<p>I started one in College Life as well, but had very little feedback.</p>
<p>Has anyone worked for them or know someone that has? </p>
<p>They just offered me a job (I'd be coaching soccer, and I've played all my life, play in college and have a coachings license, so it would be enjoyable), and I am trying to decide whether to take a year off to take the job. I have three semesters left, so I could just take summer classes to graduate with everyone in my class.</p>
<p>There have been a few threads on Americorps ( my daughter participated after high school)
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/644973-little-info-americorps.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/644973-little-info-americorps.html</a>
americorps</a> - Ask The Dean</p>
<p>Just a tip- they don't take drug use lightly.</p>
<p>I've heard they drug test. Will they look up medical records?</p>
<p>Late 20-something friend graduated from Drexel with environmental engineering degree and is working for them in watershed management for the past 3+ years.</p>
<p>I'm concerned it will be too fascist for me.</p>
<p>D finishes her assignment in 3 weeks. Other than pay that is lower than minimum wage, it has been a valuable learning experience for her and I think will add nicely to her resume.</p>
<p>I think it's a great opportunity for students who are looking to truly make a difference.</p>
<p>Both my kids were interested in public service- and in taking a gap year. There are several different programs- Americorps, CityYear, Young Heroes, NCCC...</p>
<p>I think it is well run and a great asset to many communities, but just like the military, you don't do it for what * you * get out of it.
If that is what your focus is, it might be better to do something else.</p>
<p>
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I'm concerned it will be too fascist for me.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Fascist? What is it about Americorps that you fear may promote fascism?</p>
<p>Have you seen the commercials? It's like a public service oriented youth military brigade that is programed for service instead of fighting. </p>
<p>Anyone know about whether they look at medical records or if you have to release them? I don't want accept if I have to disclose certain medical info. I know the military needs close to full disclosure.</p>
<p>Youtube links aren't allowed. </p>
<p>My good friend's sister did City Year somewhere in New York. The Bronx maybe? She loved it. I highly doubt she would have put up with anything like that. </p>
<p>And is City Year what you were accepted to? Americorps has many, many different programs. Technically I work for Americorps, but not City Year.</p>
<p>I've looked into Americorps, and specifically City Year, and it looks pretty cool for a Gap Year, but someone did warn me about the thing you are talking about tiff.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Have you seen the commercials? It's like a public service oriented youth military brigade that is programed for service instead of fighting.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>A disciplined, dedicated, and focused group of young people whose goal is to make a difference is "fascist"?</p>
<p>"A disciplined, dedicated, and focused group of young people whose goal is to make a difference is "fascist"? </p>
<p>Weren't the Hitler youth all three? Not that Americorps is equal to Nazism, but your statement makes my point. Change the goal from making a difference to, say, overthrowing something or fighting something, than yes, it sounds facsist. The marching in military lines, saluting flags, wearing identical uniforms, lack of personality, "mission statements," dedication to an ideal, there is a potential for something facsist. The descriptions on the website make it sound like a militarized cult of young liberal adults reading to take on the world. I wanted to know if it is as militarized as the literature and commercials make it appear. The links between progressivism and facism are described in "Liberal Fascism." So yes, a dedicated group of young americans dedicated to an idea while parading around in uniforms and saluting a flag seems a bit fascist to me. Combined with the required physical group excersises in the morning while marching makes me uneasy.</p>
<p>Then again, the Obama acceptance speech with millions in the crowd crying wearing shirts with Obama's picture in a similar nature that Mao's portraits were done seemed a bit eery as well. </p>
<p>Romaniwhatever-</p>
<p>I described the program I was accepted to in the OP. Please feel free to review it for the job offer I received. Also, the title of the thread it "Americorps," not "City Year."</p>
<p>If anyone can describe what it's like to work for them, I'd appreciate it. It seems almost too militarized, compared to groups like Habitat for Humanity and religious retreats. I want to know if it's more like a volunteer organization or the Army reserves.</p>
<p>My S didn't have to wear a uniform or do anything militaristic in his Americorps program. The way the program is conducted depends on which Americorps program you're in. </p>
<p>I suggest that you ask lots of questions of your potential Americorps program -- even visit it and talk to other volunteers there-- before making a decision.</p>
<p>Yeah I am skeptical when I talk to their reps. They are purposely vague and it makes me wonder how legitmate it is. The pay is horrible compared to what I'm making now, so I'm hoping it would just be a nice change of pace and boost my resume. It's a tough decision because I am really involved at my school.</p>
<p>Again I ask, WHICH AmeriCorps program are you doing? IIRC, you need to apply to each program individually, so which one are you doing?</p>
<p>I don't think that Americorps is a great program to apply to if your main reason is to boost your resume. It's a wonderful program to apply to, however, if what most inspires you is to make a positive difference in the world.</p>
<p>It's especially not a good idea if you're given to condescending to those you're sent to help. If you ever come to feel that they are stupid, lazy, and not worthy of your considerable talents, then it's probably not the place to be.</p>