THE IMPACT OF SERVICE ON THE LIVES OF AMERICORPS ALUMNI
Christina L. Matte (John W. Cole), Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
Non-military national service dates back to the 1930’s with the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. More recently, VISTA was created to fight poverty in America. Unfortunately, the newest domestic national service initiative, Clinton’s AmeriCorps, has come under attack for its high price tag. Opponents claim that American citizens should serve without compensation. Proponents argue that full-time service, nearly impossible without at least minimal compensation, is often more effective. Both sides cite statistics of program accomplishments and place dollar values on services rendered, but the impact of the experience on those who serve is often overlooked. This paper seeks to give a voice to AmeriCorps alumni by examining the above impact and exploring the various facets of the service experience.
Data was obtained through a survey instrument involving quantitative and qualitative questions about the individual service experience. The 57 AmeriCorps alumni participants are highly diverse in terms of age, race, educational background, geographical location, and AmeriCorps program experience. Despite this diversity, the survey responses consistently demonstrate the positive benefits of service on the program participant, including increased self-esteem, career training and experience, and teamwork skills. Some participants completed their GEDs through AmeriCorps and others have been able to finish college with their educational awards. In addition, many survey participants consider their AmeriCorps experience to be the first step in a lifetime of service. The survey results clearly point to the need for a broader view of the overall benefits of national service programs and for a more subjective approach to determining their worth.
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created 3/3/97 by clm