EnCorps: Tools of the Trade

What are EnCorps Resources?

EnCorps Resources carry a "field stamp of approval." Veteran program staff reviewed and recommended these tools for recruiting and developing AmeriCorps and VISTA members. The resources you download here bring a history of successful use. To learn more about EnCorps–and for ways to benefit from and contribute to this initiative–Contact Us.

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The previous resource in "Home" is Reflection Overview.

The next resource in "Home" is Making Technology Work for You.

Many more resources can be found on the resource main index page, by looking through the archives, or by using the navigation at the top of the page.

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A variety of free software tools are available online that can be used to connect members.

Social networking sites
Social networking sites are online communities of people with similar interests. "Invite-only" groups can be created to limit access to members.

Personal: Facebook, MySpace
Professional: LinkedIn
Create your own: Ning

Discussion boards
Discussion boards are online forums for discussing topics that allow readers to reply. Use to share ideas, problem-solve, and discuss specific issues. Restrict access with "invite-only" setting.

Examples: Google Groups, Yahoo Groups, Aimoo

Blogs
Blogs are regularly updated logs or journals, sometimes focused on specific topics, that allow for reply-posts.

Examples: Wordpress, Blogger, TypePad

Online Ticket Systems
Ticket tracking systems coordinate tasks and manage requests among a community of users.

Examples: Request Tracker (RT), Open-source Ticket Request System (OTRS)

Click play to hear how Joyce Fosdick of Keystone SMILES AmeriCorps (Knox, PA) uses an online ticket system to track issues and share solutions with members across rural Pennsylvania.