AmeriCorps Program Directors Monthly Update | January 2020
CNCS/National Service/VSC News and Updates
CNCS Embarks on Massive Rebranding Effort - Needs Your Input! - CNCS has hired a major marketing and branding firm, Brandpie, to enhance and catapult the AmeriCorps brand to the next level! Recent research conducted by CNCS confirms weak brand awareness for AmeriCorps and for National Service that exists across the country. In order for CNCS and Brandpie to be successful, they are asking for your insight and continued engagement. If you are interested in being a part of a ThinkTank to kick off this rebranding process, please register by Friday, January 17, 2020. Brandpie will use this ThinkTank to collect information about our brands and programs, capture opinions, and evaluate ideas.


Proposed Rule for Criminal History Check Process - CNCS has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding National Service Criminal History Checks (NSCHC) for public comment in the Federal Register. The intent is to streamline and update the rule to reduce noncompliance and ensure the safety of those who serve and are served by our programs. Share your feedback on regulations.gov.
Grants Information
REMINDER: Applications for Formula AmeriCorps Funding Due Next Week - Tthe Virginia Department of Social Services has posted in eVA the 2020-2021 AmeriCorps State Formula Request for Applications (CVS-20-068-01) to solicit applications for AmeriCorps funding. You may access the link here:  https://m.vendor.epro.cgipdc.com/Vendor/public/VBODetails.jsp?PageTitle=SO%20Details&DOC_CD=RFA&Details_Page=VBOSODetails.jsp&DEPT_CD=A765&BID_INTRNL_NO=155036&BID_NO=CVS-20-068&BID_VERS_NO=1

Applications are due in eGrants and additional documentation to be sent to  [email protected]  by 11:59 PM, January 22, 2020 .  

All inquiries for information must be directed to: Danilo S. Vasquez, Sr. Contract Officer, Email:  [email protected] ; Phone: 804-726-7185.
Performance Measurement
GPR Update - Thank you to everyone for your help as we wrapped up the year, and to everyone who has gotten their Q1 GPR submitted in OnCorps! If you haven't submitted your report for the first quarter, please do so. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Analise at  [email protected]  or 804-726-7653.  
Program Accountability and Compliance
Member Record Reviews - The compliance team is continuing our first round of member record reviews.  Thank you to the programs that have already been selected and sent in documentation. Please be on the lookout for an email from Christina letting you know when your program's documentation will be due. We appreciate everyone's timely submissions and great work! 

Contact Samantha Lukasiewicz, [email protected] , (804) 726-7925
or Christina Dumas, [email protected] , (804) 726-7675
Training and Technical Assistance
2020 Program and Member Training Planning - We need your feedback! Don't forget to fill out the 2020 AmeriCorps Training Assessment Survey (survey has been updated from last month so use the new link below) so that we can finalize the final training events for this program year. It only takes a few minutes and we will absolutely use your feedback for future training. Please make sure to forward this survey to your staff and anyone involved with your program! Please fill out the Training Assessment no later than January 31, 2020.


Upcoming OnCorps Training - The next OnCorps training event, "New Program Directors/Staff Training: Grantee Progress Reports" is Wed, Jan 29, 2019 12:00 PM EST. Register Here

Contact Kimberly Brown, [email protected] , (804) 726-7069
Communications and Special Events
MLK Day of Service - It's here! Monday is MLK Day of Service and we are excited to see so many amazing service projects planned for your members that day! We have sent information about your events to our staff, our board, NCCC, National Directs, and the CNCS State Office, therefore,you may receive communication from individuals who would like to attend your event. If a board member is interested in attending your event, you will hear from Gail Doyle. Check out the impressive list of projects below:

Remember to post stories and photos of your events on social media using the hashtaps #MLKDay and #DayON25 (in honor of the 25th anniversary of MLK Day!) Don't forget to tag us and/or share with us so that we can amplify your stories!


REMINDER: Don't Forget to Register for Your Complimentary 2020 Volunteerism Conference Slots - The VSC needs each program to go ahead and register the four (4) individuals who will be using the complimentary slots for the conference. This is important because we are nearing the point where we will be emailing all registrants to get their workshop preferences. You, of course, pay for additional registrants using the standard registration for on VirginiaService.virginia.gov.


Contact Gail Doyle, [email protected] , (804) 726-7912