Member Orientation

• Elements of an Orientation
• Methods of an Orientation
• Fundamentals of an Orientation
  • AmeriCorps Orientation Requirements
  • The VISTA Training Continuum
• Orientation Topics

Home > Member Orientation > Fundamentals of an Orientation > AmeriCorps Orientation Requirements

AmeriCorps Orientation Requirements

Ensuring that you cover all the bases

Click on the linked bullet points below to see applicable CNCS rules; you can tailor Word documents to your own program.

CNCS requires programs to conduct an orientation, which must:

• Enhance members' security and sensitivity to the community
• Cover member rights and responsibilities, including
  • Release from terms of service/suspension and termination
  • Prohibited activities
  • Nondiscrimination issues (including sexual harassment)
  • Requirements under the Drug-Free Workplace Act
    (41 U.S.C. 701 et seq.)
  • Drug-free Workplace sample agreement
  • Grievance procedures
• Describe member reporting practice and setting reporting measures. Download this document to see an example of how to set objectives, report activity and measure efficacy.

You'll also want to provide background on the history of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), and AmeriCorps and/or VISTA. See related links below for information and inspiration.

History of national service

• Our History and Legislation
• CNCS Fact Sheet
• What is AmeriCorps
• What is AmeriCorps*VISTA
• What is AmeriCorps*NCCC
• AmeriCorps Pledge

To examine and download Orientation Agendas, go here.

For Checklists, go here.

For samples of Member Handbooks, click here.

Go on to Orientation Topics

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