Our frequently asked questions
Featured FAQs
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Find out more about AmeriCorps.
What is AmeriCorps’ mission?
To improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
What is national service?
National service bridges divides by bringing people together: connecting individuals and organizations to help communities tackle their toughest challenges. We focus on these key areas to make an impact: economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, disaster response, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Find out more about what we do.
I am an individual interested in serving, where do I go?
Visit our Serve section of americorps.gov.
FAQs
Will I receive training before I begin my service?
Most AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs offer training at the beginning of your service. Some programs offer training throughout service.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Find out more about AmeriCorps.
What is AmeriCorps’ mission?
To improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
What is national service?
National service bridges divides by bringing people together: connecting individuals and organizations to help communities tackle their toughest challenges. We focus on these key areas to make an impact: economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, disaster response, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Find out more about what we do.
What is CNCS?
CNCS is the acronym for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which used to be the name of our agency. In September 2020, AmeriCorps became the operating name of CNCS.
What is the difference between a member and volunteer?
AmeriCorps refers to its participants as members. AmeriCorps Seniors refers to its participants as volunteers. There are minor differences depending on the specific program, but both are associated with national service.
What is MLK Day of Service?
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is an official day of service and celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. AmeriCorps has been charged with leading this effort for the past quarter century. Find out more about MLK Day of Service.
What is 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance?
September 11th is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom. Find out more about 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.
I am an individual interested in serving, where do I go?
Visit our Serve section of americorps.gov.
I am an organization interested in partnering, where do I go?
Visit our Partner section of americorps.gov.