50+ Lifestyles

AmeriCorps service opportunities let you ‘Be the Greater good!’

By Riley Vaughan
Program Manager
City of Davenport AmeriCorps/Youth Corps program

As thousands of “Baby Boomers” head for retirement, it can leave open spaces in what was once a filled to the brim calendar of work obligations. With the free time that retirement allows, it could be a great time to consider new ways to plug into our local communities. One of those ways is through the national AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps is an organization that was founded in 1993 to engage citizens in giving back through various channels of service. Those who chose to serve in the program received a small living stipend and education award. Now in its 28th year, AmeriCorps continues to connect adults throughout the United States with opportunities for service. In Davenport, Iowa, the program aims at reducing the high school dropout rate through service at local organizations that support youth at the elementary school level. Partner organizations include the Davenport Community School District, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois, Freight House Farmer’s Market, River Music Experience, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Putnam Museum and Davenport Parks and Recreation.

These organizations all serve as “host sites” for AmeriCorps members, and are able to utilize members for enhanced services, time sensitive projects, and other opportunities that organizations would otherwise not be able to undertake. AmeriCorps members serve flexible hours ranging from 12 hours per week to 35 hours per week depending on the position. Contracts can be as short as 3 months during the summer, to a full year of service beginning in the fall. As mentioned previously, members do receive a small living stipend for expenses, and upon successful completion of a contract, are also eligible for an education award that can be used for college tuition, continuing education classes, student loans, or most importantly, can be passed to a child or grandchild if a member is 55 years or older.

AmeriCorps members serving through the City of Davenport’s program not only have the opportunity to serve at local organizations, but also receive helpful training (including CPR and Youth Mental Health First Aid training), a connection with the National Service movement through orientation, and comradery with their fellow members through various service projects. Members need only be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma to be eligible for AmeriCorps, though individual host sites do have other qualifications. If you or someone you know may be a great fit for our program, please apply through our davenportiowa.com/americorps portal, via email at riley.vaughan@davenportiowa.com or via phone at  (563) 888-3107.

Be the Greater Good!