Now that you have decided on a recruitment strategy, you're ready to create specific materials to advertise and market your position.

Begin by developing an effective two-liner and member description to be posted on the Recruitment section of My AmeriCorps. For more information, click here.

You can then "tweak" it for different uses. For example, a press release can be converted into a brochure, a Web listing, or a public service announcement. Also, if there's continuity in your materials, there's a better chance the message will stick.

Here are some general guidelines for creating recruitment materials:

• Be sure to include the AmeriCorps or VISTA logo in all outreach materials. Download the logos in several formats here. You can also print a copy of the AmeriCorps media kit which has great tips for extending your outreach.
• Keep it simple: Use basic language and avoid program jargon, acronyms, and more detail than is necessary.
• Make sure contact information is up-to-date.
• Include important deadlines.
• Don't assume everyone has access to a computer or computer skills: Advertise in traditional venues as well as electronic ones and allow for "snail mail" and phone communication.
• Recruit for diversity; for more information, see the Recruiting for Diversity section of this site.

Use these sample marketing tools and guidelines as a starting point for your program:

• Creating Your Own Web Presence is a tip sheet for creating a program Web site
• Tips for Creating Posters and Flyers includes guidelines for what to say and how to say it
• Create a Press Release is a sample press release on VISTA recruiting efforts
• Retiree Press Release is a sample document that specifically targets older members
• Member Candidate FAQs is a sample flyer to answer questions and give to prospective applicants at recruiting events
• Sample flyer for multiple service positions illustrates how to showcase a variety of service opportunities
• Corpsmember Flyer illustrates how you can incorporate photos
• This tri-fold Recruitment Brochure shows how you can pack a lot of information into one flyer

Go on to Helping Partner Sites Recruit

Explore inexpensive ways to get the word out

You don't have to be a skilled designer to create materials for recruitment purposes. This tip sheet, contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), has some helpful guidelines on what to say and how.

NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Spend your time and (limited) resources efficiently

Community events like job fairs can be a great vehicle for recruiting members. But, how do you pick the ones that make the most of your limited resources?

Use these tips, contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), to evaluate which events have the best potential to serve your needs. NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Maximizing paid and free advertising

What's the best way to spend advertising dollars or, better yet, get free publicity that will attract potential members? Find answers in this tip sheet, contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA).

NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Check out the AmeriCorps website for more information on outreach and to learn how to create a media kit.

Using the Web to attract new members

There are lots of ways to reach potential members through the Internet. Use this tip sheet to discover 18 tried-and-true online advertising strategies.

This resource was contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), which addresses critical environmental and educational needs. NWSA partners with 125 community agencies and has members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Using the Internet for recruitment

NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

This tip sheet for creating a program website was contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA). Use it to decide which features and information will be most useful in attracting potential recruits.

What is MyAmeriCorps?

My AmeriCorps is an online space designed to manage the AmeriCorps experience for volunteers. Applicants are guided to a new, inviting web page to learn about service opportunities and begin the process of applying online. As applicants become members, their information will follow them throughout their service. My AmeriCorps will provide access to new features and forms when they become available.

Grantees and project sponsors will use eGrants as their gateway to the My AmeriCorps portal: http://www.cns.gov/egrants/index.asp.

Current program listings have been migrated to My AmeriCorps. Specifically, on the eGrants home page, under "View My AmeriCorps Portal," links will be provided for recruitment and application functions.

For a detailed PDF and a video showing how the site works, click here.