AmeriCorps FAQ

So from reading the first two comments on the blog (thanks, Sarah and Andrew!), I realize that I might have jumped the gun on things a little bit. Already, I've blasted off into cross-eyed ramblings on cats, childhood memories and freaky dreams, but I haven't actually explained what this whole AmeriCorps thing is about.

Here, then, are some basics for you to gnaw on...

Q: What the hell is Jeremy doing with himself?

A: Jeremy, misguided dreamer that he is, will be serving in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). The program, for ages 18 to 24, places participants into small teams that complete a variety of service projects over a 10-month period.

All projects fall into five broad categories: natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation and urban and rural development. Each team completes about four to six projects during the year.

Q: Oh. Uh... my condolences. Where will he be doing all of this stuff?

A: Jeremy will be stationed on a campus in Perry Point, Md., which lies halfway between Baltimore and Philadelphia. That campus serves the "Atlantic Region," which includes Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont... and — what the hell? — Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For service projects located farther than 60 miles from campus, Jeremy and his teammates will go out "on spike," staying at accommodations provided by the project's sponsor. These commitments can last several weeks at a time, meaning that members usually spend more time on spike than at the AmeriCorps campus.

Q: When does he start?

A: His term runs from Feb. 8 to Nov. 18, 2010.

Q: Does he have to pay his own way?

A: Not really. Jeremy will be living comfortably off of your hard-earned tax dollars, enjoying complimentary room and board, a biweekly living allowance and an education award of "more than $5,000," assuming he competes the required number of service hours.

Q: Is Jeremy going to come out of this thing brainwashed?

A: Possibly. Reprinted below is the AmeriCorps Pledge:

"I will get things done for America, to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.
Faced with apathy, I will take action.
Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will persevere.
I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps Member, and I will get things done."

So, yeah... he might be a bit insufferable and self-righteous the next time you see him. Just humor him, nod your head sympathetically as he sermonizes about "renewing our commitment to America," and back away slowly. SLOWLY.