.americorps.gov.
What can the education award be used for?
TIP:
Part time
members may not
be eligible for all
benefits
You can use your education award in the following ways, or a combination of
them: Repay qualified student loans; pay all or part of the cost of attending a
qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs);
Pay current expenses while participating in an approved school-to-work
program.
How much money am I awarded?
Full-time members who complete a minimum of 1700 hours and one year of
service receive a $5,350 education award. Education Award payments are
considered taxable income in the year that the Corporation for National and
Community Service (CNCS) makes the payment to the school or loan holder.
How many education awards can I receive?
You can receive an award for your first two terms of service, regardless of
whether they are full-time, part-time, or reduced-time terms. If you end a term
of service early, that term may count as one of your two chances to earn an
award.
Which colleges and universities are ‘qualified institutions?’
You can use your education award at most institutions of higher education
(including graduate and professional programs), as well as some vocational
schools. An institution is considered qualified if it has an agreement with the
U.S. Department of Education making its students eligible for at least one of the
federally backed forms of financial assistance To make sure the institution you
want to attend is qualified, check with the financial aid office and ask if the
school is a “Title IV” institution before you make specific plans.
What types of loans can the education award repay?
Most post secondary loans that are backed by the federal government are
qualified for repayment with an AmeriCorps education award. Your lender
should be able to tell you whether your loan is qualified. Qualified loans include
Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, National Direct Loans, Federal
Consolidated Loans, Supplemental Loans for Students, Health Education
Assistance Loans, Health Professional Student Loans.
What types of expenses are considered part of the ‘cost of attending’ an
institution?
“Cost of attending” may include tuition, room and board, books, supplies,
transportation, and other expenses. The financial aid office of each school has
information on expenses for specific academic programs, and that office
determines the cost of attendance for that school.
When can I use my education award?
You can use your education award any time—up to seven years after the date
you end your service. You can apply for an extension if you are unable to use the
award for some reason during that time; or you perform another term of service
in an approved program. To be considered for an extension, you must apply
before the end of the seven-year period.
FEAR NOT:
You’ll probably
have a workshop
on this later in the
year. In the
meantime, your
program director
may be able to
answer your
questions.
Is the education award taxable?
Yes. Payments made from the Education Awards are considered taxable income
in the year that CNCS makes the payment to the school or loan holder. For
example, if you use all or part of your education award in 2012, when you file
your 2012 tax return, you must pay taxes on the portion of the award you used.
However, you may be able to take advantage of the Hope Scholarship Credit or
the Lifelong Learning Credit to provide significant tax relief; the CNCS does not
withhold taxes from the award, but it sends 1099 Forms to all the AmeriCorps
members who have made payments from their education awards who have
accrued interest during the previous year. The 1099 Form does not need to be
included in your tax return, but it reflects the amount that the National Service
Trust reports to the IRS as miscellaneous income.
What about paying student loans during my time of service?
You may be eligible for forbearance for your qualified students loans from your
loan holder. During a period of forbearance, you do not have to make
payments, but interest continues to accumulate on your loans. If you qualified
for forbearance and completed the appropriate paperwork at the beginning of
your term of service, and receive an education award, AmeriCorps will pay all or
a portion of the interest accrued on your qualified student loan during your
service. This amount is in addition to your education award.
For AmeriCorps*VISTAs
AmeriCorps volunteers can choose to receive either the Segal Education Award
or and End-of-Service Stipend at the end of their service. A member cannot
switch from the stipend to the education award, but can switch from the
education award to the stipend before the end of his/her tenth month of
service.
If a member selects the education award, eligible student loans can be put into
forbearance and have interest accrued during the service year paid by the Trust.
A percentage of Perkins Loan debt can be forgiven if the End-of-Service Stipend
is selected. Deferment may be granted based on economic hardship. Accrued
interest is the responsibility of the AmeriCorps member.
Affordable Health Care
Medical
Rhode Island Free Clinic
Serves the uninsured exclusively
655 Broad St
Providence
401-274-6347
Rhode Island Free Clinic
Serves the uninsured exclusively
Newport Hospital, 19 Friendship St
Newport
401-274-6347
East Side Urgent Care Clinic
1195 North Main St
Providence
401-861-3782
Dental
Thundermist Dental
and Nutrition Center
Low-income dental and health
services on a sliding pay scale
191 Social St, 9th floor
Woonsocket
401-767-4161
FUN FACT:
Thundermist Community
Dental Program
Low-income dental and health
services on a sliding pay scale
1219 Main St
West Warwick
401-615-2804
Dental Hygiene Clinic
at CCRI’s Flanagan campus
Low-income dental and health
services on a sliding pay scale
1762 Louisquisset Pike
Lincoln
401-333-7250
Vision
Saving Sight RI
Provides free vision care services
982 West Shore Rd
Warwick
401-738-1150
Other Services
United Way
[insert description here]
2-1-1
Member Rights and Responsibilities
Term of Service
Full-time AmeriCorps members are expected to complete 1700 hours of service.
Members must complete the required hours to qualify for the education award.
A maximum of 20% of the hours served may be spent on training, professional
development, or similar approved activities.
Abbreviated Terms of Service
Compelling personal circumstances:
The program may release a member immediately from his or her term of service
due to compelling personal circumstances if
2-1-1 is partnered
with Serve Rhode
Island to provide
volunteers for
many of their
events?
The member has a serious injury or illness that makes completing the
term impossible;
There is a serious injury, illness, or death of an immediate family
member and the AmeriCorps member is needed to care for, or take over the
duties of, the family member;
The member is drafted by the Armed Services of the United States
Relocation, acceptance to a college or university, or the acceptance of an
employment offer DOES NOT constitute a compelling personal circumstance
Extended Terms of Service
Compelling Personal Circumstances
The program mat place a member on temporary leave and extend the
member’s term of service beyond one calendar year (to no longer than three
additional months) due to compelling personal circumstances. The member’s
new end-of-term date will be extended by the number of days the member was
on leave.
If the member discontinues his or her term of service or is placed on temporary
leave due to compelling personal circumstances, he or she will cease to receive
benefits including the stipend under the program. If, however, the member has
completed at least 15% of the required service hours, the member may receive
a prorated portion of the education award or interest payments.
Maintaining Your Time
All AmeriCorps members are required to complete and submit weekly
timesheets. Timesheets will be submitted to their Site Supervisors to verify the
accuracy of the time served. The AmeriCorps timesheet is important because it
provides an accurate record of service and ensures that you will complete the
required hours to qualify for an education award. It is your responsibility to
manage your time, keep track of hours served, and have a clear understanding
of your service site’s workplace policies.
If you have any questions about timesheets or how to use OnCorps, ask your
program director.
Harassment/Discrimination
You are protected by AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and
Community Service (CNCS) from being subjected to discrimination or
harassment. You also have an obligation as an AmeriCorps member to make
sure you do not subject anyone else to discrimination or harassment. This
extends to everyone you come in contact with, including other AmeriCorps
members, clients, and volunteers and employees at your service site.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is treating people differently because of who they are, where
they come from, or the groups they belong to. Discrimination in an AmeriCorps
service setting is illegal when it targets a person or group based on such non-
REMINDER:
It is your
responsibility to
manage your time
and keep track of
hours.
merit factors such as race, gender, or religion, also known as protected classes,
which CNCS defines as the following:
o Race, color, or national origin
o Sex/gender
o Physical or mental disability
o Age
o Religion
o Political affiliation
o Sexual orientation
Illegal discrimination:
o Both targets a person because of a difference, and singles them
out for different treatment
o May be a one-time occurrence or part of an ongoing pattern
o Can happen to anyone
What is harassment?
Illegal harassment in an AmeriCorps service setting is severe and/or pervasive
verbal or nonverbal communication relating to an individual’s gender, age, race,
ethnicity, religion, or any other non-merit factor that interferes with an
AmeriCorps member’s performance and/or creates an intimidating, hostile or
offensive service environment. Harassment can consist of spoken or written
words, image, or actions and can happen to anyone. It includes but is not
limited to:
o Explicit or implicit demands for sexual favors
o Pressure for one’s company
o Unwelcome persistent letters, phone calls, e-mails, or other
media
o Distribution or display of offensive material
o Offensive looks, gestures, physical encroachment, or
threatening behavior
Illegal harassment:
o Includes—but is not limited to—sexual harassment
o Can be spoken words or unspoken actions
o Is more than just annoying or uncomfortable behavior
o Generally happens over a period of time
o Creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive service environment
o Prevents an AmeriCorps member from serving effectively
o Can happen to anyone
What should I do if I experience or witness discrimination or harassment?
If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, you can approach and talk to the
person you suspect of engaging in harassing or discriminating behavior directly
yourself. If that doesn’t work, or if you do not feel safe and comfortable doing
so, you can also talk to your AmeriCorps supervisor.
If you cannot go to your supervisor, or you do and the matter is not resolved to
your satisfaction, you can contact Serve Rhode Island. Finally, you can contact
the CNCS Office of Civil Rights and Inclusiveness (OCRI). If you and/or your
AmeriCorps supervisor or Serve Rhode Island chooses to contact OCRI, note that
claims must be made within 45 days of the incident. See contact information
below.
Suggestions if you think you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or
harassment:
o Consider talking to the persons involved
o Examine what assumptions you might be making. Ask yourself
how you can check out these assumptions.
o Assume positive intent. Communicate to clarify.
o Use statements such as, “it appears to me that…”
o Speak with your supervisor, if possible
o Ask yourself: is there something I can learn from this?
Got Questions?
AmeriCorps Connect
http://www.americorpsconnect.org/
Here you’ll find plenty of resources, answers to your AmeriCorps questions,
information about learning opportunities, and help connecting with others.
Check it out!
Also try http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/faq/index.asp for FAQs.
The Resource Center
The AmeriCorps Resource Center is a training and technical assistance page for
AmeriCorps programs. On this page, you will find tutorials and other resources
that will guide you through using the functions of MyAmeriCorps. Tutorials offer
flexibility and quick references: users can access them at their convenience and
"jump" to specific items.
You can also download the PowerPoint presentations that are used in the
tutorials. Everyone may use these resources to develop their own training.
http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/ac-training-support-state
MyAmeriCorps State, National, & VISTA technical support:
1-800-942-2677
TIP:
Making the most of your service year: your first
few weeks at your site
Members who begin their year of service well oriented to their placement site
and the community it serves have the greatest potential of increased
Start the year off
right for
maximum
productivity and
growth!
productivity and personal growth. Therefore, at the beginning of your term of
service you should:
o Learn the history and background of your organization—its
mission, goals, and current programs
o Get permission to spend time with other program staff and
community in order to get a broader picture of your
organization and the community it serves
o Orient yourself to the culture of your placement site, including
procedures and policies. Get a feel for—or have a formal
discussion regarding the following:
 Dress code
 Chain of command—who to go to for what
 Formality and language (titles, addressing others by first
or last name, etc)
 Telephone protocol and etiquette
 Computer etiquette
 Who might need to know where you are at all times
 Access to organizational information
 Rules of confidentiality (for client and organization)
 Participation in meetings
 Schedule and lunch breaks
 Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and holiday policies
 Staff contact to report absences
SNAP
Since the government does not recognize the AmeriCorps stipend as income,
you are eligible for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) which
supplement your budget for groceries. If your application is accepted, you’ll
receive 200 dollars on the first of each month to use toward food products, so
no toiletries. You won’t be covered for hot prepared food, like the rotisserie
chicken from the deli, but you can use SNAP for the salad bar and the sushi
counter. Money rolls over at the end of the month, and you can use your SNAP
card in any state.
To apply, go to www.eatbettertoday.com and click on “applying for food stamp
benefits” in the second paragraph on the home page. There, you can fill out an
online application and a case worker will contact you for an interview.
Be prepared: you’ll need to bring a lot of paperwork to your SNAP interview,
including proof-of-residency, pay stubs, and a document stating that your
AmeriCorps stipend is not income. You will end up with a slick gold EBT card
that you swipe at the register just like a credit or debit card. The process may
take a few weeks, but the amount of time and paperwork is well worth it.
Places that accept SNAP: grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’
markets. There’s often a sign or sticker on the door of the store that indicates
that the store accepts EBT. When in doubt, just ask.
FEAR NOT:
The application
process may take
a while, but SNAP
benefits are
worth the wait.
There are DHS offices around the state where you can apply for SNAP benefits
and where you will go for an in-person interview.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Offices
Woonsocket Regional Family Center
450 Clinton St
Woonsocket
(401) 235-6200
Warwick DHS
195 Buttonwoods Ave
Warwick
(401) 736-1400
Pawtucket DHS
24 Commerce St
Pawtucket
(401) 721-6600
South County Regional
Center (Stedman Center)
4808 Tower Hill Rd
Wakefield
(401) 782-4300
Providence Regional Family Center
206 Elmwood Ave
Providence
(401) 415-8521
Family
Newport Regional Family Center
110 Enterprise Center
Middletown
(401) 851-2100
DHS Info Line
Tel. (401) 462-5300
Again, you can use EBT at farmers’ markets. At the Hope Artist Village Farmers’
Market in Pawtucket, for example, you can swipe your EBT card at the welcome
desk to receive tokens that you then use to pay the vendors.
Check out www.farmfreshri.org to find a farmers’ market near you.
Goddard State Park
345 Ives Rd, Warwick
Brown University
Thayer St and George St,
Providence
Barrington White Church
461 County Rd, Barrington
Hope Artist Village Winter Farmers’
Market
1005 Main St, Pawtucket
Transportation
Buses
RIPTA
Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority’s bus system based out of
Kennedy Plaza in Providence. Bus and trolley routes cover much of the state.
Check out the Trip Planner at www.ripta.com
Cost: $2.00 per ride, $0.50 per transfer, deals offered for monthly,
weekly, and 15-ride passes.
Peter Pan/Greyhound buses
Based out of their station on Cemetery St, but many buses stop at Kennedy Plaza
in downtown Providence.
401-331-7500
Airports
TF Green Airport—Warwick
Logan International Airport—Boston
Trains
MBTA
Commuter train between Providence and Boston. (It can take you to the airport!)
Fare is about $8
Amtrak
100 Gaspee St, Providence
www.amtrak.com
Events
Waterfire:
Picture 100 torches lit on the water at sunset, gondola rides, and local music,
crafts and food vendors along the river. Waterfire is an event during the
summer/fall season along the three rivers that run through downtown
Providence. It’s always packed, which means it’s a prime time for people
watching.
http://waterfire.org
Check out the following for upcoming Festivals, Parades and statewide events:
Providence Monthly: Free magazine
www.providenceonline.com/providencemonthly
The Phoenix: Most comprehensive arts-and-entertainment listing in RI
www.providence.thephoenix.com
The Providence Journal (Projo): Has a good listing of events throughout RI
www.projo.com
Shopping & Food by Neighborhood
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
http://www.satruck.com/
TIP:
Parking is free in
Providence after
6pm and on
Saturdays and
Sundays. Any
other time, you
need to feed the
meters with
quarters, or park
on a side street
and walk
downtown. If
you’re desperate,
park at the mall;
it’s $2 for up to 5
hours.
Savers Thrift Department Store
24 Universal Blvd. Warwick, RI & East Providence
www.savers.com
PROVIDENCE
Thayer Street
What’s there: Vintage clothing shops, bookstores, music shops and cafes, lots of
food, ice cream & coffee, CVS pharmacy.
Wickenden Street
What’s there: International restaurants, Coffee Exchange, antique shops, hair
salons, eyeglasses, hardware stores, galleries, and cafes.
North Main Street
What’s there: Whole Foods, FYE, Stop & Shop, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid,
music stores, auto garages, and fast food restaurants.
Hope Street
What’s there: International restaurants (they range in price)
Wayland Square
What’s there: Dry Cleaner, Starbucks, Myopic Books, Daily Breaks, CVS,
Restaurants, East Side Market Place (grocery), Whole Foods.
Federal Hill (Little Italy)
What’s there: Lots of restaurants, Italian grocery stores and markets, Shaw’s
Supermarket.
Broad Street
What’s there: Hispanic, African, and Asian stores/markets.
CRANSTON
Garden City Shopping Center, Cranston off of Route 2: Gap, Banana Republic,
Talbot’s, Bath & Body, Starbucks, Borders, Newport Creamery and more!
Musical events in the summer: www.gardencitycenter.com
NEWPORT
Thames St. Newport: Gap (other chain shops), Tourist Shops, Only in Rhode
Island, and many more.
WARWICK
Warwick Mall: Old Navy, JC Penny, American Eagle, etc.
Route 2 in Warwick: Target, DSW, Barnes and Nobles, etc.
SOUTH COUNTY
Shops in Downtown Wakefield: The Purple Cow, antique shops, music stores,
etc.
Wakefield Mall: Borders, Staples, Panera Bread, Shaw’s Supermarkets, etc.
MASSACHUSETTS
Seekonk, MA
Target, Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, craft stores, Best Buy, Ocean State Job Lot,
restaurants
North Attleboro, MA
Emerald Square Mall
Wrentham, MA
Wrentham Outlets: Banana Republic, Under Armor, Gap, and more!
Restaurants
Pizza:
Sicilia’s Pizzeria
Amazing stuffed pizza
181 Atwells Ave
Providence
401-273-9222
Tomato City Pizza
Good, cheap, pizza delivery
1041 Branch Ave
Providence
401-273-7700
Nice Slice
Pizza by the slice, and vegan options!
267 Thayer St
Providence
401-453-6423
Fellini Pizzeria
Good salads, too!
166 Wickenden St
Providence
401-751-6737
Asian:
Apsara
Amazing Vietnamese, Cambodian
716 Public St
Providence
401-785-1490
Pho Horn’s *
Fresh, authentic Vietnamese
50 Ann Mary St. (off N. Main)
Pawtucket
Haruki
Rumored to have the best sushi
172 Wayland Ave
Providence
401-223-0332
*highly accessible
to people with
disabilities,
according to
Accessible Rhode
Island
401-365-6278
Indian:
India
1060 Hope St
Providence
401-421-2600
A Taste of India
Lunch buffet, weekdays $8
221 Wickenden St
Providence
401-421-4355
Rasoi
Vegan and gluten-free options
727 East Ave
Pawtucket
401-728-5500
Latin American:
Restaurant Mexico Garibaldi
948 Atwells Ave
Providence
401-331-4985
La Arepa
Really great Venezuelan
547 Smithfield Ave
Pawtucket
401-335-3711
Carolina’s
Real deal Dominican food
864 Broad St
Providence
401-941-1333
Middle Eastern:
East Side Pockets
Awesome falafel
278 Thayer St
Providence
401-453-1100
International Pocket Cafe
Great prices, a lot of food
52 East Main Rd
Middletown
401-847-8900
Breakfast/Brunch:
The Classic Café
Great breakfast for about $5
865 Westminster St
Providence
401-273-0707
Julian’s Restaurant
Funky setting, reasonably priced brunch,
but dinner is a little pricey
318 Broadway
Brickway on Wickenden
234 Wickenden St
Providence
401-751-2477
Many chain
restaurants—
such as Panera
and Newport
Creamery—are
located
throughout the
state and very
accessible to
people with
disabilities, but
we’ve highlighted
a few local
favorites.
*highly accessible
to people with
disabilities,
according to
Accessible Rhode
Island
Providence
(401) 861-1770
Miscellaneous Mentionables:
AS220
Crazy good, cheap food. All local!
115 Empire St
Providence
401-831-9327
Three Sisters Ice Cream
Wraps, Salads, Ice Cream
1074 Hope St
Providence
401-273-7230
Café-ish:
Coffee Exchange
207 Wickenden St
Providence
401-273-1198
Seven Stars Bakery
Amazing olive bread
820 Hope or 342 Broadway
Providence
Hope: 401-632-4496
Broadway: 401-521-2200
Bars:
The Fastnet
Fun run & chug group—Thursdays 6:30
1 Broadway St
Newport
401-845-9311
Lili Marlenes
Dark lighting, but free pool!
422 Atwells Ave
Providence
401-751-4996
Nick-A-Nee’s
Bring your dog!
75 South St
Providence
401-861-7290
The Red Fez
Dim, hip atmosphere
49 Peck St
Providence
401-272-1212
ENTERTAINMENT
Movies:
Providence Place Mall
IMAX, 3D and normal theaters
10 Providence Place
Providence
For show listings: 1-800-315-4000
Cinema HoldingsEast Providence
$2.50; $1.50 on Tuesdays
60 Newport Ave
Rumford
401-438-1100
TIP:
Get into shows at
Trinity Repertory
Theater for free
by volunteering
as an usher!
Theaters/Concert Venues:
Providence Performing Arts Center*
www.ppacri.org
220 Weybosset St
Providence
401-421-2787
Lupo’s
Small venue, so great seats
all over!
79 Washington St
Providence
401-272-5876
Trinity Repertory Theater
201 Washington St
Providence
Box Office: 401-351-4242
Bowling:
East Providence Lanes
Dollar bowling after 9pm weekdays
80 Newport Ave
Rumford
401-438-2300
Bowling Academy Inc.
Duckpin (NE phenomenon)
354 Taunton Ave
East Providence
401-434-5839
Trivia:
Bishop Hill Tavern
8pm Tuesdays, $5 pitchers!
2868 Hartford Ave
Johnston
Eddy’s 529 Club
7pm Mondays
529 Warwick Ave
Warwick
Museums:
Getting Out and About
Beaches
Sachuest Beach & Atlantic Beach*
Second Beach Rd, Middletown
Scarborough South Beach*
970 Ocean Rd, Narragansett
John Reed Rd, Westport, MA
It’s in Massachusetts, but it’s about the same drive time from Providence as the
beaches in South County or on Aquidneck Island. There’s also camping there
from May to October.
Misquamicut State Beach*
257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly
Hiking
Audubon societies
1401 Hope St, Bristol
12 Sanderson Rd, Smithfield
Norman Bird Sanctuary
583 Third Beach Rd, Middletown
Cliff Walk
Memorial Blvd & Eustis Ave, Newport
Scenic Newport path overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and passing by mansions
Snake Den State Park
Brown Ave, Johnston
Biking
East Bay bike path
Endpoints: India Point Park in Providence and Independence Park in Bristol
Colt State park*
Hope St, Bristol
Battery Park
Washington St, Newport
Blackstone River Bikeway
Breakneck Hill Rd, Lincoln
Roger Williams Park and Zoo*
1000 Elmwood Ave
785-9450
Life After AmeriCorps
Resume Building Resources!
Whether you’re still in school and volunteering part time, have graduated and
are doing full-time service, or are joining AmeriCorps after time in the
workforce, resume building is a difficult challenge. With so many formats out
there and so many experiences to sort through, how do you know how to build
the right resume for you? Below you’ll find a few resources that might help.
The links provided offer templates of “before” and “after” resumes, resumes for
students, graduates, and experienced workers, and resume templates for
various career tracks.
During your service, you have built a diverse and impressive skill set. Build a
resume that highlights your strengths and let your skills shine!
How to Make Your Resume Shine with Volunteer Activities
http://volunteerguide.org/volunteer/motivation/resume-building.htm
• Include your volunteer work under a heading such as "Work Experience"
or "Business Experience" along with any paid work you have done. Just
because you don't get paid doesn't make the work any less relevant or
important.
• Give yourself relevant titles for your volunteer work. Remember, you
are performing important tasks and your position is more than the label
"volunteer." If you help raise money, then you are a "Fundraiser." If you
are responsible for maintaining a membership list and activities, then
you are a "Membership Coordinator."
• List the duties you perform. Make the descriptions accurate and
professional. For example, "Responsible for exercising the special-needs
dogs" is much more descriptive than "dog walker." Todd writes articles
for a local environmental newsletter and lists his duties as "Part-time
writer of environmental articles for a monthly newsletter. Responsible
for conducting online research, conducting telephone and personal
interviews, and fact checking."
• Explain any leadership qualities or skills you have acquired while
performing your volunteer work. Did you have to learn a new skill, such
as CPR or wildlife handling? Do you train other people? Are you
responsible for coordinating others' activities? Don't overstate what you
did, but make sure to give yourself credit for the talents and skills you
have gained.
Resume Building Tips & Resources
http://www.resume-resource.com/
Resume templates for every career path, “before” and “after” resume
demonstrations.
What Resume Format is Best for You?
http://www.quintcareers.com/best_resume_format.html
Examples of different resume styles, sample resumes for every career stage.
Top 51 Resume Tips
http://www.job-applications.com/job-resources/top-51-resume-building-tips/
General tips to enhance every resume.
Know What You Want
An important part of finding a job that supports your quality of life is agreeing
with the values held at the workplace. Examining your own values regarding
work and jobs may help you refine your search after AmeriCorps.
Workplace Values and Norms:
Concept of Work
Work as Part of Identity
-Work has value in and of itself
-Work is an important part of your identity
-You live to work
-Getting things done is inherently
satisfying
Work as a Necessity
-Work is the means to pay bills and meet
financial obligations
-Work may be satisfying, but doesn’t have
to be
-Life is too short to revolve around one’s
work
-Work is what you do, not who you are
Personal and Professional
Separated
-Personal matters should not be brought
to work. Personal/family obligations
should be scheduled around work
Intertwined
-It is impossible to separate personal
matters from work
-Personal and professional lives should be
kept separate
-You may have to interrupt work to take
care of personal business
-People don’t understand if you have a
family emergency
-Personal and professional lives inevitably
overlap. People understand if you have a
family emergency
Intensity
Professional Opportunity
Comfortable Work Environment
-Professional opportunity and success are
important motivators
-People want to have a pleasant work
setting and good relationships with
coworkers
-Job security is important, as well as a
workplace that takes care of its employees
-People want to learn, get ahead, move up
their professsions, and have greater
power, authority, and responsibility
-Job security is not as important as making
more money and advancing in one’s
career
-Having more time off for family is very
motivating
-More power and responsibility are not by
themselves attractive, even if they mean
more money
The Key to Productivity
Results
-Focusing on the task ensures success
Harmony
-Working well with other people is the key
to harmony
-People won’t always get along, but you
have to move forward anyway
-Harmony is nice but results are what
count
-Getting results is ultimately more
important than how you get them
-Harmony in the workplace will ensure
success
-Results bought at the expense of
harmony are too costly
-How you get results is just as important
as the results themselves
The Ideal Worker
Technical Skills
-What matters most in a worker is his/her
technical qualifications: education, work
experience, and specific skills
People Skills
-What matters most in a worker is his/her
ability to work well with others and not
rock the boat
-People skills are important, but they don’t
contribute as much to the bottom line
-Experience and technical skills are
important, but they don’t contribute as
much to the bottom line
-Competence is the key to advancement
-Age and seniority are important for
getting promoted
Time
Monochronic Time
-Sticking to the schedule is more
important than completing the transaction
Polychronic Time
-Sticking to the schedule is more
important than completing the transaction
-A meeting should proceed without
digression and people should stick to the
agenda
-Distractions and digressions are inevitable
and, therefore, an agenda is just a piece of
paper
-Deadlines should be respected
-Deadlines should be viewed and followed
as approximations
-Having to wait for a scheduled
appointment is normal
-Having to wait for a scheduled
appointment is an insult
LIFE AFTER AMERICORPS
Stay involved!
DOVIA Directory of North America
A list of membership associations at provincial, state, and local levels for
professional who lead volunteer programs. DOVIA’s are often connected to a
local volunteer center—like Serve Rhode Island—or United Way.
www.energizeinc.com/prof/dovia.html
Energizeinc.com
An international training, consulting, and publishing firm specializing in
volunteerism. Stay current on the latest issues and news in the field of volunteer
management. www.energizeinc.com
Idealist.org
An interactive site where you can exchange resources and ideas, locate
opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where
people can live in dignity.
Online Discussion Group for Volunteer Managers
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cybervpm
Serve.gov
A comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities. Americans who are
interested in volunteering can use this site to locate opportunities to serve across
the country and around the world. Be sure to register your project!
www.serve.gov
Volunteer Match
A nonprofit dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer. Post
your volunteer opportunities.
www.volunteermatch.org
Volunteering in America
Provides access to volunteering trends, statistics, tools, resources, and
information for the country, U.S. regions, states, and major cities.
www.volunteeringinamerica.gov
AMERICORPS WEB RESOURCES
My AmeriCorps Portal
http://my.americorps.gov
What’s Next (Life After Service)
http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/whatsnext
Using Your Education Award Effectively
www.edaward.org
EnCorps Resources
Member Training Topics
http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/mt_topics.php
Planning a Career Beyond the Service Year
http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/laa_planning.php
AmeriCorps Alumni
www.lifetimeofservice.org
Corporation for National and Community Service
www.nationalservice.gov
Service and Inclusion
www.serviceandinclusion.org
National Service Resource Center
www.nationalserviceresource.org
Poverty Net
www.worldbank.org/poverty
AC List
The AmeriCorps e-mail list is a forum for AmeriCorps programs, state
commission, Training and Technical Assistance providers, staff of the
Corporation for National and Community Service, and anyone else interested in
AmeriCorps. Discussion focuses on training, technical assistance, and
programmatic issues. Those with web access can subscribe to the AmeriCorps email list by sending an e-mail to join-aclist@lists.etr.org.
Disability List
This e-mail list has been created to facilitate communication among national
service programs with disabilities including state commission disability
coordinators. Join by visiting http://lists.etr.org/read/all_forums/subscribe, or
e-mail join-disabilitylist@lists.etr.org
Serve Rhode Island Online Newsletter
Subscribe to Serve Rhode Island’s online newsletter to stay involved and receive
notifications about upcoming events. Keep an eye out for the Rhode Island
AmeriCorps Alumni Association—coming soon!
RISD museum
20 North Main St
Providence
401 709 8402
AS220 Gallery
John Brown House Museum
52 Power Street
Providence
(401) 273-7507
Staying Fit
YMCA
Offers discounts depending on income:
Approx. $13 for membership AmeriCorps members
Find a branch near you at
www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org