hopeful plans

I've been considering AmeriCorps for some time now, and about mid semester my thoughts began to actualize. I researched their mission, their programs, their philosophy, and I feel like this is something I could do to better myself, and help someone or some place that is in need.

So, I spent hours and hours sorting through the hundreds of programs in the few states I want to apply to, and the final 10 list boiled down something like this:

• AmeriCorps*NCCC Winter 2008 The website says it all.
• 11 months; 1/1/07 – 11/30/08
• Catskill Outdoor Education Corps Delhi, NY
  Members may perform the following activities: trail maintenance in wilderness and park settings, stone work, basic carpentry projects, outdoor education program design and development, teaching outdoor recreation and education programs involving topics from natural history subjects to flat water kayaking.
• 11 months; 10/1/07 – 8/18/08
• Chesapeake Habitat*AmeriCorps Baltimore, Maryland
  Members will participate in and lead volunteers in the resurrection of abandoned brick row houses. Tasks include: demolition, framing, drywall, trim, paint, punch-out and bits of everything else. Members will be put in charge of volunteer crews throughout the year. Previous experience is not required, but is a plus.
• 12 months; 8/27/07 – 7/25/08
• DC Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Services Coordinator. Washington DC
  -Create education program for volunteers on affordable housing issues -Recruit weekday volunteer crew leaders -Develop new and revise old volunteer recognition tools -Conduct on-site orientation and safety talk for group volunteers -Develop new partnerships with community businesses and organizations to provide in-kind donations for collegiate challenge, volunteer picnic and other volunteer services -Oversee collegiate challenge program -Create and perform a 360 degree review of the volunteer services department -Conduct volunteer surveys -Create a sustainability plan to continue new programs started by Volunteer Services Coordinator -Develop volunteer handbook including position descriptions and safety manual -Other duties as assigned relating to Volunteer Services
• 12 months; 8/28/07- 7/21/08
• Every 1 Reads AmeriCorps Program Louisville, KY
  The Members will provide one-on-one tutoring for 3rd graders and 6th graders who are reading below grade level. They will recruit community members and parents to serve as Every 1 Reads volunteers in the school. They will engage in community outreach to involve school staff and community volunteer opportunities. The Members will participate in on-going professional development from the District Reading Specialist, Instructional Coaches, the Volunteer Talent Center and required AmeriCorps and Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service trainings.
• 12 months; 9/1/07-8/31/07
• Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
  Members will serve as Construction Assistants, building houses and leading volunteers.
• 12 months; 8/28/07 – 7/27/08
• Hartford AmeriCorps Hartford, CT
  Members serve in one of seven Hartford elementary schools and provide in school and after school tutoring. Members participate in and plan their own service projects for the community throughout the year. Staff and community leaders provide trainings during the year that cover service-related skills in addition to professional and personal development.
• 12 months; 9/24/07 – 8/31/08
• Maryland Conservation Corps Annapolis, MD
  With the supervision of experienced Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, members engage in projects in Maryland's most beautiful places. Crews are placed throughout the state, specializing in services such as environmental education, park operations, stream restoration, trail work, park improvements, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, etc. A crew's specialties are determined by the environmental and recreational needs of its region. Crews may focus on forestry work; trail maintenance and construction, reforestation, environmental education, wildlife habitat improvement and Chesapeake Bay research.
• 12 months; 10/10/07- 9/30/08
• National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Program Washington, DC
  Members will perform the following services: * Conduct HIV prevention education presentations to school and community groups * Provide quality of life/care services, such as providing food delivery, transportation, and case management to persons living with HIV/AIDS * Perform HIV testing and pre/post test counseling sessions for people at risk for HIV/AIDS * Conduct outreach to targeted populations at risk for HIV/AIDS * Conduct outreach/education efforts for the general public * Recruit volunteers to serve at local AIDS service organizations * Attend team days/service projects one day per week
• 12 months; 8/7/07-7/30/08
• Volunteer Maryland Baltimore, MD
  Volunteer Maryland Coordinators: create program materials; recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers or students; develop community partnerships and solicit in-kind donations to support the program; evaluate program results and submit regular reports; train key staff members and volunteer leaders in "best practices" of volunteer management and service-learning to help them sustain the program; and more
• 12 months; 9/19/07-8/5/08