AmeriCorps Alums
20th Anniversary Local & National Leader
Awards Communications Guide
Nominations Accepted from June 16 – August 1, 2014
A communications and resource guide for AmeriCorps Alums chapters and all national service
partners, especially programs with currently serving AmeriCorps members or AmeriCorps
alumni to help promote AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Local & National Leader Awards
This document is also available at http://www.americorpsalums.org/?page=20thAnniversary
For additional information, please contact Maria Caruso, AmeriCorps Alums Communications
Coordinator, at 678.399.2481 or maria@americorpsalums.org
Last Updated July 11, 2014
Contents
Participation Checklist .............................................................................................................................. 3
Communication Resources/Templates ..................................................................................................... 4
National Leader Awards FAQS .............................................................................................................. 5
Local Leader Awards FAQS .................................................................................................................... 7
Newsletter—Long Version for Currently Serving Corps Members ..................................................... 10
Newsletter—Long Version for AmeriCorps Alums.............................................................................. 11
Newsletter—Long Version for AmeriCorps Partners .......................................................................... 12
Newsletter Inserts ............................................................................................................................... 13
Suggested Weekly Social Media Posts for Facebook and Twitter ...................................................... 14
20TH Hashtag & New #Iamthe20th Photo Blog Series ......................................................................... 16
Letter to Corporate Partners to Encourage Them to Nominate Alums .............................................. 17
Additional Resources from CNCS ........................................................................................................ 18
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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20TH Anniversary Local & National Leader Awards
GOAL
AmeriCorps Alums will celebrate 20 AmeriCorps alumni nationally in honor of the 20th anniversary on
September 12, 2014. We will also nationally recognize your organization’s local award winners if you
choose to also select at least 1-2 leaders for local awards. Email membership@americorpsalums.org
by 8/1 if you’re planning local awards and want national recognition for your chosen leaders.
Nominations are being accepted through our 20th Anniversary site, twenty.americorpsalums.org, and
we will share program and state specific nominations with you by 8/15. The nominations process will
build a robust alumni story database for the national service sector to activate for ongoing
communications, PR, and advocacy initiatives. Please visit
http://www.americorpsalums.org/?Membership20th for a list of 20th Anniversary partners.
Participation Checklist
Dates
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June 16-27
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Month of July
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August 1
Sept. 1
Sept. 12
Mid-Late September
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Activities
June 16: First day nominations are accepted at
Twenty.AmeriCorpsAlums.org. Review the National Leader Award FAQs,
the Local Leader Awards FAQs, and submit nominations of outstanding
corps members or alumni from your organization. We recommend each
partner submit at least 2 nominations, but encourage additional
submissions to help build a database that includes stories representing
your organization.
Email the Newsletter–Long Version for Current Corps Members, the
Newsletter–Long Version for Alumni, and the Newsletter—Long Version
for AmeriCorps Partners advertising the awards and encouraging
nominations.
Encourage nominations 3-5 times on your social media platforms using
material from our Suggested Weekly Social Media Posts.
Include one of the Newsletter Inserts on the awards in your June
newsletter.
Include one of the Newsletter Inserts on the awards in your July
newsletter.
Submit at least 2 nominations of outstanding corps members or alumni
from your organization. We encourage you to submit more!
Encourage nominations 3-5 times on your social media platforms using
material from our Suggested Weekly Social Media Posts.
Last Day to submit nominations!
Last Day to email membership@americorpsalums.org that you want
recognition for your Local Leader Awardees.
Email membership@americorpsalums.org the names of your Local
Leader Award winners.
Award recipients announced.
Congratulate award winners 2-3 times on your social media platforms,
blogs, website, etc. (stay tuned for communication tools!).
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Communication Resources/Templates
Target Audience: All AmeriCorps Alums chapters and national service partners, especially
programs with currently serving AmeriCorps members or AmeriCorps alumni
Resources: National Leader Award FAQS
Local Leader Award FAQS
Newsletter – Long Version (Dedicated E-blast) for Current Corps Members
Newsletter– Long Version (Dedicated E-blast) for Alumni of Your Program
Newsletter—Long version (Dedicated E-blast) for Partners
Newsletter Inserts
Suggested Weekly Social Media Posts
20TH Hashtag & New #Iamthe20th Photo Blog Series
Letter to Corporate Partners to Encourage Them to Nominate Alums
Additional Resources from CNCS
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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National Leader Awards FAQS
1. Who can nominate individuals?
Anyone can nominate 20th anniversary award winners—including program directors,
foundation executives, AmeriCorps Alums chapters, colleagues, friends, etc. Selfnominations are accepted.
2. Who is eligible for the awards?
Any alum who has served in an AmeriCorps program, including VISTA members pre1994. Additionally, alums serving quarter-time and part-time AmeriCorps terms can
apply, as can currently serving full-time corps members who have completed at least
one term.
3. What are you looking for in a nominee?
Nominees should model the values of the AmeriCorps pledge and be committed to a
lifetime of service. Ideal nominees bring Americans together to strengthen our
communities. When faced with apathy, they take action. When faced with conflict,
they seek common ground. When faced with adversity, they persevere. They “get
things done for America”—to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
We are seeking nominees from a diverse range of backgrounds, program types, ages,
and service years. We are looking for nominations from a broad range of impact areas
and professions, including, but not limited to: educators, politicians, nonprofit staff
members and executives, former VISTA Leaders, members who served or are currently
serving and have already completed one term, artists, small business owners, alums
who are also military veterans, policy makers, religious leaders, environmentalists,
active community members, individuals who work in a global context, disaster
responders, Alums chapter leaders, and entrepreneurs.
4. How long does the nomination process take and how do you do it?
It takes just 5 minutes to complete a nomination and you will submit nominations at
Twenty.AmeriCorpsAlums.org. In advance, be sure to gather basic demographic
information on your nominee listed below and be prepared to answer a few short
questions about how the nominee’s AmeriCorps experience shaped him/her personally
and/or professionally.
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Correct Spelling of Name
Email Address
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Current State of Residence
Current Zip Code
Year of Service
AmeriCorps Program Name
Additional Year(s) of Service and Program Names (if Applicable)
Current Employer
Current Job Title
Current Impact Area: Education, Environment, Disaster, Veterans, Health,
Economic Opportunity, Other
Demographic Info of the Nominee (Optional), Including Race/Ethnicity,
Gender, and Age (<30, 31-40, 40+)
A Photo or Video of the Nominee is Encouraged, but Not Required.
5. When can I nominate individuals for these awards and when will winners be
announced?
We are accepting nominations from June 16-August 1 and will announce award
recipients on Sept. 12.
6. How are Awardees selected?
Finalists will be determined by a diverse group comprised of AmeriCorps alums and nonalum leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds.
7. What happens after a nominated individual is selected as an Award Winner?
National award winners will be contacted in early August, and may be required to
submit additional information (e.g. additional biographical information, photographs, a
blog post, etc.).
8. What are the benefits given and expectations for award winners?
Award recipients will gain national recognition and access to leadership and public
speaking engagements. Awardees will be expected to advocate for AmeriCorps Alums
and serve as spokespersons and role models for young alums. These 20 alumni would
participate in public relations activities for the alumni association, including
participation in online job panels, the creation of blog content, and other media
opportunities.
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Local Leader Awards FAQS
Gain National Recognition & Celebrate AmeriCorps Alums in Your Local Chapter, Community, or
Organization!
Key Dates
8/1: Email membership@americorpsalums.org that you’re participating in Local Leader Awards
9/1: Email membership@americorpsalums.org your Local Leader Award winners
1. What are the AmeriCorps Alums Local Leader Awards?
The AmeriCorps Alums Local Leader Awards offer your organization the chance to gain
national recognition for your chosen local leaders. Your local leaders will be honored as
a “[Your Organization Name and Location]/AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Local
Leader Award Winner.”
2. Who Can Participate in AmeriCorps Alums Local Leader Awards
We’re encouraging all our Twentieth Anniversary partners as well as AmeriCorps Alums
Chapters to participate in AmeriCorps Alums Local Leader Awards.
3. What are the benefits?
Help build a movement while gaining national recognition for YOUR chosen local leaders
from AmeriCorps Alums. Our 20th anniversary website, twenty.americorpsalums.org can
be used to collect nominations from which you choose winners. We are sending back
nominations related to your program by 8/15. We will feature your Local Leader
Awardees on our website, blog, and social media. In addition, we will send each winner
a personalized letter from Mary & Ben, a digital badge, and an Awards Certificate!
4. How Do We Sign Up for AmeriCorps Alums Local Leaders Awards?
Email membership@americorpsalums.org by 8/1 to let us know you’re participating!
5. Can you Share a Step-By-Step Process for Honoring a Local Leader?
We invite you to develop your own procedure, adapt our process outlined in the
National Leader Awards FAQs, or use these three steps as a guide.
Step 1: Decide Who Can Nominate Awardees & How Winners Will Be Selected
How you select a local leader - or leaders – to honor within your organization on the 20th
Anniversary is up to you! We encourage you to accept nominations from a range of
sources. You could have a selection committee and a voting process, or have your
executive team /chapter leadership decide at a meeting. Later in these FAQs we
provide some guidelines you can use for selecting award winners.
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Step 2: Submit & Encourage Nominations Until 8/10.
We encourage you to use http://twenty.americorpsalums.org/share-your-story for
nominations. We will share any nominations from your organization/chapter that we
receive with you by 8/15, so that you can select a winner by 9/1.
If your chosen local leader(s) are not in the batch of nominations by 8/15 – that’s okay!
Just be sure to add them by 9/1.
Step 3: Select & Honor Local Award Winners
By 9/1, email membership@americorpsalums.org your awards announcement. Also
upload your winners’ stories into the twenty.americorpsalums.org database even if you
did not collect your winners through our database. If you used our website to collect
nominations, we still need winners identified and re-uploaded into the database to
identify and celebrate your Local Leaders.
To identify these Local Leaders, you must click “Yes” to the question, “Are You
Nominating Someone Else for This Award,” and in the box next to “Your Relationship to
the Nominee,” type, “[Your Organization Name and Location] Local Leader Awardee.”
6. How many local leaders?
This is up to you! Depending on the size and history of your organization, it could make
sense to honor 1, 20, or somewhere in between!
7. How Will AmeriCorps Alums Help Us Honor Local Leader Award Winners?
AmeriCorps Alums will provide a communications guide (coming soon!) for honoring
local award winners. When you confirm your Local Leader award winners with
AmeriCorps Alums, we will offer feature your award winners on our blog, website, and
social media, and present winners with a digital badge as well as customizable letter of
congratulations co-signed by AmeriCorps Alums Co-Executive Directors honoring them
as a “[Your Organization Name and Location/ AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Local
Leader Award Winner.”
8. What Selection Criteria is AmeriCorps Alums Using to Choose National Award
Winners, and Can We Use It Too?
We’re happy to share our selection criteria and organizations are welcome to use our
criteria as a template for Local Leader Awards. Also see the National Leader Awards FAQ
for more information.
AmeriCorps Alums uses the values of the AmeriCorps pledge to guide the national
selection process. Nominees should be committed to a lifetime of service. Ideal
nominees bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. When faced with
apathy, they take action. When faced with conflict, they seek common ground. When
faced with adversity, they persevere. They “get things done for America”—to make our
people safer, smarter, and healthier.
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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We are seeking nominees from a diverse range of backgrounds, program types, ages,
and service years. We are looking for nominations from a broad range of impact areas
and professions, including, but not limited to: educators, politicians, nonprofit staff
members and executives, former VISTA Leaders, members who served or are currently
serving and have already completed one term, artists, small business owners, alums
who are also military veterans, policy makers, religious leaders, environmentalists,
active community members, individuals who work in a global context, disaster
responders, Alums chapter leaders, and entrepreneurs.
9. When Will AmeriCorps Alums Local Leader Winners Be Announced?
AmeriCorps Alums will announce national and local award recipients on 9/12.
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Newsletter—Long Version for Currently Serving Corps Members
Subject line: Nominate a Service Champion for AmeriCorps Alums’ Leadership Awards
Dear Corps members,
Thank you for your service with AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps Alums is proud to celebrate and bring
national recognition to your civic leadership. In honor of AmeriCorps’ 20th Anniversary, we are
seeking nominations for the AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Leadership Awards—and
encourage you to self-nominate or nominate a friend, peer, mentor or colleague. Tell us your
story of service!
Nominations can be submitted at twenty.americorpsalums.org from now until August 1st—and
it takes less than five minutes to complete. Twenty award recipients will be announced by
AmeriCorps Alums on September 12th, and many states and organizations will be running
additional recognition programs! Nominees should model the values of the AmeriCorps pledge,
by “getting things done for America”—their year of service and beyond. Long after their service
year, they have continued to bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. We are
seeking nominees from a diverse range of backgrounds, program types, ages, and service years.
Only alumni of AmeriCorps are eligible.
Self-nominations are welcome, and we also encourage you to nominate 3 fellow Corps
members and alumni. Award recipients gain access to professional development and
networking opportunities designed for them. Additionally, they gain the opportunity to be a
leader in the AmeriCorps alumni community of nearly 1 million individuals. They will help
represent the AmeriCorps Alums’ voice and participate in public relations campaigns and
advocacy initiatives. All nominees have the opportunity to be featured in AmeriCorps Alums
social media throughout the year.
We look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps—and sharing your stories of
impact and service with the nation. Help reveal our untapped potential to transform our
country, and tell your story!
Yours in Service,
-Mary Bruce & Ben Duda
Co-Executive Directors
AmeriCorps Alums
P.S. Did you know our chapter leaders are serving on state commissions and neighborhood
councils? If you know an alum leading his/her community, nominate them today!
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Newsletter—Long Version for AmeriCorps Alums
Subject line: Launching AmeriCorps Alums’ Leadership Awards
Dear Alum,
AmeriCorps Alums is proud to celebrate and bring national recognition to your civic leadership.
In honor of AmeriCorps’ 20th Anniversary, we are seeking nominations for the AmeriCorps
Alums 20th Anniversary Leadership Awards. We know alums like you are doing incredible work
all across the country—and we want to hear from you!
Nominations can be submitted at Twenty.AmeriCorpsAlums.org from now until August 1st—and it
takes less than five minutes to complete. Twenty award recipients will be announced by
AmeriCorps Alums on September 12th, and many states and organizations will be running
additional recognition programs! Nominees should model the values of the AmeriCorps pledge,
by “getting things done for America”— their year of service and beyond. Long after their
service year, they have continued to bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.
We are seeking nominees from a diverse range of backgrounds, program types, ages, and
service years. Only alumni of AmeriCorps are eligible.
We welcome self-nominations and also encourage you to nominate 3 fellow alums. Award
recipients gain access to professional development and networking opportunities designed for
them. Additionally, they gain the opportunity to be a leader in the AmeriCorps alumni
community of nearly 1 million individuals. They will help represent the AmeriCorps Alums’
voice and participate in public relations campaigns and advocacy initiatives. All nominees have
the opportunity to be featured in AmeriCorps Alums social media throughout the year.
We look forward to hearing from you— and sharing your stories on September 12th and
throughout the year! Help reveal our untapped potential to transform our country, and tell
your story!
Yours in Service,
-Mary Bruce & Ben Duda
Co-Executive Directors
AmeriCorps Alums
P.S. Alums are launching new nonprofits each year. Do you know an alum who is an
entrepreneur? Nominate them today!
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Newsletter—Long Version for AmeriCorps Partners
Subject line: Launching AmeriCorps Alums’ Leadership Awards
Dear Friends,
Since 1994, nearly 1 million Americans have served more than 1 billion hours at more than
15,000 community-based organizations. We’re celebrating the legacy of AmeriCorps—and we
want to hear from you! For AmeriCorps’ 20th Anniversary, AmeriCorps Alums is seeking
nominations for outstanding alumni of AmeriCorps to win their AmeriCorps Alums 20th
Anniversary Leadership Awards.
Nominations can be submitted at Twenty.AmeriCorpsAlums.org from now until August 1st—and it
takes less than five minutes to complete. Twenty award recipients will be announced by
AmeriCorps Alums on September 12th, and many states and organizations will be running
additional recognition programs! Nominees should model the values of the AmeriCorps pledge,
by “getting things done for America”—their year of service and beyond. Long after their service
year, they have continued to bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. We
are seeking nominees from a diverse range of backgrounds, program types, ages, and service
years. Only alumni of AmeriCorps are eligible.
We encourage you to nominate 3 Corps members and alumni for the 20th anniversary awards.
Award recipients gain access to professional development and networking opportunities
designed for them. Additionally, they gain the opportunity to be a leader in the AmeriCorps
alumni community of nearly 1 million individuals. They will help represent the AmeriCorps
Alums’ voice and participate in public relations campaigns and advocacy initiatives. All
nominees have the opportunity to be featured in AmeriCorps Alums social media throughout
the year.
We look forward to hearing from you! Help reveal AmeriCorps alumni’s untapped potential to
transform our country, and tell your alumni’s stories!
Yours in Service,
-Mary Bruce & Ben Duda
Co-Executive Directors
AmeriCorps Alums
P.S. Alums are launching new nonprofits each year. Do you know an alum who is an
entrepreneur? Nominate them today!
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Newsletter Inserts
Insert 1:
Headline: Nominate an AmeriCorps Alum for the 20th Anniversary Leadership Awards!
Do you know an AmeriCorps alum who is changing the world? Take just 5 minutes TODAY to
nominate them for the AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Leadership Award. We welcome
self-nominations as well as nominations from friends and colleagues.
Submit your nomination today! AmeriCorps Alums want to change the world and have the skills
to do it. Let’s honor and support these civic leaders. Nominations are accepted on a rolling
basis through August 1.
Insert 2:
Headline: Don’t Forget to Nominate an AmeriCorps Alum for the 20th Anniversary Leadership
Awards!
Do you know an AmeriCorps alum who is changing the world? Take just 5 minutes TODAY to
nominate them for the AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Leadership Award. We welcome
self-nominations as well as nominations from friends and colleagues.
Submit your nomination today! AmeriCorps Alums want to change the world and have the skills
to do it. Let’s honor and support these civic leaders. Nominations are accepted on a rolling
basis through August 1.
Insert 3:
Headline: Last Call: Alums Leadership Awards
Do you know an AmeriCorps Alum who still “gets things done for America”? Then nominate
them TODAY for the AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary Leadership Awards! It only takes 5
minutes.
Submit your nomination today! AmeriCorps Alums are proven civic leaders, team builders and
problem solvers. Don’t leave this talent on the sideline. Let’s honor and support our leaders.
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Suggested Weekly Social Media Posts for Facebook and Twitter
1. Know AmeriCorps alum leaders? Tell us about them TODAY! Nominate them for a leadership
award at Twenty.AmeriCorpsAlums.org. #LeadersBornInService
Twitter: Know @AmeriCorps alum leaders? Nominate them for a leadership award TODAY at
http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6. #LeadersBornInService
2. With one billion hours served since 1994, the time is NOW to recognize AmeriCorps civic
leadership? Take 5 minutes TODAY to nominate an alum leader http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
Twitter: With one billion hrs served since 1994, NOW'S the time to
recognize @AmeriCorpsAlums leaders. Take 5 min to nominate http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
3. AmeriCorps alums are launching and leading mission-driven nonprofits. Let’s celebrate these
leaders! Take 5 minutes to honor one TODAY http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
Twitter: .@Americorps alums are launching and leading nonprofits. Recognize a leader
TODAY. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
4. Alums boasts two 2014 Teachers of the Year. Nominate an alum educator you know TODAY.
http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #MadeInAmeriCorps.
Twitter: Alums boasts two 2014 Teachers of the Year. Nominate an @americorps alum educator
you know TODAY. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #MadeInAmeriCorps
5. When disaster strikes, our alums are ready to lead. Nominate an alum TODAY who knows how
to lead in a crisis. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #LeadersBornInService
Twitter: When disaster hits, our alums unite. Nominate an alum TODAY who knows how to lead
in a crisis. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #LeadersBornInService
6. Alums create urban gardens, promote healthy school lunches, and encourage healthy living.
Nominate an alum TODAY who makes America stronger and healthier. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
Twitter: Alums found urban gardens and promote healthy school lunches. Nominate an alum
TODAY who makes America healthier. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
7. Civilian and military service are two sides of the same coin. Nominate an alum TODAY who
supports veterans or military families. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
Twitter: Civilian & military service are two sides of the same coin. Nominate an alum TODAY
who supports veterans. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
8. Our VISTA alums especially have felt America’s economic opportunity divide. Nominate an alum
TODAY leading communities from poverty to opportunity. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
#MadeInAmeriCorps
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Twitter: Many alums have felt the economic opportunity divide. Nominate an alum TODAY
leading communities to opportunities. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
9. Our alums fight fires, plant trees, and build trails. Nominate an alum TODAY who could take over
for Captain Planet. #BeyondTheA
Twitter: Our alums fight fires, plant trees, and build trails. Nominate an alum TODAY who could
take over for Captain Planet. #BeyondTheA
10. Oh the places we’ve been! Nominate an alum who travels the world and leads international
service initiatives. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
Twitter: Oh the places we’ve been! Nominate a world-wise alum who leads international service
initiatives. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
11. AmeriCorps celebrates 20 years. Nominate a leader TODAY who gets things done.
http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #MadeInAmeriCorps
Twitter: .@AmeriCorps celebrates 20 years. Nominate a leader TODAY who gets things
done. http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #MadeInAmeriCorps
12. Did you know AmeriCorps Alums are more racially diverse than the U.S. population? Support
diverse leadership and nominate an exceptional alum.
http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #LeadersBornInService
Twitter: Did you know @AmeriCorpsAlums are more racially diverse than the U.S. pop? Support
diverse leadership & nominate a leader http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
13. One Week left to nominate an @americorpsalum who gets things done.
http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #LifetimeOfService
Twitter: One Week left to nominate an @americorpsalum who gets things done.
http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #LifetimeOfService
14. Last Two Days to Nominate! Which alums have changed YOUR neighborhood? Nominate them
TODAY! http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6
Twitter: Last Two Days to Nominate! Which alums have changed YOUR neighborhood?
Nominate them TODAY! http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #LeadersBornInService
15. Last call! Nominate an AmeriCorps leader by 8/1! http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
Twitter: Last call! Nominate an @AmeriCorps leader by 8/1! http://bit.ly/1oVaFa6 #BeyondTheA
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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20TH Hashtag & New #Iamthe20th Photo Blog Series
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20th Hashtag: #Iamthe20th
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When do we use #Iamthe20th?
This hashtag will mainly be used on 9/12 and for the #Iamthe20th Photo Blogs (see below).
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I’ve been using other hashtags, should I only use #Iamthe20th?
Nope! We’re happy to see people using other hashtags, but want a common, unified
hashtag for alums to use on 9/12 and the#Iamthe20th Photo Blogs.
 #Iamthe20th Photo Blog Series
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What It Is
A new way to celebrate on social media and on our blog after you share a story on
twenty.americorpsalums.org and give a face to AmeriCorps alumni service. Of course, if
you’re a pre-1994 VISTA, we’re also excited to feature you in this campaign since you helped
pave the way for twenty years of AmeriCorps service and are under the AmeriCorps
umbrella! Each post in the blog series includes at least 5 micro-blogs that feature alums
pictured with a personalized #Iamthe20th sign and a short blog about why they shared a
story, who they are, and how AmeriCorps impacted them. See the first blog in this series
here: http://blog.americorpsalums.org/2014/07/10/join-alums-celebrating-americorpsanniversary-iamthe20th/.
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Why We’re Doing It
To increase 20th anniversary award nominations, present the faces of service, and give
currently serving members and alums a personal way to celebrate AmeriCorps.
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How Your Program/Chapter Can Get Featured
Option 1: Take a picture with our #Iamthe20th sign and share it on social media (see sample
tweet and Facebook). Here are some social media templates:
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I shared my story on twenty.americorpsalums.org and you should too!
#Iamthe20th @AmeriCorpsAlums
Did you share your story on twenty.americorpsalums.org? I did! #Iamthe20th
@AmeriCorpsAlums
Once an AmeriCorps member, always an AmeriCorps Alum. I shared my story
on twenty.americorpsalums.org because #Iamthe20th @AmeriCorpsAlums
Option 2: Work with 5 alums to submit stories on twenty.americorpalums.org, take a picture
with our #Iamthe20th sign and share it on social media (a sample tweet, Facebook, and
other social media templates in Option 1 above), and email their answers to these three
questions to maria@americorpsalums.org:
1. Why did you share a story on twenty.americorpsalums.org?
2. Where did you serve and where are you now? (For current members: Where are
you serving and where do you hope to go next?)
3. Describe how you were #MadeInAmeriCorps in 6 words or less.
Last Updated July 11, 2014
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Letter to Corporate Partners to Encourage Them to Nominate Alums
Subject: Celebrate Leaders in YOUR Company!
Dear <name>,
This September, [INSERT YOUR ORGANIZATION NAME] with the Corporation for National and
Community Service will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since its founding in 1994,
nearly 1 million individuals have served at over 15,000 community-based organizations, addressing
America’s toughest problems.
Do you have alumni of AmeriCorps working for you? If so, we encourage you to nominate them for
AmeriCorps Alums’ 20th Anniversary Leadership Awards. We know that alumni of AmeriCorps have gone
on to lead tremendous careers of impact, including at many of your companies.
Nominations for the national awards are due August 1 - and can be completed
here: http://twenty.americorpsalums.org/ .
Nominees should model the values of the AmeriCorps pledge to “get things done for America… to make
our people safer, smarter, and healthier.”
We encourage you to send an email to your HR team or through your company’s email to identify
AmeriCorps Alums on your teams and to encourage nominations for the 20th Anniversary Leadership
Awards. There’s a communications guide available here (Word; PDF). Also feel free to contact Mary
Bruce, AmeriCorps Alums Co-Executive Director, at mary@americorpsalums.org or 617.610.9903 if you
have questions or suggested nominees. Not only will your employees get the well-deserved recognition,
but perhaps you might surface a new volunteer leader for your initiatives.
Thank you. We look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps with you!
Yours in service,
XXX
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Additional Resources from CNCS
The Corporation for Community Service has developed a 20th Anniversary Event toolkit with a guide to
event planning, media messaging, and key talking points. You can access their 20th website page and
toolkit here: http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps20.
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AmeriCorps Pledge
I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
I will bring Americans together to strengthen our 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.
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