AmeriCorps

Criticism
There have been a number of criticisms leveled against AmeriCorps. Some have alleged that the program diverts some young people participating in the program from further education, or delays the start of their careers. It has also been argued that AmeriCorps sends the wrong message by implying that volunteers should be paid for community service work.[11]

Because it is a federal program, AmeriCorps is criticized for overshadowing the community service organizations it "partners" with. In 1996, for example, it was estimated that more than one-fourth of AmeriCorps volunteers were placed in federal, state, or local government agencies, "where they would reinforce the bureaucratic state, not rebuild the voluntary sector." The program also draws criticism for channeling tax dollars to liberal advocacy groups and activities that conservative groups find morraly questionable, such as sex-education training and "self-esteem" enhancement projects.[12] There are concerns about AmeriCorps' economic model,[13] as well as its hiring practices.[14][15]

The pay is so minimal (between $7,640 and $15,280 annually) that participants may be pushed well below the poverty line. The medical insurance does not cover preexisting conditions, thus potentially further impoverishing and discriminating against those with chronic conditions. Childcare reimbursements of up to $400 per month (total) are insufficient for many parents to cover costs. [16][17]

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmeriCorps#Criticism

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Permalink Reply by Pickett's Charge on March 23, 2009 at 4:49pm: See also
Youth service
National service
Service learning
Community service
Volunteerism
Response-Ability
USA Freedom Corps

[edit] References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmeriCorps#See_also; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pickett's Charge on March 23, 2009 at 5:09pm: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim Rock on March 23, 2009 at 9:34pm: is this a Blog? Has the info gotten from Wiki, which is proudly proclaimed as an arm of the the
Telepromter Administration, been verified from a reputable source?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Irma on March 23, 2009 at 11:07pm: As an AmeriCorps alumni, I can say that I had a rewarding experience during my one year of service in 1998-1999. I was able to give to my community in lots of ways. I was proud of the work I did, even to wearing those gray tee's and black hats. I had a stipend for a year and insurance. Child care reimbursements were offered to those who needed it as well as transportation cost. I was given an Education award afterwards to pay on my college cost. Others used it for repaying student loans. This program is not for someone who has a lot of other outside commitments.

We were assigned to schools, community health centers, and other social agencies. I helped first time moms and teenage moms understand the importance of immunizations and proper child care. I helped them with transportation and connecting them with resources. I had to go into the neighbors where they lived. I was stationed at the local school where I helped the social worker and health care nurse in the school's clinic. We did counseling with young students helping to build up their self esteem and taking them places where they wouldn't ordinarily go. Overall, a great experience. I even have an application (put in before the election) for re-enlistment of a second term. In light of what's happening now, I may withdraw it until I know more where these new bills are going.

You can find more information about AmeriCorps at americorps.gov.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Irma on March 24, 2009 at 11:27am: Btw, at the time I was in the program, we were not allowed to do any political activities. Our ideas for service projects and training were scrutinized by the program leaders so that they would not clash with program rules.

As I stated earlier, I don't know what changes or proposals are in this bill, so I do remain skeptical in light of this new administration.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim Rock on March 26, 2009 at 9:06pm: they will not be allowed Church or even private prayer now, except Islam, the mandatory part got dropped and only became a budget increase today so its going back to House now; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Irma on March 24, 2009 at 11:22am: The Senate hearing for National Community Service Programs are going on now on C-span 2, cable television.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pickett's Charge on March 24, 2009 at 11:53am: thanks; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Pickett's Charge on March 24, 2009 at 11:58am: whats the budget of americorp?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael Brennan on March 31, 2009 at 8:07pm: Yes, we now have mandatory volunteerism. Amen to that. We Americans need to be forced to volunteer. LOLOLOLOLOL; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by gabe on April 2, 2009 at 2:06pm: Just another govt program and waste of money, but hey it helps ACORN.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dan Croft on April 2, 2009 at 11:43pm: So, let me get this straight....The federal government mandates paid volunteerism that wouldn't remimburse "volunteers" belowthe poverty line. Thereby qualifying them for government assistance. These folks, an entire generation, all serving their country voluntarily, must have the best of medical care and services. Cobra would apply undoubtedly, and how could the government then let someone go without healthcare!!

This is bad on so many levels!; ▶ Reply to This