IntroWelcome to AmeriCorps! We hope you find this guide helpful, whether you’re from Rhode Island or not. We’ve focused on affordability and fun here, and highlighted some important info to answer questions many AmeriCorps members have asked in the past, etc.

AmeriCorps in RISmall state, big impact.Serve Rhode Island currently administers eleven AmeriCorps programs that engage nearly 270 AmeriCorps members. In addition to these, there are eight AmeriCorps National Direct programs that have operating sites in the state. They include: City Year RI, ClearCorps, Jumpstart, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Providence After School Alliance, Rhode Island Teaching Fellows, Teach for America, and Youthbuild Providence.

As an AmeriCorps member in the smallest state in the country, you have the unique opportunity to network with all of the State AmeriCorps members during statewide events and service projects over the course of the year. These include:• September 11, National Day of Service and Remembrance• AmeriCorps Opening Day• Martin Luther King Day of Service• Justice Talks• Serving Rhode Island Week• National AmeriCorps Week

You’ll be seeing the following people at AmeriCorps and Serve Rhode Island events, not to mention site visits, so get to know their names and faces, and introduce yourself.

Serve Rhode Island AmeriCorps Program OfficerMarisa Petreccia: 401-331-2298; mpetreccia@serverhodeisland.org

Serve Rhode Island Executive DirectorBernie Beaudreau: 401-331-2298; bbeaudreau@serverhodeisland.org

AmeriCorps PledgeI will get things done for America—To make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.

I will bring Americans togetherTo strengthen communities.

Faced with apathy, I will take action.

Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.

Faced with adversity,I will persevere.

I will carry this commitment with meThis year and beyond.

I am an AmeriCorps member,And I will get things done.

Member Benefits

StipendFull-time AmeriCorps members will receive a stipend of $11,800 for a full year of service. Deductions will be made for federal and state income taxes and FICA. Because the volunteer stipend is not considered a salary or wage, members are not eligible for unemployment benefits after service. Health InsuranceFull-time AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive health care benefits unless they are already covered by an alternate source. If a member is covered through another program, he or she is not eligible to enroll in the AmeriCorps plan. [check CNCS] Part-time members are not eligible for health care benefits.

ChildcareA childcare subsidy is provided to eligible members. Eligibility is based on family income, age of dependents (up to 13 years), and whether the member is currently receiving childcare support from another source. Part-time members are not eligible for childcare benefits. For more information, see your program director.

Education AwardMembers will be eligible to receive an educational award based upon successful completion of all program requirements. The award amount will be based upon the number of service hours completed. The following information describes the basics about the education award. If you have other questions, you may contact the financial aid officer at the post-secondary institution you plan to attend, the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID, or consult the Student Guide issued by the U.S. Department of Education. You can also reference www.americorps.gov.

What can the education award be used for?

TIP:

Part time members may not be eligible for all benefits

You can use your education award in the following ways, or a combination of them: Repay qualified student loans; pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs); Pay current expenses while participating in an approved school-to-work program.

How much money am I awarded?Full-time members who complete a minimum of 1700 hours and one year of service receive a $5,350 education award. Education Award payments are considered taxable income in the year that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) makes the payment to the school or loan holder.

How many education awards can I receive? You can receive an award for your first two terms of service, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, or reduced-time terms. If you end a term of service early, that term may count as one of your two chances to earn an award.

Which colleges and universities are ‘qualified institutions?’You can use your education award at most institutions of higher education (including graduate and professional programs), as well as some vocational schools. An institution is considered qualified if it has an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education making its students eligible for at least one of the federally backed forms of financial assistance To make sure the institution you want to attend is qualified, check with the financial aid office and ask if the school is a “Title IV” institution before you make specific plans.

What types of loans can the education award repay?Most post secondary loans that are backed by the federal government are qualified for repayment with an AmeriCorps education award. Your lender should be able to tell you whether your loan is qualified. Qualified loans include Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, Stafford Loans, National Direct Loans, Federal Consolidated Loans, Supplemental Loans for Students, Health Education Assistance Loans, Health Professional Student Loans.

What types of expenses are considered part of the ‘cost of attending’ an institution?“Cost of attending” may include tuition, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other expenses. The financial aid office of each school has information on expenses for specific academic programs, and that office determines the cost of attendance for that school.

When can I use my education award?You can use your education award any time—up to seven years after the date you end your service. You can apply for an extension if you are unable to use the award for some reason during that time; or you perform another term of service in an approved program. To be considered for an extension, you must apply before the end of the seven-year period.

FEAR NOT:

You’ll probably have a workshop on this later in the year. In the meantime, your program director may be able to answer your questions.

Is the education award taxable?Yes. Payments made from the Education Awards are considered taxable income in the year that CNCS makes the payment to the school or loan holder. For example, if you use all or part of your education award in 2012, when you file your 2012 tax return, you must pay taxes on the portion of the award you used.However, you may be able to take advantage of the Hope Scholarship Credit or the Lifelong Learning Credit to provide significant tax relief; the CNCS does not withhold taxes from the award, but it sends 1099 Forms to all the AmeriCorps members who have made payments from their education awards who have accrued interest during the previous year. The 1099 Form does not need to be included in your tax return, but it reflects the amount that the National Service Trust reports to the IRS as miscellaneous income.

What about paying student loans during my time of service? You may be eligible for forbearance for your qualified students loans from your loan holder. During a period of forbearance, you do not have to make payments, but interest continues to accumulate on your loans. If you qualified for forbearance and completed the appropriate paperwork at the beginning of your term of service, and receive an education award, AmeriCorps will pay all or a portion of the interest accrued on your qualified student loan during your service. This amount is in addition to your education award.

For AmeriCorps*VISTAsAmeriCorps volunteers can choose to receive either the Segal Education Award or and End-of-Service Stipend at the end of their service. A member cannot switch from the stipend to the education award, but can switch from the education award to the stipend before the end of his/her tenth month of service.

If a member selects the education award, eligible student loans can be put into forbearance and have interest accrued during the service year paid by the Trust.

A percentage of Perkins Loan debt can be forgiven if the End-of-Service Stipend is selected. Deferment may be granted based on economic hardship. Accrued interest is the responsibility of the AmeriCorps member.

Affordable Health CareMedicalRhode Island Free Clinic Rhode Island Free ClinicServes the uninsured exclusively Serves the uninsured exclusively655 Broad St Newport Hospital, 19 Friendship StProvidence Newport 401-274-6347 401-274-6347

East Side Urgent Care Clinic1195 North Main StProvidence 401-861-3782

DentalThundermist Dental Thundermist Communityand Nutrition Center Dental ProgramLow-income dental and health Low-income dental and health services on a sliding pay scale services on a sliding pay scale191 Social St, 9th floor 1219 Main StWoonsocket West Warwick 401-767-4161 401-615-2804

Dental Hygiene Clinic at CCRI’s Flanagan campusLow-income dental and health services on a sliding pay scale1762 Louisquisset PikeLincoln 401-333-7250

VisionSaving Sight RI Provides free vision care services 982 West Shore Rd Warwick401-738-1150

Other ServicesUnited Way[insert description here]2-1-1

Member Rights and ResponsibilitiesTerm of ServiceFull-time AmeriCorps members are expected to complete 1700 hours of service. Members must complete the required hours to qualify for the education award. A maximum of 20% of the hours served may be spent on training, professional development, or similar approved activities.

Abbreviated Terms of ServiceCompelling personal circumstances:The program may release a member immediately from his or her term of service due to compelling personal circumstances if

FUN FACT:

2-1-1 is partnered with Serve Rhode Island to provide volunteers for many of their events?

The member has a serious injury or illness that makes completing the term impossible;

There is a serious injury, illness, or death of an immediate family member and the AmeriCorps member is needed to care for, or take over the duties of, the family member;

The member is drafted by the Armed Services of the United StatesRelocation, acceptance to a college or university, or the acceptance of an employment offer DOES NOT constitute a compelling personal circumstance

Extended Terms of ServiceCompelling Personal CircumstancesThe program mat place a member on temporary leave and extend the member’s term of service beyond one calendar year (to no longer than three additional months) due to compelling personal circumstances. The member’s new end-of-term date will be extended by the number of days the member was on leave.If the member discontinues his or her term of service or is placed on temporary leave due to compelling personal circumstances, he or she will cease to receive benefits including the stipend under the program. If, however, the member has completed at least 15% of the required service hours, the member may receive a prorated portion of the education award or interest payments.

Maintaining Your TimeAll AmeriCorps members are required to complete and submit weekly timesheets. Timesheets will be submitted to their Site Supervisors to verify the accuracy of the time served. The AmeriCorps timesheet is important because it provides an accurate record of service and ensures that you will complete the required hours to qualify for an education award. It is your responsibility to manage your time, keep track of hours served, and have a clear understanding of your service site’s workplace policies.If you have any questions about timesheets or how to use OnCorps, ask your program director.

Harassment/DiscriminationYou are protected by AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) from being subjected to discrimination or harassment. You also have an obligation as an AmeriCorps member to make sure you do not subject anyone else to discrimination or harassment. This extends to everyone you come in contact with, including other AmeriCorps members, clients, and volunteers and employees at your service site.

What is discrimination?Discrimination is treating people differently because of who they are, where they come from, or the groups they belong to. Discrimination in an AmeriCorps service setting is illegal when it targets a person or group based on such non-

REMINDER:

It is your responsibility to manage your time and keep track of hours.

merit factors such as race, gender, or religion, also known as protected classes, which CNCS defines as the following:

o Race, color, or national origino Sex/gendero Physical or mental disabilityo Ageo Religiono Political affiliationo Sexual orientation

Illegal discrimination:o Both targets a person because of a difference, and singles them

out for different treatmento May be a one-time occurrence or part of an ongoing patterno Can happen to anyone

What is harassment?Illegal harassment in an AmeriCorps service setting is severe and/or pervasive verbal or nonverbal communication relating to an individual’s gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other non-merit factor that interferes with an AmeriCorps member’s performance and/or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive service environment. Harassment can consist of spoken or written words, image, or actions and can happen to anyone. It includes but is not limited to:

o Explicit or implicit demands for sexual favorso Pressure for one’s companyo Unwelcome persistent letters, phone calls, e-mails, or other

mediao Distribution or display of offensive materialo Offensive looks, gestures, physical encroachment, or

threatening behavior

Illegal harassment:o Includes—but is not limited to—sexual harassmento Can be spoken words or unspoken actionso Is more than just annoying or uncomfortable behavioro Generally happens over a period of timeo Creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive service environmento Prevents an AmeriCorps member from serving effectivelyo Can happen to anyone

What should I do if I experience or witness discrimination or harassment?If you feel safe and comfortable doing so, you can approach and talk to the person you suspect of engaging in harassing or discriminating behavior directly yourself. If that doesn’t work, or if you do not feel safe and comfortable doing so, you can also talk to your AmeriCorps supervisor.

If you cannot go to your supervisor, or you do and the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can contact Serve Rhode Island. Finally, you can contact the CNCS Office of Civil Rights and Inclusiveness (OCRI). If you and/or your AmeriCorps supervisor or Serve Rhode Island chooses to contact OCRI, note that claims must be made within 45 days of the incident. See contact information below.

Suggestions if you think you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or harassment:

o Consider talking to the persons involvedo Examine what assumptions you might be making. Ask yourself

how you can check out these assumptions.o Assume positive intent. Communicate to clarify.o Use statements such as, “it appears to me that…”o Speak with your supervisor, if possibleo Ask yourself: is there something I can learn from this?

Got Questions?AmeriCorps Connecthttp://www.americorpsconnect.org/Here you’ll find plenty of resources, answers to your AmeriCorps questions, information about learning opportunities, and help connecting with others. Check it out!Also try http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/faq/index.asp for FAQs.

The Resource CenterThe AmeriCorps Resource Center is a training and technical assistance page for AmeriCorps programs. On this page, you will find tutorials and other resources that will guide you through using the functions of MyAmeriCorps. Tutorials offer flexibility and quick references: users can access them at their convenience and "jump" to specific items.You can also download the PowerPoint presentations that are used in the tutorials. Everyone may use these resources to develop their own training.

http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/ac-training-support-state

MyAmeriCorps State, National, & VISTA technical support:1-800-942-2677

Making the most of your service year: your first few weeks at your site

TIP:

Start the year off right for maximum productivity and growth!

Members who begin their year of service well oriented to their placement site and the community it serves have the greatest potential of increased productivity and personal growth. Therefore, at the beginning of your term of service you should:

o Learn the history and background of your organization—its mission, goals, and current programs

o Get permission to spend time with other program staff and community in order to get a broader picture of your organization and the community it serves

o Orient yourself to the culture of your placement site, including procedures and policies. Get a feel for—or have a formal discussion regarding the following:

Dress code Chain of command—who to go to for what Formality and language (titles, addressing others by first

or last name, etc) Telephone protocol and etiquette Computer etiquette Who might need to know where you are at all times Access to organizational information Rules of confidentiality (for client and organization) Participation in meetings Schedule and lunch breaks Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and holiday policies

Staff contact to report absences

SNAPSince the government does not recognize the AmeriCorps stipend as income, you are eligible for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) which supplement your budget for groceries. If your application is accepted, you’ll receive 200 dollars on the first of each month to use toward food products, so no toiletries. You won’t be covered for hot prepared food, like the rotisserie chicken from the deli, but you can use SNAP for the salad bar and the sushi counter. Money rolls over at the end of the month, and you can use your SNAP card in any state. To apply, go to www.eatbettertoday.com and click on “applying for food stamp benefits” in the second paragraph on the home page. There, you can fill out an online application and a case worker will contact you for an interview. Be prepared: you’ll need to bring a lot of paperwork to your SNAP interview, including proof-of-residency, pay stubs, and a document stating that your AmeriCorps stipend is not income. You will end up with a slick gold EBT card that you swipe at the register just like a credit or debit card. The process may take a few weeks, but the amount of time and paperwork is well worth it.

FEAR NOT:

The application process may take a while, but SNAP benefits are worth the wait.

Places that accept SNAP: grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets. There’s often a sign or sticker on the door of the store that indicates that the store accepts EBT. When in doubt, just ask. There are DHS offices around the state where you can apply for SNAP benefits and where you will go for an in-person interview.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Offices

Woonsocket Regional Family Center450 Clinton St Woonsocket(401) 235-6200

Pawtucket DHS24 Commerce St Pawtucket(401) 721-6600

Providence Regional Family Center206 Elmwood AveProvidence(401) 415-8521

DHS Info LineTel. (401) 462-5300

Warwick DHS195 Buttonwoods Ave Warwick(401) 736-1400

South County Regional Family Center (Stedman Center)4808 Tower Hill Rd Wakefield(401) 782-4300

Newport Regional Family Center110 Enterprise CenterMiddletown(401) 851-2100

Again, you can use EBT at farmers’ markets. At the Hope Artist Village Farmers’ Market in Pawtucket, for example, you can swipe your EBT card at the welcome desk to receive tokens that you then use to pay the vendors. Check out www.farmfreshri.org to find a farmers’ market near you.

Goddard State Park345 Ives Rd, Warwick

Barrington White Church461 County Rd, Barrington

Brown UniversityThayer St and George St, Providence

Hope Artist Village Winter Farmers’ Market1005 Main St, Pawtucket

TransportationBusesRIPTA

Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority’s bus system based out of Kennedy Plaza in Providence. Bus and trolley routes cover much of the state. Check out the Trip Planner at www.ripta.com

Cost: $2.00 per ride, $0.50 per transfer, deals offered for monthly, weekly, and 15-ride passes.

Peter Pan/Greyhound busesBased out of their station on Cemetery St, but many buses stop at Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence.401-331-7500

AirportsTF Green Airport—WarwickLogan International Airport—Boston

TrainsMBTACommuter train between Providence and Boston. (It can take you to the airport!) Fare is about $8

Amtrak100 Gaspee St, Providencewww.amtrak.com

Events Waterfire:

Picture 100 torches lit on the water at sunset, gondola rides, and local music, crafts and food vendors along the river. Waterfire is an event during the summer/fall season along the three rivers that run through downtown Providence. It’s always packed, which means it’s a prime time for people watching. http://waterfire.org

Check out the following for upcoming Festivals, Parades and statewide events:

Providence Monthly: Free magazine www.providenceonline.com/providencemonthly

The Phoenix: Most comprehensive arts-and-entertainment listing in RI www.providence.thephoenix.com

The Providence Journal (Projo): Has a good listing of events throughout RI www.projo.com

Shopping & Food by Neighborhood

TIP:

Parking is free in Providence after 6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays. Any other time, you need to feed the meters with quarters, or park on a side street and walk downtown. If you’re desperate, park at the mall; it’s $2 for up to 5 hours.

Salvation Army Thrift Storeshttp://www.satruck.com/

Savers Thrift Department Store24 Universal Blvd. Warwick, RI & East Providencewww.savers.com

PROVIDENCE

Thayer StreetWhat’s there: Vintage clothing shops, bookstores, music shops and cafes, lots of food, ice cream & coffee, CVS pharmacy.

Wickenden StreetWhat’s there: International restaurants, Coffee Exchange, antique shops, hair salons, eyeglasses, hardware stores, galleries, and cafes.

North Main StreetWhat’s there: Whole Foods, FYE, Stop & Shop, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, music stores, auto garages, and fast food restaurants.

Hope StreetWhat’s there: International restaurants (they range in price)

Wayland SquareWhat’s there: Dry Cleaner, Starbucks, Myopic Books, Daily Breaks, CVS, Restaurants, East Side Market Place (grocery), Whole Foods.

Federal Hill (Little Italy)What’s there: Lots of restaurants, Italian grocery stores and markets, Shaw’s Supermarket.

Broad StreetWhat’s there: Hispanic, African, and Asian stores/markets.

CRANSTONGarden City Shopping Center, Cranston off of Route 2: Gap, Banana Republic, Talbot’s, Bath & Body, Starbucks, Borders, Newport Creamery and more!Musical events in the summer: www.gardencitycenter.com

NEWPORTThames St. Newport: Gap (other chain shops), Tourist Shops, Only in Rhode Island, and many more.

WARWICKWarwick Mall: Old Navy, JC Penny, American Eagle, etc.Route 2 in Warwick: Target, DSW, Barnes and Nobles, etc.

SOUTH COUNTYShops in Downtown Wakefield: The Purple Cow, antique shops, music stores, etc.Wakefield Mall: Borders, Staples, Panera Bread, Shaw’s Supermarkets, etc.

MASSACHUSETTSSeekonk, MATarget, Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, craft stores, Best Buy, Ocean State Job Lot, restaurants

North Attleboro, MAEmerald Square Mall

Wrentham, MAWrentham Outlets: Banana Republic, Under Armor, Gap, and more!

Restaurants

Pizza:

Sicilia’s Pizzeria Tomato City PizzaAmazing stuffed pizza Good, cheap, pizza delivery181 Atwells Ave 1041 Branch AveProvidence Providence401-273-9222 401-273-7700

Nice Slice Fellini PizzeriaPizza by the slice, and vegan options! Good salads, too!267 Thayer St 166 Wickenden StProvidence Providence401-453-6423 401-751-6737

Asian:

Apsara HarukiAmazing Vietnamese, Cambodian Rumored to have the best sushi716 Public St 172 Wayland AveProvidence Providence401-785-1490 401-223-0332

Pho Horn’s *

*highly accessible to people with disabilities, according toAccessible Rhode Island

Fresh, authentic Vietnamese50 Ann Mary St. (off N. Main)Pawtucket401-365-6278

Indian:

India A Taste of India1060 Hope St Lunch buffet, weekdays $8 Providence 221 Wickenden St401-421-2600 Providence

401-421-4355RasoiVegan and gluten-free options727 East AvePawtucket401-728-5500

Latin American:

Restaurant Mexico Garibaldi La Arepa948 Atwells Ave Really great VenezuelanProvidence 547 Smithfield Ave401-331-4985 Pawtucket

401-335-3711 Carolina’sReal deal Dominican food 864 Broad StProvidence401-941-1333

Middle Eastern:

East Side Pockets International Pocket CafeAwesome falafel Great prices, a lot of food278 Thayer St 52 East Main RdProvidence Middletown401-453-1100 401-847-8900

Breakfast/Brunch:

The Classic Café Brickway on WickendenGreat breakfast for about $5 234 Wickenden St865 Westminster St ProvidenceProvidence 401-751-2477401-273-0707

Julian’s Restaurant

Many chain restaurants—such as Panera and Newport Creamery—are located throughout the state and very accessible to people with disabilities, but we’ve highlighted a few local favorites.

*highly accessible to people with disabilities, according toAccessible Rhode Island

Funky setting, reasonably priced brunch, but dinner is a little pricey318 BroadwayProvidence(401) 861-1770

Miscellaneous Mentionables:

AS220 Three Sisters Ice CreamCrazy good, cheap food. All local! Wraps, Salads, Ice Cream115 Empire St 1074 Hope StProvidence Providence401-831-9327 401-273-7230

Café-ish:

Coffee Exchange Seven Stars Bakery207 Wickenden St Amazing olive breadProvidence 820 Hope or 342 Broadway401-273-1198 Providence

Hope: 401-632-4496 Broadway: 401-521-2200

Bars:

The Fastnet Lili MarlenesFun run & chug group—Thursdays 6:30 Dark lighting, but free pool!1 Broadway St 422 Atwells AveNewport Providence401-845-9311 401-751-4996

Nick-A-Nee’s The Red FezBring your dog! Dim, hip atmosphere75 South St 49 Peck StProvidence Providence401-861-7290 401-272-1212

ENTERTAINMENT

Movies:

Providence Place Mall Cinema Holdings-IMAX, 3D and normal theaters East Providence10 Providence Place $2.50; $1.50 on TuesdaysProvidence 60 Newport Ave

For show listings: 1-800-315-4000 Rumford401-438-1100

Theaters/Concert Venues:

Providence Performing Arts Center* Lupo’swww.ppacri.org Small venue, so great seats220 Weybosset St all over!Providence 79 Washington St401-421-2787 Providence

401-272-5876

Trinity Repertory Theater201 Washington StProvidenceBox Office: 401-351-4242

Bowling:

East Providence Lanes Bowling Academy Inc.Dollar bowling after 9pm weekdays Duckpin (NE phenomenon)80 Newport Ave 354 Taunton AveRumford East Providence401-438-2300 401-434-5839

Trivia: Bishop Hill Tavern Eddy’s 529 Club8pm Tuesdays, $5 pitchers! 7pm Mondays2868 Hartford Ave 529 Warwick AveJohnston Warwick

Museums:

Getting Out and AboutBeachesSachuest Beach & Atlantic Beach* Second Beach Rd, Middletown

Scarborough South Beach*970 Ocean Rd, Narragansett

TIP:

Get into shows at Trinity Repertory Theater for free by volunteering as an usher!

John Reed Rd, Westport, MAIt’s in Massachusetts, but it’s about the same drive time from Providence as the beaches in South County or on Aquidneck Island. There’s also camping there from May to October.

Misquamicut State Beach*257 Atlantic Avenue, Westerly

HikingAudubon societies1401 Hope St, Bristol12 Sanderson Rd, Smithfield

Norman Bird Sanctuary583 Third Beach Rd, Middletown

Cliff WalkMemorial Blvd & Eustis Ave, NewportScenic Newport path overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and passing by mansions

Snake Den State ParkBrown Ave, Johnston

BikingEast Bay bike pathEndpoints: India Point Park in Providence and Independence Park in Bristol

Colt State park*Hope St, Bristol

Battery ParkWashington St, Newport

Blackstone River BikewayBreakneck Hill Rd, Lincoln

Roger Williams Park and Zoo*1000 Elmwood Ave785-9450

Life After AmeriCorpsResume Building Resources!

Whether you’re still in school and volunteering part time, have graduated and are doing full-time service, or are joining AmeriCorps after time in the workforce, resume building is a difficult challenge. With so many formats out

there and so many experiences to sort through, how do you know how to build the right resume for you? Below you’ll find a few resources that might help. The links provided offer templates of “before” and “after” resumes, resumes for students, graduates, and experienced workers, and resume templates for various career tracks.

During your service, you have built a diverse and impressive skill set. Build a resume that highlights your strengths and let your skills shine!

How to Make Your Resume Shine with Volunteer Activitieshttp://volunteerguide.org/volunteer/motivation/resume-building.htm

• Include your volunteer work under a heading such as "Work Experience" or "Business Experience" along with any paid work you have done. Just because you don't get paid doesn't make the work any less relevant or important.

• Give yourself relevant titles for your volunteer work. Remember, you are performing important tasks and your position is more than the label "volunteer." If you help raise money, then you are a "Fundraiser." If you are responsible for maintaining a membership list and activities, then you are a "Membership Coordinator."

• List the duties you perform. Make the descriptions accurate and professional. For example, "Responsible for exercising the special-needs dogs" is much more descriptive than "dog walker." Todd writes articles for a local environmental newsletter and lists his duties as "Part-time writer of environmental articles for a monthly newsletter. Responsible for conducting online research, conducting telephone and personal interviews, and fact checking."

• Explain any leadership qualities or skills you have acquired while performing your volunteer work. Did you have to learn a new skill, such as CPR or wildlife handling? Do you train other people? Are you responsible for coordinating others' activities? Don't overstate what you did, but make sure to give yourself credit for the talents and skills you have gained.

Resume Building Tips & Resourceshttp://www.resume-resource.com/Resume templates for every career path, “before” and “after” resume demonstrations.

What Resume Format is Best for You?http://www.quintcareers.com/best_resume_format.htmlExamples of different resume styles, sample resumes for every career stage. Top 51 Resume Tipshttp://www.job-applications.com/job-resources/top-51-resume-building-tips/

General tips to enhance every resume.

Know What You WantAn important part of finding a job that supports your quality of life is agreeing with the values held at the workplace. Examining your own values regarding work and jobs may help you refine your search after AmeriCorps.

Workplace Values and Norms:

Concept of Work

Work as Part of Identity Work as a Necessity-Work has value in and of itself -Work is the means to pay bills and meet

financial obligations-Work is an important part of your identity -Work may be satisfying, but doesn’t have

to be-You live to work -Life is too short to revolve around one’s

work-Getting things done is inherently satisfying

-Work is what you do, not who you are

Personal and Professional

Separated Intertwined-Personal matters should not be brought to work. Personal/family obligations should be scheduled around work

-It is impossible to separate personal matters from work

-Personal and professional lives should be kept separate

-You may have to interrupt work to take care of personal business

-People don’t understand if you have a family emergency

-Personal and professional lives inevitably overlap. People understand if you have a family emergency

Intensity

Professional Opportunity Comfortable Work Environment

-Professional opportunity and success are important motivators

-People want to have a pleasant work setting and good relationships with coworkers

-People want to learn, get ahead, move up their professsions, and have greater power, authority, and responsibility

-Job security is important, as well as a workplace that takes care of its employees

-Job security is not as important as making more money and advancing in one’s career

-Having more time off for family is very motivating

-More power and responsibility are not by themselves attractive, even if they mean more money

The Key to Productivity

Results Harmony-Focusing on the task ensures success -Working well with other people is the key

to harmony-People won’t always get along, but you have to move forward anyway

-Harmony in the workplace will ensure success

-Harmony is nice but results are what count

-Results bought at the expense of harmony are too costly

-Getting results is ultimately more important than how you get them

-How you get results is just as important as the results themselves

The Ideal Worker

Technical Skills People Skills-What matters most in a worker is his/her technical qualifications: education, work experience, and specific skills

-What matters most in a worker is his/her ability to work well with others and not rock the boat

-People skills are important, but they don’t contribute as much to the bottom line

-Experience and technical skills are important, but they don’t contribute as much to the bottom line

-Competence is the key to advancement -Age and seniority are important for getting promoted

Time

Monochronic Time Polychronic Time-Sticking to the schedule is more important than completing the transaction

-Sticking to the schedule is more important than completing the transaction

-A meeting should proceed without digression and people should stick to the agenda

-Distractions and digressions are inevitable and, therefore, an agenda is just a piece of paper

-Deadlines should be respected -Deadlines should be viewed and followed as approximations

-Having to wait for a scheduled appointment is an insult

-Having to wait for a scheduled appointment is normal

LIFE AFTER AMERICORPSStay involved!

DOVIA Directory of North AmericaA list of membership associations at provincial, state, and local levels for professional who lead volunteer programs. DOVIA’s are often connected to a local volunteer center—like Serve Rhode Island—or United Way.www.energizeinc.com/prof/dovia.html

Energizeinc.comAn international training, consulting, and publishing firm specializing in

volunteerism. Stay current on the latest issues and news in the field of volunteer management. www.energizeinc.com

Idealist.orgAn interactive site where you can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities and supporters, and take steps toward building a world where people can live in dignity.

Online Discussion Group for Volunteer Managershttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/cybervpm

Serve.govA comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities. Americans who are interested in volunteering can use this site to locate opportunities to serve across the country and around the world. Be sure to register your project!www.serve.gov

Volunteer MatchA nonprofit dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer. Post your volunteer opportunities. www.volunteermatch.org

Volunteering in AmericaProvides access to volunteering trends, statistics, tools, resources, and information for the country, U.S. regions, states, and major cities.www.volunteeringinamerica.gov

AMERICORPS WEB RESOURCESMy AmeriCorps Portalhttp://my.americorps.gov

What’s Next (Life After Service)http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/whatsnext

Using Your Education Award Effectivelywww.edaward.org

EnCorps ResourcesMember Training Topicshttp://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/mt_topics.php

Planning a Career Beyond the Service Yearhttp://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/laa_planning.php

AmeriCorps Alumniwww.lifetimeofservice.org

Corporation for National and Community Servicewww.nationalservice.gov

Service and Inclusionwww.serviceandinclusion.org

National Service Resource Centerwww.nationalserviceresource.org

Poverty Netwww.worldbank.org/poverty

AC ListThe AmeriCorps e-mail list is a forum for AmeriCorps programs, state commission, Training and Technical Assistance providers, staff of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and anyone else interested in AmeriCorps. Discussion focuses on training, technical assistance, and programmatic issues. Those with web access can subscribe to the AmeriCorps e-mail list by sending an e-mail to join-aclist@lists.etr.org.

Disability ListThis e-mail list has been created to facilitate communication among national service programs with disabilities including state commission disability coordinators. Join by visiting http://lists.etr.org/read/all_forums/subscribe, or e-mail join-disabilitylist@lists.etr.org

Serve Rhode Island Online NewsletterSubscribe to Serve Rhode Island’s online newsletter to stay involved and receive notifications about upcoming events. Keep an eye out for the Rhode Island AmeriCorps Alumni Association—coming soon!

RISD museum20 North Main StProvidence401 709 8402

AS220 Gallery

John Brown House Museum

52 Power StreetProvidence(401) 273-7507

Staying FitYMCAOffers discounts depending on income:Approx. $13 for membership AmeriCorps membersFind a branch near you at www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org