Facing a big transition–like the end of service–can be stressful. So, how can you help members avoid or relieve those feelings?

The National Service Stress Survival Guide, developed by Education Northwest, covers seven steps for stress management:

• Adjust your attitude
• Make your job work for you
• Thrive on challenge
• Eat for performance
• Exercise
• Manage time and finances
• Get your feelings out

The guide can be formatted into a training session and comes complete with informational handouts, self-tests, and a resource list for participants. You can adjust the length of the session by selecting any number of the 11 suggested exercises.

Coping also becomes an issue as members leave service and transition into post-service life. This is addressed in What's Next, a tutorial designed to aid members in making decisions for after the end of their service term.

Go on to Recognizing Contributions and the End of Service

Member characteristics and tips for staff on supporting members at each stage

This resource covers several stages of development over the course of an AmeriCorps service cycle, including adjourning. It includes items to watch out for and tips for staff.

Use this resource to:

• better understand the needs of your members at the different stages of group development
• provide members the right support when they need it