WORD Inc. Family Resource Centers

Literacy Support Corps
Frequently Asked Questions

What is AmeriCorps and how does it relate to the Literacy Support Corps?
- AmeriCorps is a national service program, often referred to as a domestic Peace Corps. It provides individuals an excellent opportunity to serve their community, while gaining valuable skills and experiences. The Literacy Support Corps is an AmeriCorps program hosted by WORD, a non-profit corporation that has been helping schools and families build strong partnerships since 1993. WORD has facilitated the development of Family Resource Centers in schools across Western Montana. The Literacy Support Corps began in August 2002 under the guidance of WORD.

Who may apply to join the Western Montana Literacy Support Corps?
- AmeriCorps regulations require the following:
  - U.S. citizenship or legal residency
  - Age 17 years or older
  - A high school diploma or GED (or active engagement in attaining one)
  - Criminal background checks for all members
  - TB tine tests for all members serving in Montana schools
- We recruit members of all ages and backgrounds. We encourage schools to be active participants in the recruiting process, as our experience has been that members who are already part of a community adapt to service easier. In our first year of this project, 13 of our 21 members were parents familiar with the school they served.
- For information about how you can participate in the recruiting effort, contact:
  Jeanne Moon
  Montana Literacy Support Corps Program Director
  406-543-3550, ext. 248
  jmoon@wordinc.org

Do I need special skills to do this work?
- No. The Literacy Support Corps welcomes people of all ages, economic, and cultural backgrounds - parents and non-parents. Our experience tells us that the qualities supporting leading to success in this work include an outgoing friendly manner, good listening skills, respect for diversity, optimism, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to work both individually and in teams. Lastly, a strong belief in the value of education, families, and literacy!

What is expected of members?
- All members sign a contract for approximately 10 months of service that addresses the minimum number of hours and months they agree to serve. Members become a part of a regional team and are responsible to their team just as any employee is to an employer. Members are expected to participate in training and community service activities as part of their service with the Literacy Support Corps.
- Weekly schedules will be agreed upon by both the school site supervisor and the member.
- Full time members serve 1700 hours, however not all of those hours are served in the school. Members spend some of their time in training and engage in community service projects. Up to 300 hours may be spent in training, and up to 100 hours may be spent engaged in community service projects. Host sites can plan on a full time member "getting things done" on site approximately 33 hours per week. Weekly schedules will be agreed upon by both the school site supervisor and the member.

What happens if I only complete a portion of the service hours required?
- Any member who serves fewer than the minimum number of service hours agreed upon in their contract will not be eligible to receive an Education Award. Members who leave service prior to completing the full term of service will not receive their entire living allowance. If a member quits, we cannot guarantee a replacement will be found to continue service at the site, however we will take every step possible to replace the member and/or offer continued technical assistance to the site in parent involvement activities. No refunds of match money can be made, regardless of the length of time a member serves at a site.

Is this a paid job or a volunteer position?
- AmeriCorps is service - it has elements of employment and volunteering but is not exactly either. It's service. Many liken it to "on the job training." We do not expect members to begin service fully-prepared to tackle the tasks ahead. The knowledge, skills, and experience members gain through service are a significant benefit to them. Members receive a living stipend and an educational award for their year of service. WORD carries liability and worker's comp insurance on members.