Rebuilding Together's CapacityCorps Applicant: Frequently Asked Questions
Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps Applicant Frequently Asked Questions*
*Candidates must thoroughly read the FAQ prior to interviewing.
Where are your positions located for the class that begins in January 2009?
We currently have 12 CapacityCorps Positions open within the Rebuilding Together network, see a full list.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.
Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups such as Rebuilding Together. The Rebuilding Together’s AmeriCorps program, called the Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps is a high-impact national AmeriCorps program of 44 AmeriCorps members that will build the capacity of grassroots nonprofits through volunteer recruitment, client outreach, and direct repairs for low-income homeowners, new project implementation, community partnership development and program expansion.
The Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps is a real-life education and work experience wrapped into one. As a CapacityCorps member, you will learn teamwork, leadership, responsibility and other essential skills that will help you for the rest of your life. And you will gain the personal satisfaction of taking on challenges and seeing results.
How is the Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps program different from other AmeriCorps programs?
Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps is one type of AmeriCorps program, an AmeriCorps*National Direct program with members across the United States. Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps members will act as entry-level program managers in the areas of volunteer recruitment, construction/home repair, program development, partnership development, and client outreach. The RT CapacityCorps positions are unique, as the members will both work in professional setting and have time out in the field – a combination of hands-on experience and professional experience. Compared with a first-time job out of college, AmeriCorps members receive much more training and professional development, receive support network of other members, and get to do higher-level activities than most entry level jobs.
Our CapacityCorps positions will offer unique exposure to grassroots nonprofit management and provide excellent opportunities for leadership. RT CapacityCorps members will emerge with concrete nonprofit skills and higher-level professional experience that is hard to find in other AmeriCorps programs. CapacityCorps members take charge of a particular program area and create infrastructure so that the program can run more effectively and serve more low-income homeowners. Our members will also attend fun out of state trainings such as Orientation in New Orleans and travel to the Gulf coast affected by Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita twice during the 11 months of service for week-long home rebuilding projects – with transportation and lodging expenses paid for by the CapacityCorps program. Our members receive extensive training and professional development that will help them further their careers or pursue graduate school.
What is “Capacity Building?”
In simple terms, “capacity building” is a process that helps a program or organization enhance its mission, strategy, skills, systems, infrastructure, and human resources to better serve community needs. AmeriCorps members in Rebuilding Together’s CapacityCorps will help grassroots Rebuilding Together affiliates in increasing their impact, effectiveness and efficiency by working in specific program areas such as: recruiting and managing volunteers, performing direct home repair, doing outreach to find homeowners to serve, building community partnerships and creating new programs. Some CapacityCorps positions work in one specific area – but most positions work on 2-3 program areas. For example, a Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps Program Services Coordinator might recruit volunteer teams, develop relationships with skilled labor groups and conduct presentations in the community to find more low-income homeowners to serve.
How many Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps positions are there?
There are 44 full-time CapacityCorps positions in 24 Rebuilding Together affiliates in 16 states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Washington. Candidates may apply for positions in more than one location and individuals can relocate for their positions, although no relocation expenses are covered by the program.
How do I know if I am eligible?
To be eligible for AmeriCorps service, you must have a high school diploma or GED; some college or a college degree is preferred. You must be over the age of 18, a US Citizen, a US national or a legal permanent resident of the US. Candidates must satisfactorily pass applicable State Criminal background check(s) and a National Sex Offender Public Registry Check.
What is your ideal candidate?
The ideal candidates have an interest in housing, poverty, and nonprofits, a dedication to community service and improving the lives of low-income people, effective communication skills and ability to show initiative. We love self-starters who can dive in, take ownership and develop their vision. We look for energetic individuals with a commitment to helping others, and excellent organization/writing/presentation skills.
Am I too old or too young for this? Will I “fit in?”
The minimum age is 18, with no maximum age limit. All ages and experiences are welcome – the CapacityCorps program will have members ranging from recent college graduates to retirees. Recent college grads, retirees, stay-at-home moms looking to return to the workforce and those looking for second careers or experience in nonprofits are welcome! Persons of color and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”
What are the basic requirements for members in your program?
1.) All members must be available to serve 1700 hours over the course of an 11 month term of service starting January 13, 2009- December 13, 2009. This averages out to be full-time for 38-40 hours a week. Members may be in school part time and hold outside part time employment, as long as it does not interfere with service.
2.) All members will participate in volunteer recruitment activities at their host sites, but each position has unique duties.
3.) Every member is required to attend a mandatory week-long CapacityCorps Orientation in Lafayette, LA January 13-23, 2009 (travel, food and lodging are paid for by the program) and participate in (2) week-long service projects in the gulf in January 2009 (as part of orientation) and May 2009 rebuilding homes for those affected by Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita.
4) All members must complete monthly and quarterly reports on their activities.
What would I be doing if I joined?
CapacityCorps members will help Rebuilding Together affiliates build their capacity to assist additional low-income homeowners by recruiting volunteers, finding qualified clients, rebuilding or repairing homes directly, building relationships in the community, expanding programs or creating new programs. Members will work both in an office setting and get out into the community, depending on the position.
What training will I receive?
CapacityCorps members will attend a mandatory orientation in Lafayette, LA January 13-23, 2009 on program requirements, nonprofit management, volunteer recruitment and other topics. After returning from orientation, the member will begin service on Monday, January 26, 2009 and receive a two-week orientation at their Rebuilding Together host site on their duties, Rebuilding Together’s mission and the community. Members will also receive regular mentoring and support from their Host Site Supervisor and have ample opportunities to ask questions and learn new skills. Throughout the year, members can participate in bi-weekly trainings provided by the RT CapacityCorps program on various nonprofit management topics. Towards the end of the service year, members will receive training on career searching, resume writing, how to apply to graduate school and how to apply for careers in the government and nonprofit sectors.
Does your program provide housing?
No. The CapacityCorps is a nonresidential program – members secure their own housing. The host sites and national CapacityCorps staff are available to assist members that relocate in finding safe and affordable housing.
Are my transportation costs covered? Do I have to have a car?
Some transportation costs are covered when performing service in the community, but transportation to-and-from home to the host site (work) are not covered. Like any job, you are expected to find your own way to get to work, whether it is driving, carpooling, busing or biking. Some Rebuilding Together host sites require members to have cars, some do not. This will be discussed during interviews with the Rebuilding Together host sites.
What benefits do Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps members receive?
Members receive a modest living allowance of approximately $11,500 over 11 months ($1,045 per month before taxes), and health care coverage while in service. The living allowance is not a wage and does not fluctuate based on the number of hours a member serves in a given time period. Members receive the living allowance bi-weekly (every 14 days), and it is taxable. After completing the 11 month term of service, members may receive an Education Award of $4,725. During service, members may defer qualified student loans, and interest accrued will be paid by the federal agency CNCS (for qualified loans). The Education Award may be used to help pay off qualified student loans or to finance college, graduate school or vocational training. Some 50 colleges and universities around the country increase the value of the Education Award for qualified tuition and cost of attendance.
How Do AmeriCorps Members Afford to Do Full-Time Service for a Year?
Most of AmeriCorps members find that although they by no means live luxuriously, they can cover their basic living expenses with careful budgeting. AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, health coverage (monthly premium is paid by the program), and child care for those who qualify. While serving in AmeriCorps, student loan payments can be deferred and interest accrued will be paid by the federal agency. Members are usually eligible for food stamps, low-income energy assistance and other assistance. Overall, AmeriCorps members experience personal growth, learn new skills, acquire qualities of leadership, and gain a sense of satisfaction from directly improving the lives of low-income people.
Do CapacityCorps members serve on holidays, get vacation or weekends off?
Members typically work traditional 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. professional schedules, but some occasional evening and weekend availability will be required. Members currently in school may inquire about schedule options with host sites, but certain limitations may apply. CapacityCorps members take holidays on the same days the affiliate staff, but do not accrue service hours on these days. On average, 7-10 vacation/sick days can be taken, and service can still be completed within 11 months.
I can’t start on the program start date; can I still apply and start late?
The program start date of January 13, 2009 is not flexible. Members must attend the program orientation in Lafayette, LA the week of January 13-23, 2009. The first day at their Rebuilding Together host site is January 26, 2009. The term of service ends on December 13, 2009.
What is the Education Award?
The education award is a voucher that may be used to repay qualified existing or future student loans, to pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs). The $4,725 education award is received upon successful completion of a term of service and is taxable. The Education Award is nontransferable.
Do I have to pay my student loans while serving with AmeriCorps?
Most federal student loans qualify for forbearance (i.e. deferment) during your term of service. Check with your lender to determine whether your loans qualify for forbearance while you are completing "national service" with AmeriCorps.
How long does the application process take? Who do I contact with more questions?
Interviews will take place in October-November 2008. The first step in the application process is to complete the application online at www.americorps.org, then email Emily Finnan, Associate Director of National Service Programs, your resume and cover letter at eFinnan@rebuildingtogether.org or call 1-800-473-4229 x 2518 with questions. Please let us know if you require alternative formats.