Monday, October 22, 2012

The Chicago Area Peace Corps Association is hosting their inaguaral Global Trivia Night at 
Black Rock Pub (3614 N. Damen, Chicago) this Wednesday night.



Doors open at 6 p.m. TRIVIA STARTS AT 7 p.m.

COST: $20 per person. ($10 for RPCVs ret
urned in last six months)

Pay at the door. Includes free CAPCA t-shirt or PC poster.

Play as a team (6 people max) or individually. (If you don't have a team, come anyway and find a team!)

GRAND PRIZE: $100 Visa gift card, RPCV calendar and adoration by the RPCV community

RAFFLE prizes includes 2 tickets to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,
yoga classes and other items.

*** RSVP BY OCT. 22 by filling out this form ----->
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGlhcS03QU5TcS0yWWxpSDFNYnFYUnc6MQ

Proceeds go toward funding Peace Corps Partnership Projects led by Chicago area PCVs working abroad.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

ClickTheCause ~ Fundraising Opportunity

ClickTheCause Business Summary

ClickTheCause.org is a website that connects local businesses and people to great projects happening in their communities. It is a platform that offers the tools and most importantly, the information for people to make a difference locally. Unique to ClickTheCause, is its crowd-funding method for raising funds for nonprofits. Crowd-funding describes the participation of a group (a community) that collectively pools funds to fulfill an obligation. On ClickTheCause anyone can support a project with as little as $1. As people spread the message, funds accrue to reach the final financial goal. Once funded, donations will be directed to the respective nonprofit and supporters are updated on the successful execution of the project.

The mission of ClickTheCause is to encourage people and businesses to transform their communities through collective philanthropy. We partner with nonprofits to help make this happen. Inherent and explicit in our mission is our principals of transparency, impact, and unity. We believe that together, people can make incredible changes given a clear need that provides a recognizable impact.



Description of Website:

The homepage of ClickTheCause is an interactive map that allows donors to find and choose a city to support. From there, they are led to a city-site that lists active projects in that community. Donors then choose, support, and share the project amongst their friends. ClickTheCause offers a variety of tools so donors can share projects through Facebook, Twitter, and Email.

For nonprofits, uploading a project is completely free. There are no out of pocket costs or risks associated. Funds only incur a 5% administrative fee when the project has reached its funding goal. This is nominal compared to many marketing and outreach initiatives. ClickTheCause also sends acknowledgements and tax-receipts on behalf of the organization to its donors. Nonprofits receive one check from ClickTheCause, totaling 95% of their funding goal. ClickTheCause provides small/medium organizations the ability to reach a new group of donors, effectively and inexpensively.

ClickTheCause, launched in August 2012, is a 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization headquartered in Michigan and owned and operated by CEO & Founder Alexx Poston. ClickTheCause will initially serve the Detroit and Chicago areas, with plans to grow to other major cities in the near future.

Right now, the first 50 groups to upload a project will get an automatic $50 toward their final goal!!!!

Monday, August 27, 2012

AmeriCorps Alums in the White House!

Last week, we were afforded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  We were invited to attend a meeting at the White House!  When Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums, Ben Duda, sent an email a couple weeks ago offering a chance to RSVP to attend an all-day summit at the heart of national government, we were skeptical.  As incredible as it sounded, it sounded too unreal to be true.  I did not anticipate being chosen.

Much to our surprise, a couple weeks later, we were sent official word that we were, in fact, invited to the White House.  The excitement was palpable as we made plans to embark, a week later, on this incredible journey.

When we dug deeper into research about this opportunity, we learned that our meeting was part of a series hosted by the White House called Champions of Change.  The series honors everyday Americans who are doing great things and making positive change in their areas of expertise.  Our event was focused on alumni of AmeriCorps.  Around 150 of us were invited as participants, while 12 were honored directly as Champions.

Our morning started bright and early at 8:00am with a group photo in front of the White House.  My friend and I even saw what we were pretty sure was Bo, the Obamas’ family dog, run by across the yard!


From there, after receiving our badges from security, our group was led in to an auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office.  Only after this visit did I learn of the Eisenhower building.  Though the iconic White House serves as the home for the Presidential family and houses many important items of memorabilia, much of the work done by the administration happens in another building on the White House grounds: the Dwight D. Eisenhower Administrative Building.  It was here, at this hub of productivity, that we spent our day.

Once settled in the auditorium, we were greeted by Victoria McCullough, a staff member with the Office of Public Engagement, who guided us through our upcoming day.  Ben Duda, Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums, also welcomed us to the event.

From there, the formal morning programming began.  Jack Lew, White House Chief of Staff, graced us with a brief welcome.  Mr. Lew told us how he had been involved in the initial talks about founding the Corporation, and was proud to say that now, AmeriCorps is “at the point of political recognition because AmeriCorps Alums are a bi-partisan, with both Democratic and Republican supporters.”  It was the beginning of a great series of reassurances that the members of this administration already believed in the value of AmeriCorps!

Next, Wendy Spencer, Executive Director of the Corporation for National and Community Service, spoke.  Ms Spencer’s relatively recent entrance to her position meant that her enthusiasm was glowing and contagious.  She spoke brightly of the work done by AmeriCorps members, and offered some impressive statistics.  Among others, she noted:

-          AmeriCorps members have served over one billion hours

-          There are now over 750,000 AmeriCorps alums

What exciting numbers!  After, Ms. Spencer proceeded to ask us in the audience for stories of how our AmeriCorps service time had been influential.  Many, many alums volunteered their experiences.  From a teacher who influenced a dropout child to go back to school, to a Kenyan man who applied his service knowledge back to his home in Kenya, to an NCCC alum who rebuilt some of the few structures on the Gulf to survive being pummeled by massive hurricanes, the stories we heard were heartfelt and inspiring.  

Jon Carson, White House Director of Public Engagement, who is himself a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, was also involved in early work with AmeriCorps.  He spoke about how “there’s a political debate right now about what role federal government should have with service” given the current economic climate.  In spite of this, he wanted to assure us that the federal government of this administration was on the side of service, which was an overarching theme for the day.  Mr. Carson was very interested in the perception of federal government in service, and solicited advice from the larger audience about how the federal government should be involved. 

We also heard from Macon Phillips, Director of Digital Strategy, who is himself an AmeriCorps Alum.  He proudly wore his old program shirt, which he told us his wife wouldn’t let him wear anymore.  Mr. Phillips’s talk was lively and entertaining.  His most poignant thought, we felt, was his opinion that the role of government, like the role of service, was to create capacity for others.  Further, we could all relate when he noted that AmeriCorps alums weren’t the kind of people who did their year of service, then decided to go back to being a jerk again.  We are of the informed and active citizenry, and this is a vital asset to our country. 

These talks were just the beginning.  Over lunch, we were invited to attend a variety of breakout sessions, ranging from topics as diverse as education, veterans affairs, and engaging young Americans.  The sessions were led by senior members of the various offices who were most directly involved with the various topics. 

Though I can only speak for the session I attended, the breakout session was perhaps the best part of the day.  Luke Tate, a policy maker at the White House, led a discussion called “Economic Opportunity: Alleviating Poverty and Community Development,” in which he asked the group what ideas we had for how the federal government could work to enhance the capacity of organizations, and how they could improve upon existing government programs. 

In addition to being an enlightening, interesting, and multi-sided conversation, what struck me the most was Mr. Tate’s sincere engagement with us.  After each person spoke, Mr. Tate replied thoughtfully and honestly to their main points, explaining programs that were already in place or were in planning stages that were addressing their concerns, or taking notes about issues that were yet unaddressed.  Throughout the conversation, it was evident that Mr. Tate was seeking out our advice, and that he really appreciated our ideas and concerns.  I left feeling extremely well-supported by the White House administration, and much more confident in our federal government’s good intentions. 

After lunch, we re-convened in the auditorium to hear more about the Champions of Change.  As mentioned, this program highlights everyday Americans who are doing extraordinary work in their fields.  We met the twelve recipients of the Champions of Change award through their time answering questions on a panel.  Many of the questions came from a moderator, but they also solicited audience advice.

The Champions came from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but each was an Alum of an AmeriCorps program.  Many still work in the non-profit sector, often as a direct outgrowth from their term of service.  Others have found roles for themselves in the corporate world in which they incorporated service to their companies.  There was also an Olympic hopeful in the sport of Skeleton.

While all were replete with great advice, some of our favorite advice came from one of the ladies who worked in Corporate Social Responsibility.  When asked how to translate our AmeriCorps service into meaningful job experience on a resume, she offered three key pieces of advice:

1.       Spin translation: present your AmeriCorps service in the kind of terminology that matches what the employer is looking for.

2.       Find a mentor: learning how others have paved the way in similar circumstances can be tremendously helpful in carving out your own career path.

3.       Be quantitative: companies like to see measurable results of success, so any numbers you can offer to show your achievements are a good idea for a corporate resume.

They also reminded us that AmeriCorps is already taking the unconventional path, in the grand scheme of things, so don’t be afraid to continue taking the way of the unconventional.  If there isn’t a job out there for you, don’t be afraid to try to make one. 

After the panels, we also had a surprise speaker.  No, it was not who you think.  It was, however, an AmeriCorps Alum who is an Olympic medalist.  Tim Morehouse had only landed in the United States after the London games two days prior, where he competed with the men’s fencing team.  He joked that by referring to him as a “special guest” we had really been set up for disappointment.  However, his inspiring talk about how his AmeriCorps service had influenced his Olympic success was special.  Mr. Morehouse challenged us all to go out and recruit more AmeriCorps members.  He himself had already been talking up Teach for America, his alma mater of service, to the White House intern who had been helping us throughout the day. 

Though the entire day was inspiring and thought-provoking, by the end, I think we were all a little tired, so the last speech came at exactly the right time.  Ben Duda, Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums, energized everyone with his enthusiasm and calls to action.  He also shared his progress in his work to increase AmeriCorps reputability with an exciting announcement: for all Points of Light applications, there will be a specific question asking applicants to list all of their volunteer experience, including AmeriCorps experience.  It’s an exciting step in the right direction. 

We all left our nation’s capital early the next morning feeling re-energized in our commitment to service. It is not often we have the chance to meet so many influential people in our field in such an incredible setting, and we gained tremendous insight, inspiration, and confidence from the whole experience.  We hope to carry this passion and energy beyond the walls of the White House, and to continue to live out the AmeriCorps pledge to Get Things Done!    


(from left) Bevin Callan, Caitlin Closser, Meggan Runner

Sunday, August 26, 2012

With summer winding down and a busy season ahead, your Chicago chapter of AmeriCorps Alums along with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers is hosting an end-of-summer barbecue and Pre-9/11 Day of Service Kick Off.



End of Summer Cookout!

When: Friday August 31, 2012 4pm-7pm
Where: Oz Park, 2021 N. Burling Ave, Chicago
What: Kick-off to 9/11 National Day of Service Cookout
Who: AmeriCorps Alums, current AmeriCorps members, and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Why: Network, learn about volunteer projects to participate in for 9/11 National Day of Service, and have fun!

We will be grilling burgers (beef and black bean) and hotdogs and accepting donations for these edibles. Bring food to share if you would like as well!

See you at Oz Park!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Help Save National Service!

Chicago National Service Strategy Session

When: Tuesday, July 24th
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Where: 1012 N. Noble St., Rm 104, Chicago, IL 60642
RSVP to Maura Cook at maura.e.cook@gmail.com
What: Join us for a strategic conversation on national service in Chicago. As a service stakeholder and community leader your participation is vitally important.

Monday, June 18, 2012

AAC's Chicago Top 10 List: No. 10 - Wicker Park

The "heart of Wicker Park" -
Damen, North Ave, and Milwaukee Ave intersection
Experience the sights, sounds and diversity in the old and new that has attracted such a wide variety of shop owners, art galleries, theaters, restaurants, clubs and bars to this unique area.
Taking a walk through this neighborhood and the adjacent Bucktown is like strolling through a work of art. The lighting of the streets, cafes, window shopping, neon signs, the movement of the elevated trains, the accelerating pace of urban change – all these add up to more than idle spectacle. Explore the area through its restaurants and shops, its history and architecture and churches, and its inhabitants. There truly is something for everyone in this quirky, artsy and forward-looking community. But don't take it from a resident, check it out for yourself.

Take the #3 Bus from McCormick Place to Jackson and Michigan. Walk to the blue line at Jackson and Dearborn (2 blocks). Take the Blue Line towards O'Hare Airport and get off at Damen.

Murals; record, book and comic stores; people watching -
you will always find something worth checking out in Wicker Park.

AAC's Chicago Top 10 List: No. 9 - Lincoln Park Zoo

A favorite spot for the budget conscious individual, Lincoln Park Zoo is a completely free, open to everyone, easy to access city zoo. You might think a free zoo would have little more than a few goats and a peacock; but this one surpasses any expectations. While it is one of the oldest zoos in the country, it is also one of the most modern, with state of the art habitats and top-of-their-field veterinarians and zookeepers. Its design complements yet contrasts the city so that a visit is a bit of an escape; lions, primates, zebras and exotic birds are just a few of the many attractive and thoughtful exhibits. More than anything else, the Lincoln Park Zoo seeks to educate its visitors about conservation, science and animals and use its inhabitants as ambassadors for the voiceless many they represent.

Take Bus #3 from McCormick Place to Randolph and Michigan. Transfer to Bus # 151 which heads straight to the zoo.

What is it about visiting a zoo that brings out the kid in us?
Maybe its the wonder and beauty inspired by its permanent residents.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

AAC's Chicago Top 10 List: No. 8 - Water Taxi

A water taxi putters past the Field Museum.
Take a water taxi from museum park to Navy Pier. One of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions, Navy Pier offers great views of the city, a boardwalk, shopping and dining, a ferris wheel, and is the home to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Chicago Children's Museum, and WBEZ, Chicago's public radio station. While all of these attractions are worth checking out, the journey to the pier is possibly the highlight when it is made by water taxi, starting from Museum Campus. Museum Campus Chicago is a 57-acre Lake Michigan lakefront park that surrounds three of the city's most notable museums, all dedicated to the natural sciences: the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History. The dock at the campus is a short 1.5 mile taxi or bus ride from McCormick Place. Shoreline Sightseeing offers water taxi boat rides between docks at Museum Campus and Navy Pier. This half-day trip is truly an experience - taking in views of the city from beyond the shore of Lake Michigan while boating amidst cool freshwater spray are worth the trip alone.... Umm, can you tell that we love our city yet?

To get to Museum Campus by bus, take Bus #3 that stops in front of McCormick place and get off at Roosevelt and Michigan. Then transfer to Bus #146 that will take you the last 5 minutes to the museums. Once there, a water taxi ticket can be purchased for $7. Water taxis leave every 20 minutes.

Navy Pier is lots of fun in the summertime. Beer garden, food vendors and live music sound ok?



Friday, June 15, 2012

AAC's Top 10 List: No. 7 - Chicago Pride Fest

It's all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest! Slated to be held June 22-23, 2012 - immediately before Chicago's iconic Pride Parade on June 24 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer. Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance,this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community. Since this event celebrates the unique identity of the individual, anyone and everyone is invited to attend. If you plan to be in Chicago in the days following NCVS, this event is inescapable as hints of the hilarity on Halsted can be spotted citywide.

Public transportation is encouraged as the best way to get to the festival. The CTA Red Line "L" (Belmont, Addison stops) or Brown Line "L" (Belmont) are conveniently located just a few blocks from the festival. For routes, directions and connections, call 773.836.7000 or visit www.transitchicago.com.

The Chicago Pride Parade attracts about 500,000 attendees

Thursday, June 14, 2012

AAC's Top 10 List: No. 6 - Chinatown

Chicago is a city composed of small towns, each a neighborhood with a distinct identity and history. Chinatown may be one of the most colorful and varied neighborhoods of the more than 77 within city limits. It isn't as large, noisy, or touristy as the Chinatowns in NYC or San Francisco, but it is home to a vibrant community of Chinese Chicagoans. Visit this lively community when you are in town for the Conference - it's within walking distance of McCormick Place and offers excellent dim sum and other dining options. If a full meal isn't what you're looking for, wander the streets to see how the Chinese influence blends with the local architecture, peek into a shop or two, and order a delectable bubble tea smoothie with tapioca balls. Then walk over to Ping Tom Park (pictured below) that borders the river and enjoy the view of the loop.

Tom Ming Park is a gem on the edge of Chinatown. It sits along the river where visitors can view the vacant warehouses across the street or glance further upstream to catch a peak of the Willis Tower - depending on your aesthetics.

A view towards the gate of Chinatown.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

AAC's Top 10 List: No. 5 - The Signature Lounge (John Hancock Center)

Located on the 96th story of the John Hancock Center - one of Chicago's best known skyscrapers and great examples of modernist architecture - the Signature Lounge offers the finest nighttime bird's view of Chicago and surrounding area that can be found outside of an airplane. For the cost of a (moderately overpriced) cocktail, take in the stunning view, avoid the lines and price tag of the Willis Tower or Hancock Center observation decks, and fight vertigo with your first firmly gripping a tasty beverage. There isn't a bad seat in the house with floor to ceiling windows and the bar in the center of the room. AAC members love to take visitors to this memorable spot - we are mesmerized every time.

Located in Streeterville at 875 N Michigan Ave. Take the #3 bus all the way up Michigan from McCormick Place.

The John Hancock Center has the city's best view of the loop
because it is situated to the north of it. 



Monday, June 11, 2012

AAC's Top 10 List: No 4 - Chicago Cultural Center

One of Chicago's beautiful historic landmarks, the Chicago Cultural Center building was the city's first public library when it was built in 1897. It now houses more than 800 free cultural programs a year, including lectures, film screenings, music, theater and dance, and art exhibitions. Those conference goers staying in Chicago until Friday, June 22 can catch a Chicago Gospel Music Festival performance at the Center - and we dare you to find a greater concentration of Chicago-centric culture than that! If you won't be in town long enough, stop by to take in an ongoing exhibition or program, like Morbid Curiosity: The Richard Harris Collection, which explores the iconography of death across cultures and centuries. It's the perfect balance for visitors having just a little too much fun.

The magnificent Tiffany glass dome in Preston Hall at the
Chicago Cultural Center is worth a peak alone.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

AAC's Chicago Top 10 List: No. 3 - Taste of Randolph Street

Chicagoans highly anticipate summertime after seemingly endless winters. Many locals associate summer with sauntering through a neighborhood street festival. The diversity of our city’s neighborhoods are showcased by a line-up of street festivals throughout the summer. Taste of Randolph Street is one of the most popular and it is taking place during the pre-con weekend! Situated along one of the most famous restaurant corridors, the fest features street-friendly tastes from many hip restaurants, unique shopping, and an incredible line-up of live music - all for $10. Check out the music line up and other offerings, as well as directions and transportation options, at the Taste of Randolph Street's website.


A view of Randolph Street, with Chicagoans and visitors alike
enjoying summertime, during a past fest.

Friday, June 8, 2012

AAC's Chicago Top 10 List: No. 2 - Portillo's Hot Dogs

One of the best ways to experience Chicago is through its food culture. Chicago has international status as a restaurant destination city, but much of the culinary inspiration that the city provides can be traced back to the Chicago-style hot dog. Get to know the flavor of our city at Portillo's, a street-food style restaurant long-loved by many and a must for every visitor. Visit the River North location at 100 W Ontario Street to taste the flavor profile shaped by Chicago tradition.


Chicago Style Dog - Relish, hot pepper, onion, yellow mustard,
tomato, celery salt - and don't forget the pickle - on a poppyseed bun.

Free Pre-Conference Event

AmeriCorps Alums Pre-Conference - Sunday, June 17, 2012, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM McCormick Place West, Room W179A -- FREE
AmeriCorps Alums, in partnership with the AmeriCorps Alums Chicago chapter and AmeriCorps networks in the Chicago area, is convening alumni of all AmeriCorps programs to share stories of service, network with Alums from Chicago and across the country, and determine how the national organization AmeriCorps Alums can best support continued engagement and life after AmeriCorps.   

This event is free and open to conference attendees and local Chicago-land alumni of all AmeriCorps programs. PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE USING LINKS BELOW

The Pre-Conference event includes a reception, hosted by the Peace Corps, where AmeriCorps Alums and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers can connect and celebrate a shared commitment to service.  The reception location is within walking distance from the conference center: Weather Mark Tavern 1503 South Michigan Avenue  Chicago, IL 60605 (www.weathermarktavern.com/)

Conference attendees please pre-register for session (SID 3002) here: http://pol.expoplanner.com/?do=reg.flow&event_id=4

Local AmeriCorps alumni (Chicago AmeriCorps Alums Chapter members, as well as alumni of any AmeriCorps program encouraged to attend) please register here: http://www.americorpsalums.org/event/ACAlumsNCVSPreCon 

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Top Three Things to Know Before Visiting Chicago

Top Three Things Before Visiting Chicago



1. Learn about the CTA - Chicago Transit Authority (http://www.transitchicago.com/):

We love our mass transit in Chicago, and the CTA's website is an excellent reference for getting around the city. Check the site for directions, maps and schedules of trains and busses, and even estimated arrival times. You can also download apps to your phone for arrival times when you're out on the town. We like for iPhone and for Androids.



2. Find out more about Chicago at Explore Chicago (http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html):

A great source of general info about the city, different neighborhoods, and sights you should check out. Chicago also has a great selection of summer festivals. If your travels extend through either weekend, just type "festivals" into the search field for some options!



3. Keep updated on AmeriCorps Alums Chicago:
Follow our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/americorpsalumschicago?ref=ts) and check our blog (http://americorpsalumschicago.blogspot.com/) for updates about all the events we're planning during the conference. Plus, check us out in the coming days for our top ten favorite things to do in Chicago.


Welcome to Chicago! Hope to see you at the conference!



AmeriCorps Alums Chicago

AAC's Chicago Top 10 List: No. 1 - Millennium Park


In anticipation of the upcoming National Conference on Volunteering and Service, hosted in Chicago from June 18 - 20,  AmeriCorps Alums Chicago provides our own take on the top 10 things to check out while in the Second City. Visit our blog or Facebook page each of the 10 days leading up to the conference to find great things to do to experience Chicago after or between conference sessions!
  1. Millennium Park - At the heart of the city, Millennium Park provides a green and cultural oasis to city residents and visitors alike. Discover a state-of-the-art collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provide the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours, and family activities. Downtown Sound, the highly anticipated free Monday night concert series, features musicians throughout the summer. Check out indie rocker groups Cloud Cult and Judson Claiborne on Monday, June 18.
Take the #3 bus from McCormick Place up Michigan avenue. Get off when you see the park on your right.

 
Cloudgate, dubbed "The Bean", in Millennium Park
The Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park hosts concerts and events all summer


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Volunteering at NCVS - Extended

Fellow Alums--good news!  The opportunity to volunteer with the National Conference on Volunteering and Service has been extended until the end of this week.  You can still sign up to be a volunteer leader for the following shifs:

6/17-
5:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.

6/18-
5:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m.

6/19-
5:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m.

6/20-
5:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

You'll still get the same awesome benefits:

- Attend conference sessions on the day you volunteer
- Network with non-profit leaders from all over
- Being part of this exciting and energizing event

Come join us, and spread the word to other alums!  Remember to sign up as a Volunteer Leader, and as an AmeriCorps Alum.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Volunteer at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service

The 2012 Conference on Volunteering and Service is the biggest conference of the year for the nonprofit and public service sector and this year it is being hosted in Chicago! Conference organizers have asked AmeriCorps Alums Chicago to reach out to our network of talented, service driven alumni to recruit Volunteer Leaders.

Volunteer Leaders will be assisting with Evaluations, Plenary Greeting and other tasks at conference sessions. Volunteer Leaders are needed for the following time shifts:

Saturday, June 16
10:00 AM - 5:00PM

Sunday, June 17
5:30 AM - 11:00AM
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monday, June 18
5:00 AM - 11:00 AM
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
1:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, June 19
5:00 AM - 11:00 AM
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
1:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, June 20
5:00 AM - 11:00 AM
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The conference features such keynote speakers as First-Lady Barbara Bush and  Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. An AmeriCorps Alum attendee would normally pay $550 to attend. Being a Volunteer Leader is a FREE way to enjoy many of the conference's perks, including:

   -Attending conference sessions
   -Networking with nonprofit leaders from across the country
   -Participating in the world’s premiere conference for nonprofit, government, corporate, education and faith-based organizations!

*****To volunteer, choose a time shift and contact event coordinator, Laken Sullivan at lsullivan@pointsoflight.org. Be sure to mention that you are from the AmeriCorps Alums Chicago network!*****