top of page

Make a Difference. Join the AmeriCorps Movement!

morganclement70

AmeriCorps members at Orlando's City Hall


What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is the Federal Agency of Community Service and Volunteerism. It is a network of local, state and national service programs that encourage individuals to serve their communities in service-learning opportunities. Programs focus on meeting community needs, especially those around education, environment, public safety, and health. Our Public Allies signature AmeriCorps program focuses on improving the capacity of our local nonprofit organizations so that they can better deliver their direct services more effectively and efficiently.


AmeriCorps Week

AmeriCorps Week is March 10 – 16. It is a week spent recognizing the commitment of millions of Americans who are serving their country through community service. AmeriCorps also turns 30 this year, honoring 1.25 million Americans who have served since 1994. The theme for this year’s celebration is: AmeriCorps is not a moment, it is a movement. 


As the Program Director of Public Allies Central Florida, this year’s theme really speaks to me because my experience with AmeriCorps changed the trajectory of my life. I was given such a gift to discover who I could be, at my highest potential. The values that are taught through Public Allies have become etched into my DNA and everything I do is through the lens of making sure that everyone I meet feels like they are safe, that they belong, and that their needs are being met equitably. Ten months of service has turned into a lifetime dedicated to serving my community, however I can. AmeriCorps taught me that, with the right support and guidance, you can do anything! And it is a blessing to continue giving that gift that I received to our AmeriCorps members year after year.


Why Should I Serve?

A term of service with AmeriCorps has many benefits. You get the chance to learn about yourself, discover your strengths and how to use all the things you’ve got going for you to give back to the people in your community who need them. Each AmeriCorps program has a unique training focus. Within Public Allies we focus on the development of your personal leadership skills. We believe that “everyone leads” and that leadership is an action that everyone can take. Through our program, you also receive hands on experience working in a capacity building role at a nonprofit organization. For many, it is this experience that helps them land their dream job in the nonprofit sector. The best part is that you get to go through this experience as part of a cohort. The bonds you make with your fellow Allies stand the test of time and last a lifetime.


What Can I Do Now?

If you know someone who has served with AmeriCorps, thank them! Recognize their hard work and dedication to making their community a better place for all.

If you want to get involved in giving back to your community, I have good news for you: it’s never too late to start. Spend some time reflecting on what you like to do. What could you do for hours on end? What is something that has always come easily to you? What is something that makes you very proud? I can guarantee that there is someone out there who needs that thing. Whether it’s decorating cakes, singing, putting together excel sheets or working in your garden – your skills are needed! Reach out to local nonprofit organizations and see how you can help them with your skills. Spend time in your community and get to know people. Get to know what gaps or issues your community is facing and explore how your unique strengths can help fill those gaps. Getting involved in community service is the best way to have a life of significance and meaning. It’s an opportunity for you to leave behind a legacy and do your part to help your community thrive!


Finally, if what I’ve shared here resonates with you and you’d like to apply to become a Public Ally Apprentice, click here. We look forward to getting to know you and seeing you in action!

 

Prita Chhabra

Program Director

Public Allies Central Florida

29 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Meet Kelly.

The day Kelly walked into Children’s Advocacy Center Osceola was one of the hardest days of her  life.     Kelly had discovered that her...

Meet Laura.

When Ingrid, one of our Family Support Navigators with Breakthrough, reflects on her proudest moment she thinks about Laura.   Laura was...

留言


bottom of page