In the last month, hundreds of AmeriCorps members across our Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP), CalPREP, and After School programs have taken the first big step into their yearlong AmeriCorps pledge by immersing themselves in service. Our members serve in diverse capacities across California, from building capacity of nonprofits behind the scenes to tutoring small groups of students in specialized subject areas. No matter their role, all of our AmeriCorps members are untied in their passion for serving our state’s children and families through National Service commitments.
It’s my pleasure to announce that for first the first time, members from across all three of our AmeriCorps programs will come together in Rohnert Park for the CalSERVES AmeriCorps Conference. We’re thrilled about this opportunity to connect our inspiring corps of individuals and can’t wait to see the passion for community service that this event will spark in our dedicated team.
In addition to the opportunity to network with and learn from participants in other programs, each of our AmeriCorps members will receive high-quality training in their area of specialty. After School Service Scholars can look forward to training in behavior management best practices and in their primary subject area (Healthy Behaviors, Literacy, or STEM) from field experts. Instructors in the After School conference track include seasoned CalSERVES staff members and some of our favorite trainers, like David Chosa and Francesca Soriano-Hersh.
VIP and CalPREP fellows will have the opportunity to receive training from some of the best in the field of volunteer management. We’re excited to have experts from OneOC, the Sonoma County Family YMCA, and our event partner, the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, lead workshops in volunteer management topics from the “Elements of Volunteerism” to the building of business partnerships for volunteering. CalPREP Fellows – who are focusing their service year on building college-readiness mentoring programs – will also receive training in our research-based mentoring curriculum.
As the hub for nonprofits in Sonoma County, the Volunteer Center is excited to support our event by sharing its expertise and understanding of nonprofit and volunteer management with our AmeriCorps team! We’re incredibly grateful for their partnership and for providing educational support through multiple presentations over the 4-day conference.
Lauren Serpa, CalSERVES Volunteer Program Coordinator
