AIDS Foundation of Chicago

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What Is the National AIDS Fund’s AmeriCorps Program?

About the Program: AmeriCorps is a federal program that engages individuals in a year of public service to address critical community problems in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs. The National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Program unites individuals and HIV/AIDS organizations to help members become leaders in the community, serve as HIV/AIDS prevention educators; HIV testers and counselors; case managers; and legal advocates. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago partners with the National AIDS Fund to administer the HIV/AIDS AmeriCorps program.

How it works: AFC recruits and interviews prospective AmeriCorps members from the end of January to the beginning of June. After eight members are selected, AFC places each participant with an agency that matches their area of interest and skill. The program begins with an orientation and training seminar in Washington, DC and then is followed by an 11-month service commitment with a Chicago-based AIDS organization. During the week, AmeriCorps members spend four days with their host agencies doing direct service work, which includes conducting HIV prevention education, HIV counseling and testing services, and care services assisting people infected and affected by HIV.

On the last day of the week, members meet for “fifth day” projects, during which the team plans and implements additional community service activities, receives further training, and supports each other's service experience. Past AmeriCorps groups have participated in urban gardening, assembled care packages for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, assisted people living with HIV shop for groceries, prepared and served meals at shelters, and talked to teenagers about comprehensive sexual education at area high schools. If your local HIV/AIDS organization would like to host AmeriCorps members for a fifth-day activity, please contact Melissa Janiszewski.

Member Benefits: The National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps/Caring Counts Program provides opportunities for members to strengthen their leadership, civic engagement, and professional development. To support their service, each member receives a modest living allowance for the year, health care benefits, child care benefits, and forbearance of student loans. In addition, all members completing a full-time term of service are eligible to receive a $5,530 AmeriCorps Education Award.

How to Apply: The National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps program is currently closed for the 2010-2011 year. Applicants are encouraged to apply for the 2011-2012 year starting in January 2011. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as admission into the program is made on a rolling-basis. The final application deadline for the 2011-2012 year is June 1, 2011.

To apply, please submit the following two applications:
1. General AmeriCorps Application (Online application available at www.americorps.gov)

2. National AIDS Fund Supplemental Application

More Information: Contact AFC’s Melissa Janiszewski at (312) 922-2322 ext 518.