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True North AmeriCorps 2016-2017 Member Handbook

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Page 1: 2016 2017 Member Handbook - True North AmeriCorpstruenorthamericorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/1617-Handboo… · 1 AmeriCorps Overview What is AmeriCorps? AmeriCorps is a network

True North AmeriCorps 2016-2017 Member Handbook

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Table of Contents

AmeriCorps Overview

What is AmeriCorps? .............................................................................................................1

True North AmeriCorps (TNAC)

What is True North AmeriCorps? ..........................................................................................2

AmeriCorps Pledge ................................................................................................................2

Benefits of AmeriCorps Service

Childcare Assistance ..............................................................................................................3

Duluth YMCA Membership ..................................................................................................3

Education Award ...................................................................................................................4

Health/Dental Insurance.........................................................................................................4

Living Allowance...................................................................................................................5

Loan Forbearance...................................................................................................................5

Public Service Loan Forgiveness ...........................................................................................5

Rights and Responsibilities

Rights & Responsibilities ......................................................................................................6

AmeriCorps in Times of Disaster ..........................................................................................6

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control ...............................................................................7

Child Abuse Prevention .........................................................................................................7

Civil Rights Non-Harassment Policy .....................................................................................8

Disciplinary Action Procedure ...............................................................................................9

Discrimination Complaint Procedure ....................................................................................10

Enrollment Procedure/Exit Procedure ...................................................................................10

First Report of Injury .............................................................................................................11

Fundraising Limitations .........................................................................................................11

Grievance Procedure ..............................................................................................................11

Jury Duty ................................................................................................................................12

Member Prohibited Activities ................................................................................................12

National Service Criminal History Check .............................................................................13

Reasonable Accommodation .................................................................................................13

Release from Service .............................................................................................................13

Social Media Policy ...............................................................................................................14

True North Program Overview

Member Requirements ...........................................................................................................16

What Will I Be Doing at My site? .........................................................................................16

Accessing Your Paystubs .......................................................................................................17

Global Youth Service Day......................................................................................................17

Performance Evaluations .......................................................................................................18

Site Visits ...............................................................................................................................18

Timesheet Tracking ................................................................................................................18

Training Requirements ...........................................................................................................19

Volunteer Mobilization ..........................................................................................................19

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Table of Contents (cont’d)

Reporting Systems

Access OnCorps Reports/Login Info .....................................................................................20

Reporting Service Hours (Timesheets) ..................................................................................22

Reporting Great Stories..........................................................................................................24

Reporting Volunteer Mobilization .........................................................................................25

Evaluation and Assessment

Evaluation Overview .............................................................................................................27

Life after AmeriCorps

Continue Your AmeriCorps Service .....................................................................................28

Volunteer in Your Community ..............................................................................................28

AmeriCorps to Peace Corps ...................................................................................................29

AmeriCorps Experience Working in Your Next Job .............................................................30

Using Your Education Award ................................................................................................30

How to Apply for an Interest Payment ..................................................................................31

Repay Your Qualified Student Loans ....................................................................................31

Interest Payments ...................................................................................................................31

Stay Connected as an AmeriCorps Alumni ...........................................................................32

Appendix

Loan Forbearance Request “How-To” Guide ........................................................................33

Member Position Description ................................................................................................37

Child Protection Report Form ................................................................................................40

Documents Available in Alternate Formats

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Contacting True North AmeriCorps

True North AmeriCorps is a Community Services Program of the

Duluth Area Family YMCA

Mailing Address:

302 W. 1st Street

Duluth, MN 55802

Office Space:

28 East Village View Drive

Duluth, MN 55805

Fax: 218-464-5300

Tracie Clanaugh, Branch Executive Director

(218) 722-4745 x111

[email protected]

Jonna Stilling, Program Director

(218) 722-4745 x147

[email protected]

Sara Hendrickson, Program Coordinator

(218) 722-4745 x158

[email protected]

Chris Lund, Program Coordinator

(218) 722-4745 x169

[email protected]

Erin Wojciechowski, Program and Evaluation Specialist

(218) 722-4745 x172

[email protected]

Find us on Facebook by

searching for True North AmeriCorps!

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AmeriCorps Overview

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 75,000

Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety,

health, and the environment. AmeriCorps opens the door for citizens to serve in a variety of ways.

Through their service and the volunteers they mobilize, AmeriCorps members address critical needs in

communities throughout America, including;

* Tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth

* Fighting illiteracy

* Improving health services

* Building affordable housing

* Teaching computer skills

* Cleaning parks and streams

* Managing or operating after-school programs

* Helping communities respond to disasters

* Building organizational capacity

Members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college,

graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. AmeriCorps Members may also receive a

modest living allowance during their term of service.

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent

federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give

back to their communities and their nation.

The Corporation for National and Community Service oversees the following programs:

1. AmeriCorps*State and National:

AmeriCorps*State and National supports a broad range of local service programs that engage thousands

of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs.

2. AmeriCorps*VISTA:

AmeriCorps*VISTA provides full-time members to community organizations and public agencies to

create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and

communities out of poverty.

3. AmeriCorps*NCCC:

The AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps is a full-time residential program for men and

women, ages 18-24, that strengthens communities while developing leaders through direct, team-based

national and community service.

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What Is True North AmeriCorps?

True North AmeriCorps is an AmeriCorps State program serving Northeastern Minnesota since

September 2004. Each year the program places AmeriCorps members at schools and youth-serving

agencies to serve their community for one year. True North AmeriCorps members make a difference by

mentoring youth and tutoring them in math and reading. In addition, members mobilize volunteers

within their host site, engage civically in their community, and design and implement service projects.

True North AmeriCorps members will support on-time graduation, ensuring that youth are prepared

for academic, civic, and economic success.

Participating in a National Service Program is an opportunity to change your life and make a difference

in the lives of others. During your year of service, you’ll gain valuable skills for the future, meet great

people, and give back to your community.

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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Benefits of AmeriCorps Service

Childcare Assistance

GAP Solutions, Inc, provides a child care allowance to member’s child care provider. These subsidies

are offered as a member benefit for those who meet specific eligibility requirements.

The child care subsidy is paid directly to the child care provider. The subsidy is evenly distributed over

the term of service on a monthly basis. Members are responsible to locate their own licensed child care

provider.

To be eligible for child care benefits, members must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a Full-Time (1740 hour) member;

2. Be a parent or legal guardian of a child who is under 13 years of age, who resides with the member;

3. Have a gross family income that meets guidelines set by the state government;

4. Have a genuine need for child care in order to serve as an AmeriCorps member.

Duluth YMCA Membership

All True North AmeriCorps members receive a free individual membership. If you would like to

upgrade to a family membership for a fee, please contact program staff.

YMCA Policies and Code of Conduct

Attire: Athletic shoes and shirts must be worn during exercise in all workout areas. Proper

swimsuits must be worn when using swimming pools.

Food and Beverages: Food and drink are not permitted in the workout areas or locker rooms,

except water. The Y sells healthy snacks and reusable water bottles at its Member Service Desk.

Lockers: Lockers are available for rent or available for day use by members and guests. Bring

your own lock and remove it at the end of each visit. Items left overnight will be removed from

the locker room and placed in Lost and Found. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen

items. To rent a locker, please sign up at the Member Service Desk.

Membership Card/ID Policy: Your membership card is valuable and important. You must

present it each time you enter the building for access to the facility and when you register for

special programs. Lost cards may be replaced for a nominal fee. All adult non-members MUST

present a photo id for entry.

Smoking Policy: Both the interior of the YMCA and the sidewalk surrounding the facility are

smoke-free environments.

Photo/Video Policy: The YMCA reserves the right to take photographs and/or video of adults

and children participating in YMCA programs or events; images may be used in YMCA

promotional materials. If you do not wish to be included, please inform the photographer.

Sex Offender Policy: Duluth YMCA reserves the right to perform background checks on its

members and program participants and checks all members against sex offender lists. Registered

sex offenders are not eligible for membership or use of the facility at this YMCA.

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Code of Conduct: At the Duluth Area Family YMCA, we expect staff, members and guests to

behave in accordance with our mission and values, respecting the rights and dignity of others.

At the YMCA, we demonstrate Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty by:

Speaking in respectful tones, refraining from the use of vulgar or derogatory language, and

dressing

appropriately;

Resolving conflicts in a respectful, honest, and caring manner;

Respecting others by refraining from intimate behavior in public;

Respecting the property of others;

Creating a safe, caring environment free of weapons and firearms;

Participating in programs to build healthy spirit, mind, and body; and

Never engaging in the use, sale, dispensing, or possession of illegal drugs or the unsanctioned

use of alcohol on YMCA premises.

Adherence to the YMCA Code of Conduct is essential. Noncompliance may result in suspension

or termination of YMCA membership privileges.

Education Award

After successfully completing a term of service and all program requirements, AmeriCorps members

who are enrolled in the National Service Trust are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education

Award. Members can use the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay education costs at qualified

institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. Members

who are 55 and older can transfer their educational award to a child, grandchild, or foster child.

Members can access the award in full and part, and can take up to seven years after their term of service

has ended to claim the award. To learn the basics about how to use the education award, go to the

following tutorial: edaward.org

To use your educational award, log in to your AmeriCorps account to request payment by going to the

following website: https://my.americorps.gov. If you have questions about the education award, contact

the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677. The Trust is staffed by live operators from 8:00-6:00

EST.

Additional resources and FAQ about the Segal Education Award can be found at:

http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/alumni/segal-americorps-education-award. This

page will also give you a list of schools that will match your Education Award if you use it at their

institution, the tax implications of using the award, and how schools and loan servicers will process

payments made from your education award account.

Health Insurance

Full-time AmeriCorps members are required to hold medical coverage. AmeriCorps programs offer a

health care policy to those full-time members not otherwise covered by a health care policy at the time

of enrollment into the AmeriCorps program, or to those members who lose coverage during their term of

service as a result of participation in the program or through no deliberate act of their own.

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True North AmeriCorps members will be covered through The CorpsNetwork Health Plan. Members

choosing to decline coverage are required to provide proof of existing coverage. Details of the health

and dental plans will be provided to those who enroll.

Living Allowance

Living allowances will be disbursed to members on the 15th and the last day of the month. Members

will receive their living allowance by direct deposit, electronically disbursed into your bank account. Accommodations may be made for members with specific circumstances.

True North reserves the right to deduct funds from the member's living allowance for any fines that may

occur during the service year. All required deductions such as federal, state, and local taxes and all other

authorized voluntary deductions will be withheld automatically from each check.

Hours Living Allowance Education Award

1740(36 - 40 hrs/week) $522.08 twice a month $5,775.00

920 (18-25 hrs/week) $261.04 twice a month $2,887.50

Loan Forbearance: my.americorps.gov

Members currently serving in AmeriCorps are eligible for forbearance of most federally backed

student loans. AmeriCorps members who have earned a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award are eligible

to have the Trust pay up to 100% of the interest that accrued on their qualified student loan during their

service. Loan forbearance and interest payments are accessible through the my.americorps.gov website.

There is a “how-to” guide in the Appendix of this handbook on page 33.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and

continue to work full-time in public service jobs. Under the program, borrowers may qualify for

forgiveness of the remaining balance of their Direct Loans after they have made 120 qualifying

payments on those loans while employed by certain public service employers.

For more detailed information about the program, visit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-

loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service. You can also ask Program Director for more information

and discuss the program further – she is currently participating in the PSLF program.

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Rights and Responsibilities

Like any group of individuals working together, AmeriCorps members must follow certain rules and

regulations in order to be effective. The rights and responsibilities listed are merely illustrative, and

program staff and Site Supervisors may identify others.

Rights:

Participation in the Corporation and its programs and projects must be based on merit and equal

opportunity for all, without regard to factors such as race, color, national origin, gender, sexual

orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, military service, or

religious, community, or social affiliation. You have the right to reasonable accommodation for

disabilities. Programs must furnish reasonable accommodation for the known physical and mental

limitations of qualified members. If you believe your rights have been violated, you may report such

violations to the Director or Program Coordinator. Please see the discrimination complaint procedure for

specific instructions.

Responsibilities:

To earn an education award, you must satisfactorily complete your program requirements and your full

term of service. Satisfactory service includes attendance, compliance with applicable rules, a positive

attitude, quality service, and respect toward others in the program and the community. Represent your

site, the True North AmeriCorps Program, and the Corporation for National and Community Service

positively to the community.

This handbook is not a contract; you are required to sign a contract stating your rights and

responsibilities while specifically serving with True North AmeriCorps. You must abide by this

contract and follow the rules of the program. You may be suspended or terminated if you violate

the stated rules of behavior.

AmeriCorps in Times of Disaster

Since its inception in 1993, AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service

(CNCS) have been actively involved in disaster-related activities. As part of your national service

obligation, you may be asked to assist locally or be deployed nationally in the event of a disaster.

As an AmeriCorps Member in the time of a disaster, you are likely to play one of two major roles.

1) Mass Care and Housing Emergency Support:

Provide support in the feeding, sheltering, and housing needs of those impacted by a disaster.

2) Donations and Volunteer Management:

Provide support in organizing spontaneous donations of goods and services by individuals.

During a national deployment, training, travel costs, food, and lodging will be provided by CNCS or the

hosting organization. The length of deployment depends on the circumstances of the disaster and the

type of work needed. These opportunities are entirely voluntary and must be approved by the True North

AmeriCorps program and your Site Supervisor. Members should never self-deploy to a disaster site.

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Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control

Procedures and Information Guide

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has determined that all organizations shall have an

established plan to inform and protect their employees from Bloodborne Pathogens, especially the HBV

(Hepatitis B) and the HIV(AIDS) viruses. The True North AmeriCorps program, which is facilitated by

the Duluth Area Family YMCA, provides a Bloodborne Pathogen information sheet to all new

employees and AmeriCorps members.

Modes of transmission of the HIV and HBV viruses: sexual; using HIV-infected needles; mucous

membrane or non-intact skin making contact with HIV-infected blood; transplants of infected organs,

tissue or blood; semen used for artificial insemination; and prenatal transmission (from mother to child).

All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the

perceived status of the source individual. The controls to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens

at this facility are: gloves, sharps containers, protective airway masks, bio-hazard bags, and blood clean-

up kits.

When an area has been contaminated with blood, the following procedure is used: a mixture of water

and bleach (10 parts water to 1 part bleach) is placed on contaminant and paper towels on top of that,

wait for blood and solution to be absorbed, then take towels up (with gloved hands) and place into

biohazard bag. After the incident, wash your hands and fill out an incident report. Return the report as

soon as possible.

If you choose not to be involved in an incident that may involve possible exposure to contaminated

blood, then contact a first responder. If you think you may have incurred exposure to a contaminated

material: immediately contact your supervisor and you will be offered appropriate medical attention per

our Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.

If you have any questions about our Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan or would like

additional information, please contact our HR Director or True North program staff.

Child Abuse Prevention (Duluth Area Family YMCA Training Guide)

Purpose of Training Packet

Identify our staff’s roles and responsibilities in ensuring that all children in our YMCA programs

are safe while they are participating in our programs.

Identify our role and responsibility in reporting suspected cases of child abuse both while in our

programs and outside of our programs.

Strategies to Help Prevent Child Abuse 1. The YMCA has in place a comprehensive pre-employment screening procedure to screen out

staff not suited for working with children.

2. Policies, procedures, and training are available relating to discipline, supervision,

staff/participant

interaction, staff, and volunteer Code of Conduct, etc.

3. Staff communicates frequently with parents regarding day-to-day activities and encourages

parents to report or question any behavior or event their child may share that appears out of the

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ordinary.

4. Parents know that they can visit, unannounced, any program their child participates in.

5. Staff try to identify stressed parents and offer support and referrals for help.

6. Staff understand what practices may be considered abusive and the difference between what may

be considered appropriate and inappropriate touch.

7. The YMCA will take any allegations or suspicions of child abuse seriously.

8. Staff understand their legal obligation to report suspected abuse.

Duluth Area Family YMCA Behavior Management Plan Prevention: Campers/participants come to the YMCA/Camp to have a good time and experience new

activities. It is our job to ensure this. Generally, children want to behave; however, there are some things

we can do to set them up for success. The following are some guidelines to follow for preventing

misbehavior:

1. Keep children active and involved in activity (quiet or active);

2. Provide challenging activities that are stimulating and exciting;

3. During transition times, stay with campers and be aware of any potential problems;

4. Work hard at developing positive relationships with children; this will prevent or reduce the

desire to misbehave or seek negative attention;

5. Set rules from the beginning; be clear about expectations.

Intervention: There will be times when campers/participants are going to need reminders about their

behavior. The following is a guide to be used when intervention is necessary:

1. Let campers/participants know that you see them misbehaving by a look, pointing, or verbally.

2. Give them a chance to make a better choice.

3. If camper/participant continues, remind them in a friendly way that what they are doing needs to

be stopped. Give your reason for asking them to stop.

4. If camper/participant persists or needs to be reminded repeatedly, give them a choice to A) stop

their behavior and continue participating in the activity or B) sit out of the group until they can

control their behavior. Give them choices respectfully and let them know they are in charge of

their actions.

5. If a camper/participant is repeatedly misbehaving, report to the Program Director to brainstorm

options on how to help the camper/participant succeed at the YMCA/Camp.

*Corporal Punishment for any reason is forbidden at the YMCA!

**Child Abuse Prevention Reporting Form available on page 40 of this handbook

Civil Rights Non-Harassment Policy

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is committed to treating all persons with

dignity and respect, regardless of non-merit factors such as race, color, national origin, gender, sexual

orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, or military service;

and free of sexual, racial, ethnic, religious or other harassment. Whether in CNCS offices or campuses,

in other work-related settings such as training sessions or service sites, or at work-related social events,

such harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Slurs and other verbal or physical conduct

relating to an individual’s gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other basis constitute harassment when

it has the purpose or effect to interfere with work performance or create an intimidating, hostile, or

offensive work environment.

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Harassment includes, but is not limited to: explicit or implicit demands for sexual favors; pressure for

dates; deliberate touching, leaning over, or cornering; offensive teasing, jokes, remarks, or questions;

letters, phone calls, or distribution or display of offensive materials; offensive looks or gestures; gender,

racial, ethnic, or religious baiting; physical assaults or other threatening behavior; or demeaning,

debasing, and abusive comments or actions that intimidate. Harassment may be by persons of the same

or different races, sexes, religions, or ethnic origins. It may be carried out by a CNCS employee or

supervisor; a project or site employee or supervisor; a non-employee (e.g., client); a coworker, or service

member. Conduct directed at another may create an offensive environment for co-workers.

We expect CNCS supervisory and management personnel, when made aware of alleged harassment by

employees, service participants, or other individuals, to immediately take appropriate action to prevent

or end it. CNCS will not tolerate retaliation against a person who raises harassment concerns in good

faith. Any employee who violates this policy or asserts a false claim of harassment with a malicious

intent will be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including termination. Any CNCS employee,

former employee, or applicant for employment who believes that he or she has been discriminated

against in violation of civil rights laws, regulations, or this policy, or in retaliation for opposition to

discrimination or participation in discrimination complaint proceedings (e.g., as a complainant or

witness), should raise his or her concerns with our Office of Civil Rights and Inclusiveness (OCRI).

Discrimination claims not brought to the attention of OCRI within 45 days of their occurrence may not

be accepted in a formal complaint of discrimination. OCRI may be reached at (202)606-7503 (voice),

(202)565-2799 (TDD), [email protected], or through www.nationalservice.gov.

Disciplinary Action Procedure

Supervisors have the authority to take disciplinary action when an AmeriCorps member violates any

AmeriCorps or site policy, does not meet reasonable expectations set by the Program or site, or acts in a

manner unbecoming of a positive adult role model.

Rules of Conduct: The member is expected to, at all times while acting in an official capacity as an AmeriCorps member:

Demonstrate mutual respect towards others;

Follow directions;

Direct concerns to the Site Supervisor or program staff.

Members understand that the following acts also constitute a violation of the program’s rules of conduct:

Unauthorized tardiness;

Unauthorized absences;

Ongoing unexcused tardiness;

Ongoing unexcused absences;

Repeated use of inappropriate language;

Failure to wear appropriate clothing;

Stealing or lying.

A member will be automatically placed on probation without benefits if charged with a felony, drug-

related crime, or any crime involving children, the elderly, or the infirm during their service term.

Members will be automatically released for cause if they are convicted of any of these crimes.

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Disciplinary Procedure Program staff and the Site Supervisor will abide by the following procedure when addressing issues that

are not criminal in nature or prohibited activities:

1. First Offense – A verbal warning is issued and documented in member’s file.

2. Second Offense – A written warning is issued along with an improvement plan.

3. Third Offense – Member is released for cause.

Discrimination Complaint Procedure

Any applicant for enrollment for service as an AmeriCorps Member, as well as any trainee or

Member who believes that he/she was subjected to discrimination based on race, color, national

origin, religion, age, sex, disability, or political affiliation in connection with recruitment, selection,

placement, service, or termination by the Corporation may utilize the discrimination complaint

procedures set forth in 45 CFR Part 1225. Any program beneficiary who believes he/she was subject to

discrimination in the services provided by an AmeriCorps Sponsoring Organization on the basis of race,

color, or national origin may file a written complaint with the Director of the Corporation’s Equal

Opportunity Office at 1225 New York Ave, NW, Room 10803, Washington, DC 20525.

Enrollment Procedure

1. Submit Application: A potential applicant visits truenorthamericorps.org and submits an

application online.

2. Screening: Once the program staff review the application, applicant will be contacted to set up a

time for a group or individual screening session.

3. Site Selections: Qualified applicant will select sites based on his/her interests, qualifications, and

schedule.

4. Site Interviews: Application is forwarded to site, and then site schedules an interview with

applicant. After interview is complete, the site will determine if they will offer the position to the

applicant. If the applicant is offered a position and accepts, this is confirmed with True North

program staff.

5. Official Documentation: Applicant must submit two references, successfully pass a background

check, and provide a proof of identification (passport or driver’s license and birth certificate) prior to

the mandatory orientation.

6. Mandatory Orientation: All applicants must attend an orientation before they can start their year of

service.

7. AmeriCorps Member: After Member Contract is signed at orientation, applicant is officially an

AmeriCorps member and will commits to serving for one year.

Exit Procedure

1. Completion of Hours: All hours must be completed by August 15, 2017. Members can complete

hours and be exited from the program at an earlier date, but Site Supervisors must approve this prior

to the end date. Site supervisor and/or member must inform program staff of the new exit date.

Members must serve at least 5 hours per week to continue receiving a living allowance.

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2. Exit Paperwork: Exit documentation must be accurate, complete, and submitted at least two weeks

prior to member’s end date. The last living allowance will be held until exit paperwork is submitted.

3. Officially Exited: Program staff has 30 days from last day of service to exit a member from the

program. Once successfully exited, the National Trust will begin processing your Education Award

account. This process can take up to four to six weeks after the program officially exits the member

from the web system.

First Report of Injury

If an AmeriCorps member is injured at their site during their time of service, appropriate action should

take place within 24 hours. Notify program staff to complete the Duluth YMCA First Report of Injury

Form.

Fundraising Limitations

Members may not raise funds for living allowances nor for an organization's general operating expenses

or endowment. Members may not write a grant application to the Corporation or to any other Federal

agency.

Members may spend no more than 10 percent of their service performing permitted fundraising

activities.

Grievance Procedure

During your service, a situation may arise that directly affects your service situation or that you believe

violates regulations governing the terms and conditions of service, resulting in a denial or infringement

of a right or benefit to you. You may present and obtain resolution of grievances either informally or

formally.

In general, all aggrieved parties such as members, applicants, or any other interested parties should

attempt to resolve any problems or disputes with the other party on a one-to-one basis. The issues should

be clearly stated and understood by both parties. In the event that informal efforts to resolve disputes are

unsuccessful, the member understands that, as a participant in the Program, he/she may file a grievance

in accordance with the Program’s grievance procedure.

Allegations of fraud or criminal activity must be reported immediately to the Corporation for National

Service’s Inspector General. If the grievance pertains to discrimination on the basis of race, color,

national origin, gender, age, or disability, the member will be immediately notified in writing of his/her

right to file a discrimination complaint with the Corporation’s Equal Opportunity Office.

The member may request a grievance in writing to the Program Director or Program Coordinator. The

Program will arrange for one or more pre-hearing conferences at a time mutually convenient to the

parties.

Pre-hearing conferences are not a substitute for a hearing. They are intended to facilitate a mutually

agreeable resolution of the matter to make the hearing unnecessary or to narrow the issues to be decided

at the hearing. The format of the pre-hearing conference may be flexible, involving meetings with one

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party at a time and/or with both parties together. Pre-hearing conferences are conducted by program

staff.

The hearing will be conducted by the Program Director and/or Program Coordinator, or another

individual designated by the Program Director. The person conducting the hearing must not have

participated in any

previous decisions concerning the issue in dispute. A hearing must be held no later than 30 calendar

days after the filing of the grievance, and a written decision must be made no later than 60 calendar days

after filing.

The Member grievance procedure is contained in the True North AmeriCorps Member Contract, where

it is reprinted in full, and is also available upon request. You should read the procedure in its entirety

before initiating any grievance. Under this procedure, you are not permitted to grieve matters for which

separate administrative procedure (e.g. discrimination complaints) is provided. Consequently, you may

not grieve a “for cause termination” or matters that are processed through the Discrimination Complaint

Procedure.

Jury Duty

During the time that a member may serve as a juror for jury duty, they will continue to receive credit for

their normal service hours, a living allowance, health care coverage and, if applicable, child care

coverage, regardless of any reimbursements for incidental expenses received from the court.

Member Prohibited Activities

What activities are prohibited in AmeriCorps programs?

1. Attempting to influence legislation;

2. Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes;

3. Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing;

4. Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements;

5. Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of

an election to any public office;

6. Participating in or endorsing events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against

political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected

officials;

7. Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a

program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating

facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or

inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious

proselytizing;

8. Providing a direct benefit to—

a. A business organized for profit;

b. A labor union;

c. A partisan political organization;

d. A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section

501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except that nothing in this section shall

be construed to prevent participants from engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at

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their own initiative; and

e. An organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph (7) of this

section, unless Corporation

f. assistance is not used to support those religious activities;

9. Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct a voter registration

drive;

10. Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and

11. Such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit.

Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate in the activities listed above

on their own initiative, on non-AmeriCorps time, and using non-Corporation funds. Individuals should

not wear the AmeriCorps logo while doing so.

National Service Criminal History Check

Under the Serve America Act (SAA), all grantees must conduct National Service Criminal History

checks on participants and program employees in AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve, Foster Grandparent,

Senior Companion, and any other programs funded by the Corporation under National Service laws. All

employees, participants, and others who receive a salary, national service education award, living

allowance, or stipend under Corporation grants, even if the activities don’t involve service with

vulnerable populations, must receive the results of the checks prior to beginning employment or service.

Regulations have been in effect since November 2007 requiring checks on individuals in recurring

contact with a vulnerable population, and expanded requirements went into effect on October 1, 2009.

Effective April 21, 2011, programs are also required to conduct FBI background checks on covered

individuals who will have recurring contact with vulnerable populations. The three-part check must

include:

Sex offender registry check (NSOPR, also known as NSOPW);

State criminal history registry check(s); and,

FBI fingerprint-based check (known as Criminal History Record Information-CHRI)

Reasonable Accommodation

Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to

apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. Persons with disabilities may

require reasonable accommodation to provide service in an AmeriCorps program. If you would like to

request an accommodation, please contact program staff.

Release from Service

A member may be released from their term of service in one of three ways:

Successful Completion

The member fulfills their hours obligation in its entirety and meets all other requirements of the site and

program. The member receives the entire education award and is eligible to enroll in other National

Service programs if they meet all other requirements.

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Released for Compelling Personal Circumstances

The member cannot complete their service requirements due to a major life issue, including but not

limited to: 1) Serious injury or illness, 2) Sole provider of care to someone with serious injury or illness,

or 3) military obligation.

If released for compelling circumstances, the member receives a pro-rated education award based on

hours served and requirements fulfilled and is eligible to re-enroll in National Service programs if they

meet all other requirements.

Released for Cause

The member is released from the program due to disciplinary action or chooses to leave the program

before hours have been completed. Situations considered for cause include, but are not limited to:

Obtaining other full-time employment;

Engaging in prohibited activities or behaviors;

Failure to notify program of arrest, criminal charges, or conviction.

If released for cause, the member does not receive an education award, is terminated from all

AmeriCorps benefits and, in some cases, becomes ineligible for re-enrollment in National Service

programs.

Social Media Policy

As a program of the Duluth Area Family YMCA, True North AmeriCorps members and supervisors will

adhere to the values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility, specifically in the area of social

media usage. Members and supervisors are also to align with any more stringent site-specific

expectations of social media usage.

Accordingly, the following guidelines must be followed by all True North AmeriCorps members when

using social media or other online communication tools.

True North AmeriCorps recognizes the value of social media and other online communication tools for

business purposes, such as connecting with members, staff, donors, and volunteers. In order to protect

True North AmeriCorps, all members are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the Y’s values

of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and to abide by this policy when using social media or

other online communication tools for work or personal purposes.

Many True North AmeriCorps members maintain individual pages on social media sites and/or use other

online communication tools to connect and communicate for personal purposes. While the True North

AmeriCorps program does not mean to interfere with anyone’s private life, True North AmeriCorps also

realizes that publicly observable communications, actions, or words are not private. Individuals’ online

activities are accessible to the community at large; therefore, all of True North AmeriCorps member’s

online activities must be consistent with the YMCA’s mission and values.

Identity Social media identities, logon ID's, and user names may not use the True North AmeriCorps name without prior

approval from the True North AmeriCorps Director. No member is authorized to communicate on behalf of True

North AmeriCorps without prior approval, and in such cases all communication must be consistent with the

Duluth Area Family YMCA and True North AmeriCorps standards. Program, event, department, and branch

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profiles, pages, and accounts may not be created on any social media site without prior approval from the

Director.

The use of photos, video, or images of the True North AmeriCorps program, members, or participants is

prohibited. Use of the True North AmeriCorps logo is prohibited. If a member uses the True North AmeriCorps

name (including names of camps or other programs) in any such communication, they should be especially

careful to support the True North AmeriCorps image and mission while making it clear that they are speaking for

themselves and not on behalf of True North AmeriCorps. Members must also keep in mind that they may not post

an endorsement of True North AmeriCorps program without disclosing their member relationship with True

North AmeriCorps.

Monitoring Relevant social media sites will be monitored by the True North AmeriCorps Director on a consistent basis to

ensure adherence to these policies.

Personal Use Members should recognize that they are personally responsible for the content they publish on social media sites.

Members may be subject to discipline for online commentary, content, or images that are defamatory,

pornographic, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate content include, but are not

limited to, references to or photos of alcohol or illegal substance use; disclosure of confidential information about

other people; and posting false, disparaging, or inappropriate information about other people.

When using social media, Members should keep in mind that other policies apply to its use, including, for

example, the school policies on confidentiality, preventing child abuse, and use of electronic communications

systems, and are held to the disciplinary standards outlined with these policies.

Engaging Others with Social Media Sometimes members, volunteers, or employees may ask you to become their "friend" on social media sites.

“Friend” is defined as the active inclusion and engagement into one’s network as an individual on any social

media site. Friending is allowed, but members must remember they are representing the True North AmeriCorps

program at all times and refrain from posting inappropriate content; or create a more limited profile for work

purposes and reserve their full personal profile for friends and family only.

True North AmeriCorps members may NOT "friend" ANYONE under 18 on any social media site as consistent

with the Electronic Communication Systems policy outlined in this handbook. This includes the friending of staff,

volunteers, program participants, and members under 18. Certain employees, due to the unique nature of their

position, may require the use of social media to interact with youth program participants. These staff members

must get prior approval from the True North AmeriCorps Director and must communicate only on established

public social media channels.

Unofficial Social Media Pages Please do not encourage True North AmeriCorps volunteers or members to set up social media pages on behalf of

the True North AmeriCorps Program. If you do run across a page, please inform the True North AmeriCorps

Director as soon as possible so we can provide a disclaimer for them to put on their page, or ask the administrator

to remove the page altogether. Likewise, if you run across unofficial member or ex-member pages, please alert the

True North AmeriCorps Director.

Please note, any policy at your site that is above and beyond this policy needs to be followed by the True North

AmeriCorps member.

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TNAC Program Overview

Member Requirements

Complete required number of service hours

Complete all required enrollment paperwork—application, 2 references, eligibility documents,

background check (including fingerprints), and Member Contract

Submit timesheets online within 2 days of the due date

Attend 100% of required trainings and retreats (excused absences must be preapproved by

program staff and make-up hours are required)

Complete and submit mid-year (12/15) and end-of-year (6/15) performance evaluations (both

member and supervisor evaluations)

Participate in 2 site visits with supervisor and program staff (fall & spring)

Complete and report on service learning/Global Youth Service Day project

Report 2 “Great Stories” from service online in OnCorps

Track and submit volunteer and youth information (monthly)

Complete evaluation goals (pre/post survey and grades)

Manage a caseload of 40 (full-time) identified youth using specific interventions to support

the youth

Complete all required exit paperwork, exit form, and program survey

**Member Position Description for 2016-2017 is located on page 37 of this handbook.

What will I be doing at my site?

1:1 or Small Group Reading and Math Interventions

Research-based activities with students that help them to become lifelong learners – helping

them to succeed on today’s school work and long-term academic success. Activities will be

hands-on and will work to actively engage the student.

Mobilize and Place Volunteers

Members will recruit, train and supervise caring adult volunteers to provide academic

enrichment, mentoring, and service learning.

Create opportunities for Service Learning

Members will create, develop, and implement a meaningful service-learning activity for students

to participate in for Global Youth Service Day. Members will be expected to spend at least 20

hours on service- learning activities including planning and implementation.

We know that kids lack opportunities to play meaningful roles in their community. Through

service-learning projects students will engage with their community in ways that will help them

build confidence and self-efficacy.

Engage the whole family

Based on research that supports family involvement in a student’s education, AmeriCorps

members will support family events at the school.

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Create and connect youth to OST (out-of-school-time) and summer programming

OST programs can complement the school day, hence providing another opportunity for the

student to experience success and build confidence.

Trained tutors and academic mentors will be available during the OST program to support

students in homework completion, test preparation, study and organizational skills and skillful

thinking.

Accessing Your Paystubs

Through ADP and ADP iPayStatements, our payroll provider, we are able to offer you access to your

earnings statements and W-2 forms 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. In addition, you can make changes

to your W-4. Simply type in your changes, print the form, sign it and forward the completed form to our

Payroll Department for processing.

How to Register on ADP iPayStatements 1. Go to https://paystatements.adp.com.

2. Click on “Register Now”.

3. Enter the Self Service Registration Pass Code which is: DULUTHYMCA-1234

4. Select iPayStatements as the self-service Product.

5. From your most recent pay statement, enter the following information: Company Code, File

Number, Check/Advice Number, Pay Date, and Social Security Number.

You will then be prompted to complete a registration process during which you must answer a few

security questions and select a password. Your password must contain between 8 to 20 characters and at

least one alpha and one numeric character. You will be assigned a system-generated User ID. The

security questions will be used to verify your identity if you ever forget your user ID or password. Upon

completing the registration process, you may access your pay statements at

ttps://paystatements.adp.com. (you may also opt to save the site in your bookmarks). *If you have any

issues, please contact payroll at 218-722-4745 x103.

Global Youth Service Day

True North AmeriCorps has been recognized as a National Lead Agency for Global Youth Service Day

(GYSD) since 2004. GYSD is an opportunity to bring together community partners to address critical

needs in the areas of: Poverty and Homelessness, Literacy, Active and Healthy Lifestyles, and

Environment. Members will receive training on the GYSD requirement at a winter training.

During the 2016-17 service year all True North AmeriCorps members will be mobilized to support the

celebration of GYSD. Members can fulfill this requirement in one of three ways:

1. Serve on the GYSD Planning Committee;

2. Organize a service-learning project (at your host site or other community site) related to the

GYSD critical need areas (listed above);

3. Volunteer and/or recruit volunteers to participate in the large scale Duluth service project on

Global Youth Service Day 2017 (April).

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Performance Evaluations

Goal of Performance Evaluation:

To help the member and Site Supervisor determine the member’s strengths and areas in need of

improvement. Further, the member and Site Supervisor are strongly encouraged to use the evaluations to

set goals in areas needing improvement and to provide affirmations in areas where the member is

excelling.

Instructions:

Performance Evaluations will be provided to members and supervisors in the fall and spring. The

member will complete the self-evaluation. In addition, the Site Supervisor will complete an evaluation

of the member’s performance. Upon completion, the member and Site Supervisor should meet to discuss

and review both evaluations. During the meeting, the Site Supervisor should provide the member with

feedback regarding strengths and areas in need of improvement. The member and Site Supervisor should

sign the Site Supervisor’s evaluation form to verify they have reviewed it.

Timeline and Submission Guidelines:

Member performance evaluation and self-evaluation are to be completed two times during the service

year.

1. The mid-year performance evaluations must be submitted to Program Staff by December 15.

2. The end-of-year performance evaluations must be submitted to Program Staff by June 15.

Due to the need for signatures, evaluations will be accepted only in print format via postal mail, fax, or

scanned email.

Site Visits

Goal of Site Visit:

Help the program staff understand how the service year is going so far at the site

Set reasonable goals and monitor progress by member

Identify and address problems that may be occurring at the site

Timeline:

Member and supervisor together must set up a time with the program staff to meet. Program staff will

come to the site two times during the service year. Site visits are scheduled by the member.

1. Fall site visit during the months of October/November.

2. Spring site visits during the months of April/May

Timesheet Tracking

Time sheets must be submitted twice a month. Time sheets must be submitted for approval within two

days of the end of the pay period. Member timesheets are due on the 15th and last day of every month in

OnCorps and no later than the 17th and 2nd of the month. Supervisor approval is required by the 5th or 20th

of every month. The program coordinators will be checking OnCorps to make sure the member

timesheets are submitted and the supervisor has approved; if not we may hold the member’s living

allowance until their timesheets are submitted and approved by their supervisor. The program

coordinator will notify payroll to pay members or to hold the checks.

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The member’s living allowance may be withheld if a timesheet is not submitted by the member and

approved by the supervisor on time. The withholding will be temporary and not result in docking the

member’s living allowance. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your supervisor is approving

your timesheets to prevent your living allowance from being withheld. See page 22 in this handbook for

a guide on how to enter your time, aka service hours, in OnCorps.

Training Requirements

Members must spend a portion of their AmeriCorps time as training hours. Training opportunities for

Members include state/regional conferences, meetings, required trainings/retreats provided by True

North AmeriCorps, and site selected trainings. The Site Supervisor must approve any additional training

before they can be applied toward training hour requirements.

Mandatory Training Requirements Members must be released from their site for mandatory retreats and Corps Days provided by the

program. Members must attend all mandatory trainings.

Missed Training Make-up

Members who are unable to attend any training or retreat, whether they are excused or unexcused, will

be required to make up the time by attending a training that is similar in subject matter and length.

Volunteer Mobilization

Members are expected to assist and track the coordination of volunteers at their site. TNAC encourages

participation in service projects. Members might consider partnering with other AmeriCorps members

and other agencies in the community. Site Supervisors should talk with Members about the volunteer

needs at their sites. Members are provided with volunteer management training in the beginning of the

program year. Members will report monthly volunteer numbers online in OnCorps. See page 25 in this

handbook to see a guide for how to report volunteer numbers in Oncorps.

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Reporting System

OnCorps Reports: mn.oncorpsreports.com

Member’s Track:

Timesheets– Timesheets are submitted twice a month. Time sheets must be submitted for approval

within two days of the end of the pay period.

Great Stories- Site Supervisors and members are encouraged to tell their stories to the world.

Members must write and submit two during their service year.

Volunteer Mobilization- Track on-going volunteers and one-time volunteers.

1. Click the down arrow to find the program year

2. Select 2016-17

3. Click Submit

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Scroll down the page to find True North AmeriCorps

Login using your username and

password

My Username:

My password:

*If you do not have a username or password, contact

Program Staff.

Click AmeriCorps Member

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Reporting Service Hours (Timesheets)

1. Select Time Tracking

2. Select the time period you would like to approve

3. Click Choose button

1. Select Time Tracking

2. Select time period

3. Click Choose

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Reporting Service Hours (cont’d)

4. Enter your time in the appropriate category and enter a brief description.

5. Save your entered information so you can add or edit more information at a later time.

6. When it’s time, officially submit your hours for supervisor approval (changes cannot be made).

*Contact Program Staff to “unlock” a timesheet if you need to make changes*

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Reporting Great Stories

A minimum of two Great Stories is required for the service year.

1. Select Reporting

2. Select Submit Reports

3. Select Great Stories

4. Select Add a New Great Story

5. After a story is submitted, you can go back to edit it at a later date

6. Select reporting quarter based on chart shown below

2 3

4 5

September-November

December-February

March-May

June-August

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Reporting Volunteer Mobilization (Monthly) \

1. Select Reporting

2. Select Submit Reports

3. Select Volunteer Mobilization

4. Select add a New Volunteer Mobilization Event

5. Enter the information

2. Select Submit Reports

3. Volunteer Mobilization

4. Add a new event

5. Edit

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Reporting Volunteer Mobilization (cont’d)

7. Enter information in the appropriate boxes (On-Going: Regular Schedule/ One-time: Special Event)

8. Select Save once you are done

9. Select Save and Print if you would like to print a copy.

10. Select reporting quarter based on chart shown below.

7. Enter

information into

all boxes

9. Save and Print 8. Save

September-November

December-February

March-May

June-August

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Evaluation & Assessment

Evaluation Overview

As an AmeriCorps program, True North is required to evaluate our contributions to our partner agencies

and the community. Evaluation includes: collecting child demographics, collecting school grades/test

scores, tracking attendance and behavior incidents, administering surveys, and tracking volunteer hours.

Evaluation always involves time, resources, and energy, but provides vital data needed to sustain, grow,

and improve the program.

There are several reasons for conducting evaluations:

Accountability Funders are entitled to know that they are supporting programs that make a

difference. When writing grants, there are often strict guidelines for how programs will be

evaluated and how that data will be reported. For example, the AmeriCorps grant requires the

use of performance measures, and we must report our progress towards these measures in order

to continue our program.

Program Knowledge In addition to the external pressures to evaluate programs, there are also

internal reasons to conduct evaluation. Ultimately, an evaluation should be a way to learn more

about your program. Our method does not end with data collection, but includes feedback for

families, staff, and the community. Evaluations should provide information so that program

improvements can be considered.

Capacity Building Organizations may find that the evaluation data opens doors for them to apply for additional

grants and to achieve sustainability. In using the evaluation tools, organizations may keep more

careful records, adopt more advanced technology, and improve their ability to serve their

constituents. This will enable organizations to become self-sustaining and attract further interest

in the program.

Sharing Information Feedback is not only provided back to the sites collecting data, but to other programs. This

allows us to share experiences and offer expertise, as well as provide tools and resources for

program evaluation. In the end, we gain knowledge together about what really helps children in

our community.

Members will be trained on an ongoing basis in evaluation processes and

procedures throughout the service year.

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Life after AmeriCorps

Continue Your AmeriCorps Service

Bring your experience back to AmeriCorps and serve another term as a member or leader. Expand on

what you helped to start. Serve an additional year as a True North AmeriCorps member or look for

other

programs to suit your needs.

Serve a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Year as a True North AmeriCorps Member You can serve up to 4 full-time years with True North. If you are interested in remaining at your site,

discuss this with your Site Supervisor and then schedule a 2nd year member interview with True North

staff. If you

decide to serve at a different site with True North, we will help you arrange interviews with sites that

meet your interests and qualifications.

Serve a 2nd or 3rd Year as an AmeriCorps Leader

As an AmeriCorps alumni, you are eligible to lead a team of *VISTA or *NCCC members. You can

find leader positions at https://recruit.cns.gov/

Volunteer in Your Community

Even if you decide not to continue your service in AmeriCorps, you can still fulfill genuine needs in

your community through volunteering.

You can also contact the Head of the Lakes United Way Volunteer Center to find opportunities that suit

you. 424 W Superior St, Suite 402, Duluth, MN 55802, (218)726-4974, www.volunteerduluth.org.

If you leave the Duluth area, you can connect with the volunteer center nearest you by visiting

http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/ or by dialing 2-1-1 on your phone in many communities.

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AmeriCorps to Peace Corps

Both AmeriCorps members and Peace Corps Volunteers receive tangible bene�ts such as career training, �nancial support for college, and graduate school opportunities. Additionally, serving in AmeriCorps and Peace Corps prepares Americans for leadership positions both at

home and abroad. There are many bene�ts of serving with AmeriCorps and Peace Corps.

Peace Corps Volunteers gain valuable experience working in education, community health, youth and community development, agriculture and the environment, small business development, and other areas to use in careers in the U.S. and around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work in communities abroad at the grassroots level in cooperation with local governments, schools, and entrepreneurs to address unmet community needs.

Classroom and community development skillsmake Peace Corps Volunteers attractive candidates

for work in the U.S. government, the privatesector, domestic non-pro�ts, and international

NGOs. Additionally, the Peace Corps hasagreements with The National Association of

Community Health Centers/ Community Health Corps, City Year, The Corps Network, and America’s

Service Commissions encouraging them to hire returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

Additional details about the bene�ts of Peace Corps service can be found at

www.peacecorps.gov/bene�ts

Americans who go from AmeriCorps to Peace Corps build on the experiences and skills developed at home by applying those skills in another community overseas. Volunteers return to the U.S as global citizens with leadership, language, teaching, and community development skills.

Peace Corps is a life-de�ning leadershipexperience. Living and working abroad for 27

months has tremendous impact. It requires hard work and dedication, and in return tangible and

intangible bene�ts are gained – both for theVolunteer and the people they serve.

OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT JOB SKILLS

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

A Great Career Path

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AmeriCorps Experience Working in Your Next Job

Potential employers recognize the value of AmeriCorps service. Though your service is not considered

employment, the experience you develop through service shows your ability to handle tough tasks, your

commitment to seeing things through, and your dedication to working on challenging issues.

You can put your AmeriCorps experience to good use in your career—and your service may give you

direct help in being considered for some federal positions.

Build Your Resume

How you include your AmeriCorps experience on your resume and in interviews is important. You

should describe briefly but clearly the AmeriCorps program where you served and what you did. Many

AmeriCorps assignments include civic engagement, nonprofit and project development, and fundraising.

Do not forget to list these skills on your resume.

Ask your project supervisors or co-workers if you can list them as references so potential employers can

hear about your successes and accomplishments.

How to Include Volunteerism on Your Resume

Take the time to analyze what you learned as a volunteer. Did you have the chance to practice public

speaking? Write reports, news releases, newsletters? Plan projects, coordinate

sub-committees, train others to do the work? Such skills are applicable to just about any setting.

Describe your activities and achievements fully. You do not need to say these were done as a

volunteer, though you are of course welcome to do so. If you feel uneasy about representing volunteer

work as equivalent to a full-time paid job, you can identify the volunteering as being part-time. Be

honest. Don't overstate what you did. But also be sure to give yourself the credit you deserve.

Be unapologetic about giving space on your resume to volunteering. Since the whole goal of a resume is

to get you an interview, think how much more interesting your face-to-face conversation will be when

you add all those community activities to show you who really are.

Tip: When including AmeriCorps on your resume, whether or not to list it as such is up to you. Don’t

hesitate to list “AmeriCorps Member” as your job title and “True North AmeriCorps” as your employer.

Depending on the situation, however, it is also appropriate to list your job title as “Tutor” and your

service site.

Using Your Education Award (my.americorps.org)

Congress established the National Service Trust to provide an AmeriCorps Education Award for

members who successfully complete service in AmeriCorps. You can use your AmeriCorps Education

Award to pay educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training,

or to repay qualified student loans. You have up to seven years after your term of service has ended to

use the award.

Pay for Current Education Expenses

Current educational expenses, as authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 12604(c), include: The "Cost of

Attendance" for a degree or certificate-granting program of study at a qualified school; and educational

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31

expenses for non-degree courses offered by qualified schools, such as continuing education courses.

Your school is qualified if it is a Title IV institution of higher education. This includes most colleges and

universities, and includes graduate schools. Under certain circumstances, you can use the education

award to study outside the U.S. Contact the National Service Trust at 1-888-507-5962 for further

information.

How to Apply for an Interest Payment

After you have completed your service and received notification of your award, you can go into your

account in My AmeriCorps (my.americorps.gov).

In your home page, click on the “Create Interest Accrual” link at the top of the page to bring up the page

to request the payment. Follow the instructions. You will select the appropriate term of service and

type of loan and identify the holder of your student loan. When you click on “submit”, a notice will be

sent electronically to your loan company. A record of your request will appear in your account home

page.

This notice will verify your involvement in national service and request that the loan holder provide

AmeriCorps with the amount of interest that accrued between your start date and end date of your

service period. The loan company will provide additional information, then certify and submit the

information electronically to AmeriCorps.

When the interest payment has been made, it will show up in your account. It should also show up in

your account statement that the loan company provides to you. If your loan company has not registered

in My AmeriCorps, they will not be on the list of institutions in the system. You should click on the

institution “Not Found” link and follow the directions. These payment requests may need to be

processed manually through paper forms and may take several weeks to complete.

Repay Your Qualified Student Loans

The national service legislation defines qualified student loan as a loan backed by the federal

government under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (except PLUS Loans to parents of students), or

under Titles VII or VIII of the Public Health Service Act.

Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards may not be used to repay any other type of loan, even if the loan

was obtained for educational purposes. You can use your Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay

defaulted student loans as long as the loans meet the definition of qualified student loan.

Interest Payments

Individuals who have successfully completed a term of service in AmeriCorps are eligible to have the

Trust pay as much as 100% of the interest that accrued on their qualified student loan during their

service. The portion that the Trust will pay is determined by the type of service (full- or part-time) and

the length of your service period. The Trust will only pay interest on qualified student loans.

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The Trust will not pay interest if you fail to complete your term of service. Exceptions will be made only

if you fail to complete your term of service for compelling personal circumstances and you have earned

a pro-rated award. It is up to your individual program to determine compelling personal circumstances.

Examples that might be considered are a serious illness or injury, death of your immediate family

member, or early closing of your project. An interest payment can only be made after you have

completed your service and have earned an award.

Interest payments are in addition to your education award; they are not deducted from your education

award amount. Interest payments are based upon the interest that accrued only during the time you were

serving in the AmeriCorps program.

Remember that interest payments, as well as payments made from your education award account, are

considered by the IRS to be taxable income in the year in which a payment is made.

Stay Connected as AmeriCorps Alumni

AmeriCorps alumni are bound together by a common commitment to service and a desire to participate

as active members in their communities. As an alumnus, you have the opportunity to connect with

thousands of others who have completed AmeriCorps and continue to support volunteerism and

community service. Check out this great new website by Obama's "Change.gov" website dedicated to

AmeriCorps: http://jobs.change.org/americorps. To join the network, go to www.americorpsalums.org

to register.

Stay involved with AmeriCorps by connecting with other members and alumni through the AmeriCorps

eCommunity. Access is free to members and alumni. You'll find information and services that help you

stay involved with the AmeriCorps community:

Online Directory – Search for fellow members or update your own record.

Career Center – Services provided to help you begin or advance your career.

Message Boards – Post your own messages or read those posted by fellow members.

Chat Room – A place to chat with other AmeriCorps members and alumni.

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Appendix

Loan Forbearance Request How-To Guide

1. Go to my.americorps.gov and register to create a new Member/Alum account

2. Login with your username and password

3. Once you have logged in to your account, go to the left hand side menu bar, click My Education

Award > Click on Loan Forbearance Request

4. Select the Term of Service that you want your loans put on forbearance for

5. Click Search for Institutions to find your loan institution(s)

6. Enter the name of your loan servicer and the address (usually the name is enough)

7. From the results list, select the correct loan institution that matches your loan holder

8. Repeat this process for any separately held loans

9. When you have selected all your loan institutions, click Submit.

Register to create

a new

Member/Alum

account

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Once you have

logged into your

account, click on the

loan forbearance

request link.

Choose your service year,

then click search institution.

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Type in the name of

the institution and

address.

Then click search.

Click on the

name of the

institution.

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If you have more than

one loan, search for

another institution.

Once you have entered

the institution(s), click

submit.

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Member Position Description

Title: True North AmeriCorps Member

Main Program Office: Duluth YMCA-Community Services Branch: 28 East Village View Dr., Duluth, MN 55805

Service Locations: Duluth Public Schools, Duluth Youth Agencies, and Proctor Public Schools

Service Start Date: August 18, 2016

Service End Date: August 15, 2017

Hours of Service: 7AM – 8PM, M – F (Final schedule is determined by site)

Organization & Position Overview True North AmeriCorps (TNAC) is a State AmeriCorps program that helps prepare youth for on-time

graduation and academic, civic and economic success. TNAC is a recognized leader in Minnesota's

drop-out prevention efforts, working in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education, Serve

Minnesota, Minnesota Reading Corps, AmeriCorps Promise Fellows and regional and state leaders to

address Minnesota’s drop-out crisis. Since 2003 over 700 TNAC members have been placed at 70

different sites throughout rural Northeastern Minnesota serving over 12,600 children.

To make a measurable difference in reducing Minnesota’s drop-out rate, TNAC’s members provide

evidence-based supports to identified students in grades K-5. TNAC focuses on three strategies: 1)

academic success, 2) academic engagement, and 3) service learning.

TNAC members strive to provide "the right support to the right student at the right time." TNAC

members deliver data-driven and evidence-based supports that focus on promoting and improving

attendance, behavior, and school success to a caseload of struggling youth who are at risk of dropping

out of school.

TNAC members serve youth in both school and community-based settings. TNAC supports deep and

sustainable local partnerships that increase the number of people, organizations, and resources dedicated

to ensuring graduation success for all youth.

True North AmeriCorps members will:

● Increase the number of significant caring adult relationships experienced by the youth

participants

● Work one on one and in small groups to provide evidence based reading and math interventions

to students not performing at grade level.

● Implement high quality in/out of school time and summer activities to support academic

engagement, youth development, study skills practice, career exploration, etc.

● Actively engage youth in meaningful service-learning or civic engagement activities

● Mobilize volunteers to promote academic success and engagement.

Using a Response to Intervention (RTI) approach, each True North AmeriCorps member works with a

caseload of at least 40 (Full-time members) or 20 (Half-time members) youth to provide integrated and

data-driven student support interventions. TNAC members work with a team of school and community

personnel to analyze the data, make referrals, identify youth who need support using academic

benchmarks and teacher feedback to develop a plan to ensure students receive a variety of supports,

including connection to caring adults, integrated academic support, and service-learning opportunities

both in the school and out-of-school settings and access to high-quality afterschool and summer

programming.

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Position Responsibilities for school-based and on-site OST members

Essential Functions:

● Work with site supervisor to identify 40 (Full-time members) or 20 (Half-time members) youth

who are not meeting academic standards or who possess other risk factors including behavior

and attendance issues or socioeconomic status.

● Plan, deliver and track math and reading interventions during the school day.

● Coordinate and deliver after-school and summer academic enrichment activities.

● Develop and organize projects that engage youth participants in at least 20 hours of service-

learning. Facilitate a school/community-wide service learning project during Global Youth

Service Day.

● Recruit, screen, train, oversee, and support volunteers for all OST programming. Provide

resources to volunteers and document their impacts and hours.

● Assist supervisor and site coordinator to keep program records and evaluate program outcomes,

making changes as needed based on evaluation data.

● Participate in all TNAC and AmeriCorps required trainings and assignments.

Position Responsibilities for Agency-based OST members

Essential Functions:

● Work with site supervisor and neighborhood school personnel to identify 40 (Full-time

members) or 20 (Half-time members) youth who are not meeting academic standards or who

possess other risk factors including behavior and attendance issues or socioeconomic status.

● Coordinate and deliver after-school and summer academic enrichment activities during the late

afternoon and evening hours.

● Develop and organize projects that engage youth participants in at least 20 hours of service-

learning. Facilitate a school/community wide service learning project during Global Youth

Service Day.

● Assist supervisor and site coordinator to keep program records and evaluate program outcomes,

making changes as needed based on evaluation data.

● Recruit, screen, train, oversee, and support volunteers for all OST programming. Provide

resources to volunteers and document their impacts and hours.

● Participate in all TNAC and AmeriCorps required trainings and assignments

Requirements

● Must be 18 years old

● U.S. citizen or U.S. National or have status as a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien

● Please note that final candidates will be required to successfully pass a FBI background check

before being officially enrolled in AmeriCorps by True North AmeriCorps

● Verify that his/she has high school diploma or GED equivalent

Qualifications

● Interest in youth, service, education, and non-profit work

● Experience working with youth and youth programs

● Strong written and oral communication skills

● Possess basic computer skills

● Pass a reading and/or math correlated to the highest grade level served within the school day

● Able to deal effectively with ambiguity of tasks and able to take initiative

● Self-motivated, able to work independently without daily supervision—strong organizational

skills a must

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● Able to present oneself in a highly professional manner and be an ambassador for TNAC and

National Service

Desirable Characteristics

● Associates or Bachelor of Arts Degree in community or youth development, education, human

services, or related field

● Experience working with youth and youth programs

● Volunteer experience and desire to develop a strong ethic of service

● Experience working collaboratively with youth and adults

● Commitment to positive youth development

● Initiative to see and follow through with projects/programs

● A personal commitment to change racism and poverty

● Demonstrate awareness and acceptance of cultural differences

● Knowledge/understanding of the impact of class and race on behavior, attitudes, and values

Typical Work Environment

● Able to work in environment that is noisy with many young people and adults demanding

attention

● Able to work independently without much direction as well as on teams

● Work setting may include working in a cubicle and/or sharing office and computer with other

members/staff

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YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Program

Child Protection Report Form

(Fill out the report immediately while the details are still fresh in your mind.)

To be used for documentation of any suspected cases of child abuse. To be filled out with employee and their supervisor.

Record the following:

Who:

Who is completing the report?

Who reported the observation?

Who else witnessed the incident/observation?

What:

Stay with the facts.

Be specific when listing what you observed-don’t surmise or speculate.

List only what you know.

What did you observe?

Did anything happen before the incident/observation that needs to be recorded?

Did anything happen after the incident/observation that needs to be recorded?

What are the signs/symptoms that you observed?

___________ ______________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

When:

Day: Time:

Activity:

Where:

Facility

Program area

Who: Who else might have witnessed this situation/incident?

_____________________

Other Relevant Information:

_____________________

Note: Avoid making judgment, diagnosis, or accusation in your report. This is not your responsibility, but the job of the

investigating agency or medical personnel.

Signature ______________________________________Date

Signature ______________________________________Date