Why You Don't Have to be a Saint to Join AmeriCorps

by Meghan Oakley

Published July 21, 2009 @ 09:42AM PT

A common misconception out there is that there is that you need to have a lot of previous volunteer or community service experience to be a good candidate for AmeriCorps. I’m here to tell you that is simply not the case.

Although prior volunteer experience might be a requirement for an AmeriCorps position, this is not always the case. A lot of projects are looking for applicants with skills that can be developed in a myriad of areas. Let’s look at AmeriCorps*NCCC for an example:

When applying to NCCC, you want to focus on your experiences working with a team, adapting to or traveling to new places, and being flexible. Since NCCC members work, travel, and live together, the program is not necessarily just looking for people with volunteer experience & skills, but people with the leadership potential to work well on a team.

Teamwork, flexibility, and adaptability are three of the main things that they are looking for in an applicant. You can use the experiences that you have had in leadership situations to illustrate your capacity in those areas.

So, if you find yourself passionate about AmeriCorps, but with not a lot of previous volunteer experience, this is the best way to market yourself as a candidate:

• Figure out the specific skills that the project or program is looking for
• Show how your other (i.e. not necessarily volunteer) experiences have developed your skills in this area
• Connect how a year of service will help you improve these skills, learn more, and become a more engaged citizen

Also, don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t have a lot of community service experience. We aren’t all the Blessed Mother Teresa, but we do all need to start somewhere.

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=blessed+mother+teresa&m=text