What is AmeriCorps? 

AmeriCorps is frequently referred to as the “domestic Peace Corps”; instead of going abroad to serve people in need, you can help in your own community!
 
AmeriCorps programs are found in every state.  Each program has their own name, focus and mission as determined by their community’s most compelling needs.

People interested in serving their community join AmeriCorps and become AmeriCorps members.  Then, they embark on an exciting experience of training, learning new skills and broadening their own horizons by helping others.

For their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance and an education award.

 What is Rockland County AmeriCorps?

Rockland County AmeriCorps (RCA) was founded in 2000 and is a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau. 

Each year RCA enrolls approximately 50 members who comprise our Literacy Corps and our Environmental Corps. We work with community members to determine what kind of literacy and environmental projects are needed by the residents of Rockland and then collaborate to design a plan that will meet those needs.

Once those environmental and literacy projects are created, RCA begins recruiting members to place at those projects.  Members receive a modest stipend and educational award for their service, along with the opportunities to explore a career field, gain new skills, network with a variety of people and give back to their community!

What do our Members do?

Rockland County AmeriCorps has three programs, a Literacy Corps, Environmental Corps and a Volunteer Corps.

The Literacy Corps is a year-round, 450-hour commitment. 

Literacy Corps members serve in schools, community centers and conduct home visits in order to bring literacy services to children and families. People who join the Literacy Corps conduct story times, provide homework help and assistance to struggling readers.  Our members may also serve as Home Visitors for the Parent-Child Home Program.

The Environmental Corps is a summer time, 300-hour commitment.

Environmental Corps members serve at not-for-profit and municipal sites in order to complete an environmental project designed specifically to meet a compelling need. 

In the past, RCA’s Environmental Corps has built and maintained hiking trails, educated the public about environmental ethics, removed blockages from streams, planted gardens, beautified neighborhoods and conducted environmental surveys.  These are just a few of the many projects we have completed!

If you would like to take part in a service project, but don’t have 300 or 450 hours to give, consider becoming a part of our Volunteer Corps!  Volunteers are our best assets!  There are many opportunities to share your time and expertise.  Our Volunteer Corps has helped out at events such as National Trails Day, renovating the Rockland Lake Nature Center, harvest on a local farm, reading to children, neighborhood beautification and assisting other Rockland not-for-profit agencies in need-just to name a few!

Please see our Volunteer page to learn more!