What kind of paperwork do I need to do?

We use an online system called SilkRoad Onboarding to complete paperwork. You should receive an email after you have been accepted with a username and password to access this account. We greatly appreciate you finishing this paperwork before your first day! Contact your office if you have any issues or questions about the Silk Road system. Please bring your original IDs with you on your first day (this is part of the federal I9 employment verification process). 

What kind of training will I receive?

The project partner will provide training as necessary.

What are the benefits of serving with ACC?

As an AmeriCorps program, members will receive a living stipend bi-weekly. Following completion of program, members will also receive an AmeriCorps education award. Award amounts are based on hours served (see the 'AMERICORPS BENEFITS' tab to find the "Hours Served-Americorps Awards" table). In addition to the living allowance and education award, members receive professional development opportunities and hands-on experience with environmental and conservation projects, access to examples of partnerships and information for collaborative restoration and community building, and building connections to agencies. 

When do I get paid?

Your stipend will be deposited in your bank account bi-weekly throughout your term (see the 'PAYROLL' tab for more information). You will need to fill in your time-sheet every week when you return from the field.

How can I use my AmeriCorps education award?

Upon successful completion of your term, you will receive the AmeriCorps Education Award. You will be able to access this award through the my.americorps.gov website. It is distributed like a grant and will count as income on your taxes for the year in which you use it. More information can be found on the Conservation Legacy website or on the 'AMERICORPS BENEFITS' tab.

Where do I stay during my days off?

Typically, we do not provide housing. It is the member's responsibility to find local housing.

I'm worried about my finances during my term - is there any support available?

Yes! Assistance is available from several places.
  • You may be eligible for food stamps (see information below)
  • Patricia Sagawa Corpsmember Relief Fund - Available through The Corps Network. Members can apply for up to $500 in short term relief to help them complete their term of service. ​
  • If you need an advance on your paycheck, please contact staff. ​
  • Our Employee & Member Assistance Program, UNUM, can provide free sessions with a financial counselor (details on the Employee Assistance Program tab)

Am I eligible for food stamps during my AmeriCorps term?

​Yes! If you are interested in applying for food stamps, we encourage you to do so, and your living stipend should not be counted as income when food stamp benefits are calculated. We can provide you with a letter stating that you will be completing a term of national service, which should help you with your food stamp application. Here is the official guidance from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the agency that administrates AmeriCorps (note that ACC's programming is through AmeriCorps State and National):
The AmeriCorps State and National program was authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (NCSA), 42 U.S.C. § 12501 et seq. The NCSA states that allowances, earnings, and payments to participants in AmeriCorps programs “shall not be considered income for the purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of income transfer and in-kind aid furnished under any Federal or federally-assisted program based on need, other than as provided in the Social Security Act.” 42 U.S.C. § 12637(d). Based on this language, the USDA issued an opinion in 2001 stating that AmeriCorps State and National benefits are excluded from income for food stamp purposes.

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