AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs made up of three primary

programs (VISTA, State or National, and NCCC) that each takes a different approach to

improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address

critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth,

fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more.

The Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellowship is an AmeriCorps State program

that addresses the significant challenges faced by California’s communities. Managed by

CalSERVES as a statewide program, VIP harnesses the desire to serve and directly

impact communities in need. Each VIP Fellow serves at a partner site full-time for 11-

months to develop a volunteer program, forge partnerships with the community, and

build infrastructure that can be sustained.

Locally, VIP Fellows with IEUW mobilize to create new possibilities in our Inland Empire

communities. Partner sites are nonprofits across our service region operating various

programs to meet critical needs. Typically, our VIP Fellows are based in offices located in

Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Riverside, and Apple Valley, while serving communities

across our region of Pomona Valley/West End, the High Desert, Eastern Riverside County,

and East Valley San Bernardino County.

Inland Empire United Way is proud to partner with CalSERVES for AmeriCorps VIP, which is administered by CaliforniaVolunteers and sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship

Every VIP Fellow position is unique with tasks and assignments based on the partner site’s infrastructural needs. However, all VIP Fellows participate in volunteer

infrastructure and capacity building, volunteer recruitment, training and development, and fundraising. VIP Fellows commit to serve 11-months, 40-45 hours per

week, and at least 1,700 hours total towards these goals.

About 45% of time (765 hours)

Develop and implement a volunteer

program, as well as build on the

existing volunteer program by

increasing its capacity.

Develop a system to support and

recognize volunteers.

Track volunteer program and

infrastructure development at the site

throughout the year.

Communicate with supervisors and

program staff on an ongoing basis.

Conduct infrastructure development

activities.

Establish volunteer training and

recognition plans.

Generally, any in-office tasks to create,

develop, or implement systems and

processes.

About 35% of time (595 hours)

Recruit volunteers to support children,

youth, and families.

Recruit both ongoing and one-time

volunteers for specific events and

projects.

Create and distribute marketing

materials for recruitment.

Tabling at local community events or

recruitment fairs.

Interview, screen, orient, and train

volunteers.

Leading volunteers in their assigned

project.

Exactly 10% of time (170 hours)

Includes statewide, online webinar

regional, and monthly local trainings, as

well as participation in National Days of

Service, all staff meetings, supervisor

check-ins for guidance and task

assignment, and additional

opportunities with prior approval, such

as workshops.

Maximum 10% of time (<170 hours)

Making requests to businesses or

individuals for donations to the

volunteer program.

May include hosting volunteer supply

drives, accounting for inventory of

those drives, writing grant proposals, or

volunteer-donor relationship building.

AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship

VIP Fellows serve throughout the Inland Empire at local nonprofit organizations, called

Partner Sites, to help those organizations build their volunteer programs and, in doing so,

expand and improve the services provided to children, youth, and families.

Organizations apply to host a VIP Fellow, and contribute staff time, workspace, and a

limited cash match as their investment in building a strong volunteer program. VIP

Fellows serve at one designated site during the service year, playing a vital role in the

site’s growth and capacity building.

VIP Fellows and Partner Sites are matched based on the VIP

Fellow’s experience and skills, as well as the organization’s

needs and goals for the upcoming service year. The VIP Fellow

application process is as follows:

Submit application materials at www.ieuw.org/americorps

15-minute informational phone call

If selected to move forward, there is an initial interview with

Inland Empire United Way, including discussion of which

partner sites are best aligned with your interests.

For successful 1st interviews, candidates are invited to

participate in a 2nd interview with one or more partner sites.

Candidates who receive a position offer may accept, decline,

or request to interview with other sites to find a best fit.

VIP alumni have gone on to graduate

degree programs such as:

Azusa Pacific University

CSU San Bernardino

George Washington University

University of Chicago

University of Southern California

University of the Pacific

VIP alumni have also entered

careers such as:

Inland Empire United Way and VIP Partner Sites (service does not guarantee employment offer)

Nonprofits across Southern California

K-12 charter, private, and public schools

Higher Education institutions

Continued AmeriCorps service with IEUW or in other opportunities such as with City Year and United Way Worldwide

Many VIP Fellows use the service year to build

their resumes with hands-on experience,

strengthen their skills while also taking time for

the GRE and applications, or prepare for the next

step in their career path.

AmeriCorps VIP Fellowship

Annual living stipend of $16,000

Education award of $6,095

Extensive professional development, networking, and hands-on skill building and experience in achieving and implementing impactful projects

Exposure to the nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors

Possible educational loan deferment

Health insurance

Childcare assistance (if eligible)

Letters of Recommendation, based on performance

As AmeriCorps is a federal program, selected candidates must meet the following

minimum criteria. Please see the application website for a full position description and

other requirements.

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must clear a criminal background check (DOJ and FBI; National Sex Offender Public Database)

Must follow the AmeriCorps Code of Conduct while serving

Must provide current photo ID, signed Social Security Card, and proof that candidate is a US Citizen (Birth Certificate, Valid Passport, etc.), a US National, or a Legal Permanent Resident before or at the time of sign-up.

No more than 3 previous AmeriCorps State/National terms.

I learned so much about nonprofits—the strategy and persistence it takes to manage and recruit volunteers, the

networking and fundraising that goes into funding our programs, and the individualized care that goes into each and every one of our volunteers and children we serve. It

has been an invaluable experience.

Katie, AmeriCorps VIP 2018-19 BA Educational Disparities, University of Redlands

I have a new perspective on nonprofits. I now see the importance of partnerships

to helping nonprofits meet their mission and create change. I see the need to really get

to know and hear from those in need. The different skills I’ve learned here will help

prepare me for the next step in this journey.

Emily, VIP 2018-19

BS Business Administration, Marketing, UC Riverside

APPLY NOW: www.ieuw.org/americorps

Questions? Please email ALemke@ieuw.org

Serving with AmeriCorps has been a

great experience that has allowed me to give back to the community. It has

solidified my desire to pursue a career in the public sector.

Cindy, VIP 2016-17 BA History and Anthropology, UC Riverside