AmeriCorps Program Directors Monthly Update | November 19, 2020
Reminder: Next Virginia AmeriCorps Program Director
Zoom Meeting is Monday, December 14, 2020, 10-11am,
Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/93188984311 Password R9V.^rye0B
See you then!
AmeriCorps News
Welcome Kathy Spangler - VSC is excited to announce that Kathy Spangler has been named the new Director of the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Services. She is a nationally recognized leader with more than 40 years of experience in public and nonprofit management. Kathy served as vice president of Save the Children’s U.S. Programs, including Head Start and other education efforts as well as that of domestic emergency and child protection.  She also served in several executive roles for America’s Promise Alliance where she oversaw the expansion of partnerships to support education and national service initiatives. During her 20-year tenure at the National Recreation and Park Association, she successfully established initiatives in the areas of health promotion, youth sports safety, and environmental stewardship. Most recently, Kathy held a five-year post as executive director for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution. Welcome Kathy!
Program Compliance
Program Change Request Form -  Please make sure you are using the CURRENT VSC Program Change Request Form! This form is housed on the AmeriCorps Resource Portal. Please make sure to always used the forms housed on the portal. Need to find it quick? Use the search tool at the top of the page! (Note: This form was last updated in January and VSC has only updated the logo since that time.)

Communications Update
MLK Day Virginia Mini Grants - The Virginia Service Foundation has announced that applications for 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Mini Grants will be accepted from December 1-December 15, 2020. The mini grants will be announced by January 1, 2021. These funds will assist your program for any costs associated with MLK Day projects, including supplies, etc. More

Co-Branding AmeriCorps Logos - When the new AmeriCorps branding was launched in September, it was announced that organizations could use special co-branding logos to further communicate the connection between your organization/your partners and AmeriCorps. Please encourage your service sites/partners to spread the AmeriCorps message by using one of these logos on their own independent websites! These co-branding logos can be found on the AmeriCorps Resource Portal:

Training & Technical Assistance
AmeriCorps Member Welcome/Training Round 2 - Members who came on board after the AmeriCorps Opening Day on September 25th will have a chance to receive the same great training and support as their peers. The VSC will offer a second AmeriCorps member training event to accommodate our newest members on Friday, February 5, 2021. Save the date!

Virginia Service Commission Additional Upcoming Major Events - VSC has confirmed several important upcoming events and training opportunities for 2021. Please save these dates on your calendars and stay tuned for more information as it is released over the coming weeks:

  • Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Awards Nomination Period (February 22-April 18)
  • Virginia National Service Awards Nomination Period (February 22-April 18)
  • Virginia Volunteerism and Service Conference Virtual (May 11-13)
  • Virginia AmeriCorps Program Director's Training (July 26-30)

Additional Training Opportunities

Mental Health First Aid - VSC is is thankful to Cathy Lins who provided excellent information at the 2020 AmeriCorps Opening Day event on September 25th. Looking for the full training? Get certification in Mental Health First Aid through one of these organizations:

VSC Team