Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership Host Organization Application Non-profit and governmental agencies are invited to apply as a host site for the 2015-2016 Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership program. In this program, an AmeriCorps Team Member(s) will be selectively matched with an organization in a one-year position beginning as early as September 15, 2015. Using a collective action network framework, this program will maximize and better align existing resources to support community education priorities. How to Apply Please complete this application to describe your organization s interest and qualifications for hosting one or more AmeriCorps Team Member(s). Organizations may apply to host more than one team member. Application Process Submit completed applications to: Office of Community Enhancement & Engagement Grinnell College, Old Glove Factory 733 Broad Street Grinnell, IA 50112 communityenhance@grinnell.edu Application Timing Applications must be received by July 31, 2015. Host organizations will be selected and notified by August 14, 2015. Eligibility Local non-profit and governmental agencies in good standing that meet AmeriCorps basic eligibility requirements, and have the capacity to host and provide a positive member experience for one or more AmeriCorps team member(s). Host Selection Host sites will be selected by the Grinnell College Program Management team. Site visits may be requested. All host sites must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements. Preference will be given to organizations with: 1) Previously demonstrated content expertise; 2) Community knowledge and collaboration; 3) Supervisory experience; and 4) Existing data collection mechanisms (if applicable). Cost Share Host organizations are required to contribute to the cost of the program. Hosts for full-time members have a cost share of $1,000 per member. Hosts for part-time members have a cost share of $500 per member.
Host Organization Application (page 2) SECTION I: ORGANIZATION DETAILS Name of Business/Organization: Type of organization: Tax ID #/Governmental Status: Contact Name: Phone Number: Address: E Mail: Organization Website: Nondiscrimination Policy: Non profit Governmental Agency Grinnell College requires host sites to be organizations that are committed to fair and unbiased practices. Does your organization have a nondiscrimination policy? Yes (If yes, please include as attachment.) No
Host Organization Application (page 3) SECTION II: BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AmeriCorps requires sites to meet basic eligibility requirements. Those requirements are listed below. Please review the list below and indicate whether your organization currently meets all of those criteria: Yes, our organization complies with these requirements No, we do not currently meet all requirements, but will be prepared to meet them by the program start date of September 1, 2015 No, we will not be able to comply with these requirements Prohibited Activities. Members are prohibited from the performing the following activities, in turn limiting host site locations: 1. Providing a direct benefit to a business organized for profit, a labor union, a partisan political organization, a nonprofit that is in violation of the restrictions in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code of 1986, providing religious instruction, worship services, providing services as part of a program that requires mandatory religious instruction or worship or constructing/operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, voter registration drives, providing abortion services or referrals for abortion services. Nonduplication and nondisplacement. In addition, programs should be mindful of the nondisplacement and nonduplication requirements: 1. Nonduplication: Corporation assistance may not be used to duplicate an activity that is already available in the locality of a program. And, unless the requirements of paragraph (f) of this section are met, Corporation assistance will not be provided to a private nonprofit entity to conduct activities that are the same or substantially equivalent to activities provided by a State or local government agency in which such entity resides. 2. Nondisplacement: a. An employer may not displace an employee or position, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours, wages, or employment benefits, as a result of the use by such employer of a participant in a program receiving Corporation assistance. b. An organization may not displace a volunteer by using a participant in a program receiving Corporation assistance. c. A service opportunity will not be created under this chapter that will infringe in any manner on the promotional opportunity of an employed individual. d. A participant in a program receiving Corporation assistance may not perform any services or duties or engage in activities that would otherwise be performed by an employee as part of the assigned duties of such employee. e. A participant in any program receiving assistance under this chapter may not perform any services or duties, or engage in activities, that: i. Will supplant the hiring of employed worked ii. Are services, duties, or activities with respect to which an individual has recall rights pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or applicable personnel procedures. f. A participant in any program receiving assistance under this chapter may not perform services or duties that have been performed by or were assigned to any i. Presently employed worker; ii. Employee who recently resigned or was discharged; iii. Employee who is subject to a reduction in force or who has recall rights pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or applicable personnel procedures; iv. Employee who is on leave (terminal, temporary, vacation, emergency, or sick); or v. Employee who is on strike or who is being locked out
Host Organization Application (page 4) SECTION III: AMERICORPS POSTIONS REQUESTED/SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS AmeriCorps members will serve a variety of different functions focusing on various action areas. Depending on interest, capacity, and expertise, sites may host one or more AmeriCorps team members. Of the 14 AmeriCorps members, which AmeriCorps position(s) would your organization like to host? (See attached member service position descriptions (pages 8 10). Member #1 (Summer Learning) Member #2 (Attendance) Member #3 (School Readiness) Member #4 (Healthy Readers) Member #5 (Skills Gap) Member # 6 (Skills Gap) Member #7 (Family and Community Engagement) Member #8 (Family and Community Engagement) Member #9 (Volunteer Infrastructure) Member #10 (Volunteer Infrastructure) N/A Member #11 (Team Leader hosted with Program Manager at GC Community Enhancement & Engagement) Member #12, #13, or #14 (After School Programs) For each of the member service positions indicated above, explain why your organization would be a good fit for that position. Please be specific about any particular subject knowledge your organization brings to that subject area.
Host Organization Application (page 5) SECTION IV: ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW AND GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS A. DESCRIPTION: Describe your organization briefly, and provide the following: Mission Statement Core Activities Org Chart (attach) B. OVERALL INTEREST Explain why your organization would like to host one or more AmeriCorps Team Member(s). What does your organization have to offer? What does it hope to gain? C. COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE and COLLABORATION: The basis of collective action is to better utilize existing community resources toward a common goal. With that in mind, please describe your organization s knowledge of the Grinnell community and any experience collaborating with other organizations. D. DATA COLLECTION: Does your organization collect any data that would be relevant to the subject position(s) you d like to host? If so, please describe.
Host Organization Application (page 6) SECTION V: WORKSITE DESCRIPTION & TRAINING, and MEMBER EXPERIENCE A. WORKSITE DESCRIPTION The AmeriCorps program requires a suitable, adequately equipped, onsite work space for each AmeriCorps team member. Please describe the space where your team member(s) will work and any computer, or other equipment that will be available to help the member with their work. B. SUPERVISOR The AmeriCorps program strives to ensure sufficient support for each AmeriCorps team member. Please provide the name of the designated supervisor at your host site and describe their experience training and mentoring employees new to the job. C. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES The program provides a unique opportunity for both formal and informal professional development for AmeriCorps team members. List any specific training or networking opportunities that you may be able to provide as part of the program.
Host Organization Application (page 7) SECTION VI: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Is there anything else the host site selection committee should know? SECTION VII: HOST ORGANIZATION PROMISE. Participating in this community wide collective action is a meaningful commitment for both the AmeriCorps team member and the host organization. Please indicate that as a participating host site, your organization will commit to the following: Cost Share. Agree to contribute $1,000 toward the cost share for each Full Time AmeriCorps Member(s) and/or $500 toward the cost share for each Part Time AmeriCorps Team Member(s) placed at your organization. Supervision. In coordination with the Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership Program Managers, regularly review the AmeriCorps team member s work and provide feedback. Timekeeping. Monitor and approve AmeriCorps team member s timecards on a regular and timely basis. Member Experience. Actively advance your AmeriCorps team member s professional development, and provide adequate work space including any necessary office equipment to advance their work. Supervisor Training and Compliance. Participate in qualifying federal and state background checks for designated supervisors, initial orientation, monthly supervisor check ins, and periodic in depth site visits focusing on member activities, financial documentation, and member supervision. Logo. Use the designated AmeriCorps program logo (to be provided), on any relevant public communications pertaining to this project. Signature Title Date With my signature, I verify that the facts put forth in this application are true to the best of my knowledge and reflect my organization s commitment to the program guidelines.
Host Organization Application (page 8) AmeriCorps Team Member #1 Summer Learning Taskforce Coordinator (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on summer learning with the goal of providing 100 percent of the district s PK third grade students with new summer learning opportunities. The host site will support the member in accomplishing two key responsibilities: 1. In consultation with the Grinnell Newburg curriculum director, Member will convene a volunteer/stakeholder task force to develop short and long term action plans to better align community efforts behind district summer learning goals. 2. In consultation with the task force, implement one summer learning pilot program as a test case. Depending on task force input, examples might include integrating unified age and context appropriate learning goals in all seven of Grinnell s summer schools and camps including 1) Grinnell Newburg Summer School program; 2) Community Daycare and Preschool Summer Camp; 3) Grinnell Regional Medical Center Summer Camp; 4) Grinnell Area Arts Council Summer Program; 5) Grinnell College Sports Camp; 6) Galaxy Youth Center Summer Camp; and 7) Drake Library Summer Program. AmeriCorps Team Member #2 Student Attendance Taskforce Coordinator (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on student attendance with the goal of providing 100 percent of the district s PK third grade students with attendance support. The host site will support the member in accomplishing two key responsibilities: 1. In consultation with the Grinnell Newburg curriculum director, Member will convene a volunteer/stakeholder task force to develop short and long term action plans to better align community efforts behind district summer learning goals. 2. In consultation with the task force, will implement one pilot program as a test case to improve attendance, such as creating an Attendance Buddies program, leveraging community volunteers to help support those students who aren t in school consistently enough to benefit from the experience. AmeriCorps Team Member #3 School Readiness Taskforce Coordinator (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on school readiness (in the areas of language and literacy, thinking skills, self control, and self confidence) with the goal of providing 100 percent of the district s PK students with school readiness support to ensure that more kids have the skills they need to start kindergarten. The host site will support the member in accomplishing two key responsibilities: 1. Convene a volunteer/stakeholder task force to develop short and long term community action plans to ensure more kids have the skills they need to start kindergarten. 2. In consultation with the task force, will implement one school readiness pilot program, such as the development of a Parents as First Teachers toolkit to help families and community stakeholders support the four school readiness skills needed for pre schoolers. AmeriCorps Team Member #4 Healthy Readers Taskforce Coordinator (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on healthy readers with the goal of ensuring that 100 percent of the district s PK third grade students have health and nutrition support. The host site will support the member in accomplishing two key responsibilities: 1. Convene a volunteer/stakeholder task force to develop short and long term community action plans focusing on improving health and nutrition. 2. In consultation with the task force, will implement one collective action pilot program as a test case, such as nutrition education outreach with other community food service providers, i.e. Grinnell College, the Mayflower Community, and Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
Host Organization Application (page 9) AmeriCorps Team Member #5 and #6 Skills Gap Taskforce Coordinators (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on the graduate skills gap initiative with the goal of ensuring that that 20 economically disadvantaged students get real life soft skill training via a first pilot class so that they graduate with soft skills valued by employers and post secondary schools. Working as team, the two AmeriCorps Team members will work with a task force comprised of district and community stakeholders and will have the same two key responsibilities: 1. To coordinate a task force to better align efforts behind community skills gap goals and develop a short and long term action plan against this goal. 2. To collaborate with the stakeholder task force to implement one employer supported, inquiry based, experiential learning class as a test. AmeriCorps Team Member #7and #8 Family/Community Engagement Taskforce Coordinators (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on family and community engagement with the goal of ensuring that 20 or more community organizations and 100 percent of families with students in grades PK 3 are aware of the AmeriCorps efforts in support of the schools so that they become actively involved in the effort. The host site will support the member in their two key responsibilities: 1. With input from a communications taskforce, develop a short and long term communication plan. 2. With input from team members 1 6, and working in partnership with the communications task force, these team members will create relevant family and community engagement materials to raise awareness of community education issues and the AmeriCorps community wide work. Examples could include convening community chats on local education issues, creating special newsletters and posters, posting on social media sites, recording public service announcements on local radio station, KGRN, and/or placing advertisements and Letters To the Editor in the local newspaper, the Grinnell Herald Register. AmeriCorps Team Members #9and #10 Volunteer Infrastructure Taskforce Coordinators (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) Focus on volunteer infrastructure and outreach efforts with the goal of establishing a one stop shop for volunteers, enabling people to connect with opportunities according to interest, skills, and time commitment so that we can identify at least 100 new volunteers willing to help with the district s educational goals. The host site will support the members in their four key responsibilities to create a more robust, coordinated volunteer infrastructure. With input from a stakeholder taskforce and team members 1 6 these members will: 1. Identify and implement a volunteer database 2. Recruit volunteers 3. Create a volunteer training system 4. Develop a long term sustainability plan to maximize volunteer impact AmeriCorps Team Member #11 AmeriCorps Member Team Leader (FT : 40 hrs/42 wks) The team leader will be part of the AmeriCorps team of members. This person will assist with activities pertaining to the training, efficacy, and esprit de corps of the AmeriCorps Team Member cohort. Working with Grinnell College s Office of Community Enhancement and Engagement, this would include: 1. Arranging member professional development activities 2. Developing reflection activities 3. Working with community partners to strengthen partnerships and improve program delivery 4. Generally communicating with program staff, site supervisors, and other members to ensure the execution of a quality program that is consistent with AmeriCorps provisions.
Host Organization Application (page 10) AmeriCorps Team Members #12 14 After School Enrichment Coordinators (PT : 2.5 hrs/day for 180 school days [450 hrs total]) Focus on after school enrichment by providing direct service in one of the community s after school programs for school aged children. The goal is to ensure that more economically disadvantaged students start and complete after school enrichment programming so that they can improve their academic performance in literacy, and or math. The ultimate outcome is for the after school programs to reinforce learning in and age and contextappropriate way providing another linkage between families and schools. The host site will support the members in their key responsibility: 1. Jumpstarting our collective action coordination by integrating age and context appropriate district learning goals into the after school program activities in consultation with the district curriculum director.