AmeriCorps is made up of three programs: AmeriCorps*State and National, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).

Within each AmeriCorps State program there is a state commission appointed by each governor to administer AmeriCorps State programs. In California this commission is currently referred to as the California Service Corps (CSC).

Created in 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation) and the California Service Corps (CSC) gives more than a million Americans opportunities to improve communities through service as AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps members are united by four common goals:

• Getting Things Done through direct and demonstrable service that helps solve community problems in the areas of education, public safety, environment, and other human needs.
• Strengthening Communities by bringing together Americans of all ages and backgrounds in the common effort to improve our communities.
• Encouraging Responsibility by enabling members to explore and exercise their responsibilities towards their communities, their families, and themselves.
• Expanding Opportunity by enhancing members’ educational opportunities, job experience, and life skills.

AmeriCorps Pledge
AmeriCorps members are further united by the 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.

AmeriCorps supports local, state, and national organizations across the nation that involve Americans in results-driven community service. AmeriCorps participants (called members) who serve full-time for 1700 hours receive a living allowance stipend and, after successful completion of their service, receive a taxable education award worth $4,725.00.

Life as an AmeriCorps Member
As an AmeriCorps member, you become responsible for your commitment to the community you serve. In exchange for this responsibility, you are offered numerous benefits and the personal satisfaction of making a difference. One of the four AmeriCorps common goals is to expand opportunities for AmeriCorps members. CAPC Corps Programs support the development of AmeriCorps members and encourages members to take responsibility for getting the most from their service term.

In order to get the most out of the AmeriCorps experience, the CAPC Corps Program provides the following recommendations for AmeriCorps members:

1. Utilize and understand your CAPC Corps Program Manual and AmeriCorps Member Agreement. Read them thoroughly and ask questions if anything is unclear.
2. At the beginning of your term of service, discuss the following with your CAPC Sacramento Support Team and/or your Service Site Supervisor: Living Allowance Stipend, Term of Service Commitment and Responsibilities, Position Description and Training Curriculum.
3. Ask for and keep a copy of important documents and paperwork, such as childcare application packets, loan forbearance forms, service hour logs, living allowance stipend stubs, etc.
4. If you have concerns about your service assignment, your benefits, or any AmeriCorps related topics, write them down as factually as possible and submit them to your service site supervisor or the CAPC Sacramento Support Team. Depending on the nature of the concern, the Service Site Agency will address your concern with the appropriate individuals.
5. If you have not received notification of your childcare or forbearance benefits after submitting the appropriate paperwork and waiting the designated amount of processing time, call the CAPC Sacramento and inquire on the status.
6. For the betterment of the CAPC Corps Program and AmeriCorps members of the future, put time and thought into completing surveys, exit forms, self-performance evaluations, project evaluations, and other evaluation tools.
7. As the AmeriCorps pledge states, you may be faced with apathy, conflict, and adversity during your AmeriCorps term of service. Be prepared to deal with these issues and remember your pledge to take action, seek common ground, and persevere.

Much of the quality of the AmeriCorps experience is embedded in the attitude of the AmeriCorps member. Those who come seeking a positive experience are rewarded with life changing opportunities. The CAPC Corps Program hopes that you will make the most of your term of service. Together, we can bring hope and strength to communities across California.