CALIFORNIA
AMERICORPS
ALLIANCE
What is the California AmeriCorps Alliance
Since the inception of AmeriCorps in 1993, state Executive Directors, Program Directors and other leaders within AmeriCorps have discussed the need for an independent association that could leverage resources, provide support, and advocate for policy positions. During the summer of 2002 a small group of AmeriCorps Executive Directors and Program Directors came together to develop this type of association. Six months later, the California AmeriCorps Alliance was officially formed with a Board of Directors representing programs of all sizes and all parts of the state. Seed funding was provided by three foundations.
Our Mission...
The mission of California AmeriCorps Alliance is to support California AmeriCorps programs' capacity to achieve the highest ideals and goals of national and community service.
Our Accomplishments...
The Alliance has focused primarily on advocacy and policy development. During the crisis in 1997 the Alliance became a member of Voices for National Service and is now a member of the Voices steering committee. Martin Weinstein - CEO of Bay Area Community Resources, and Sheila Boxley - CEO of Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento sit on the steering committee and mutually contribute $10,000 to Voices. This national effort was critical to saving AmeriCorps, helping it grow, advocating for expansion leading up to passage of the Kennedy Serve America Act.
The Alliance is also represented on the California Volunteers state-wide advisory group which provides recommendations and input on policy issues.
Our goals...
The California AmeriCorps Alliance adopted the following goals:
• Focusing on Policy and Advocacy
Exploring current, pressing and critical policy issues affecting AmeriCorps programs; developing policy statements for use at the state level, and creating plans for advocating for these policies as necessary.
• Leveraging Resources
Sharing funding and in-kind resources across programs and across the state, looking for opportunities to combine forces in order to gain access to resources such as health insurance and training.
• Developing a Positive Strong Community
of AmeriCorps programs and administrative leaders through positive communication and shared accomplishments.
• Creating Opportunities to Share Best Practices and Mutual Support
Creating forums for sharing and discussing best practices in the field and offering support to program leaders as they manage the ongoing challenges of operating AmeriCorps programs.