ServiceWorks Host Site RFP Guidance

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1 NATIONAL SERVICE OVERVIEW The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a federal agency that engages more than 4 million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and the Social Innovation Fund, and leads President Obama's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. CNCS was created to connect all Americans with opportunities to serve their communities and their nation. The mission of CNCS is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Begun in 1994, the AmeriCorps programs provide opportunities for Americans to make an intensive commitment to service. The AmeriCorps network of local, state, and national service programs engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year. AmeriCorps is divided into three main programs: AmeriCorps*State and *National Direct; AmeriCorps* VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America); and *NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). AmeriCorps is not a job; it is a service opportunity. In large and small communities, AmeriCorps members are taking responsibility, learning valuable skills and fulfilling their pledge to serve their communities and their nation. AMERICORPS*VISTA AmeriCorps*VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 45 years. The VISTA role in addressing the problems of poverty in a particular community is to mobilize community resources and increase the capacity of the low- to moderate-income community. It is critical for the low- to moderate-income community to be involved in both the planning and execution of the VISTA project. All VISTA projects incorporate the following components: Anti-Poverty Focus: Long term solutions to help communities out of poverty Community Empowerment: Engagement of the community to help plan, develop and implement programming and service activities to address local needs Sustainable Solutions: Sustainable outcomes developed to ensure the impact of the VISTA efforts will continue beyond their term of service Capacity Building: Building the capacity of community organizations through development or expansion of programs and services, engaging new community partners, development of systems and processes to support new efforts, development of resources to support efforts, and engagement of volunteers and volunteer leaders. AmeriCorps VISTA members must be engaged in poverty alleviation projects which have a focused project goal and lead to long term community and organization capacity building and impact. VISTAs should NOT simply implement existing systems and programs, but rather should develop new programs, systems and processes, partnerships and resources including financial, volunteer, educational, and benefit related. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 1

2 The Citi Foundation The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress in communities around the world and focuses on initiatives that expand financial inclusion. The Citi Foundation collaborates with best-in-class partners to create measurable economic improvements that strengthen low-income families and communities. Through a "More than Philanthropy" approach, Citi's business resources and human capital enhance their philanthropic investments and impact. For example, Pathways to Progress is a three-year, $50 million commitment by the Citi Foundation to help jump-start the career readiness of 100,000 young people in 10 cities across the United States. The Initiative is comprised of four core program elements or paths entrepreneurship, leadership/service, mentorship, and summer jobs - developed by the Citi Foundation and implemented with the support of leading community partners. As the founding program focused on leadership, ServiceWorks is a key component of Pathways. Points of Light Points of Light is the world s largest organization dedicated to volunteering and service, with a mission to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world. This mission is accomplished through Action Networks, which reach distinct groups with the tools and resources they need to engage people as change agents; The Civic Incubator, which serves as a locus for new forms of civic and volunteer action; and the Programs Division, which builds and scales training, education and signature programs - focused on the environment, education, economy, emergency preparedness, and veterans and military families - to address critical needs and build stronger communities. ServiceWorks is administered by Points of Light (POL) in Atlanta, GA. POL is responsible for overall program design and implementation, oversight and compliance, host site and member training and development, and program evaluation and reporting. About the Program ServiceWorks powered by AmeriCorps, the Citi Foundation and Points of Light is a groundbreaking, national program that uses community engagement and volunteer service as the primary strategies to help 25,000 underserved young adults in targeted U.S. cities develop the skills they need to prepare for college and careers. The program, which will deploy 225 AmeriCorps members over three years, engages young adults, age 16-24, in service and is building a large-scale volunteer response to the crisis of low college and career attainment. The nation s largest corporate-sponsored AmeriCorps VISTA program, ServiceWorks reflects the spirit of a Presidential Memorandum calling for new public-private partnerships that use national service to help solve our nation s most pressing challenges. AmeriCorps VISTA members will engage low- to moderate-income (LMI) young adults ( youth ) in service activities, with the goal of helping participants connect to their communities and develop skills to be better prepared for continued education and/or the job market. ServiceWorks is unique in its approach, which uses volunteer service as a pathway to success. The core components of the program are skills training (focused on leadership and project management), success coaching (assisting youth with goal setting and achievement in the areas of college and career), and service leadership (demonstrated through participation in, and leadership of various volunteer projects). ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 2

3 Programmatic Concept Key Program Elements: Teams of up to five AmeriCorps VISTA members will establish and operate the program (curriculum provided), including: Recruiting young adults and volunteers to participate in the program Training young adults on employability Engaging young adults in service and equipping them to lead their own service projects Convening other youth employment program providers in the community and helping to integrate services Engaging corporate and community volunteers as coaches, trainers and service project volunteers Planning supplemental volunteer-led programs to benefit the young adults in the program What is the program? This is a public-private partnership that brings together Points of Light, the Citi Foundation, and the Corporation for National and Community Service to support local nonprofits and/or municipal agencies in providing skills and service learning opportunities to young adults. Host sites will implement a civic engagement and soft skills training model that will take young adults through a service learning experience. The program will give youth the opportunity for hands-on experiences. o PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: At the start of the program, young adults will participate in a soft skills training that will focus on interpersonal, professional, and life skills that are applicable across sectors, especially service sectors. Training will include communication and networking skills, conflict resolution and team building, personal effectiveness, creative problem solving and project planning skills. Sessions with success coaches will also assist young adults with establishing smart goals and the action plans to achieve them, as well as tangible evidence of college and career readiness (e.g., applications, resumes). o COMMUNITY CONTEXT: Young adults will learn about different social issues impacting their communities and participate in service projects and programs that address key community needs. Young adults will also receive training that includes community building, project development and cultural competency. In addition, young adults will be exposed to government and nonprofit leaders, and will build a network of corporate and community volunteers who will support them in their professional development. They will participate in service experiences that should provide future networking and/or service opportunities for young adults in the program. At the end of each cohort, the youth will present on their experiences and learnings. o LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Participating youth will gain project management, presentation, problem solving, as well as leadership skills that will support them in being successful on the pathway to career/college. They will practice using the skills gained during training by developing and leading their peers on service projects. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 3

4 Which need is this program intending to address? Young adults in low- to moderate-income communities often have no or extremely limited access to programs that are taken for granted among higher income communities, which provide skill development in areas such as communication and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism. They also lack higher education and professional networks that can help them gain entry into institutions of higher learning, the job force and/or move up in the workplace. This program seeks to impart these skills through training and application through volunteer service. The application of their skills will also connect young adults to their communities and help them gain leadership skills. Further, their volunteer service will also provide guidance for young adults to effectively articulate their volunteer experiences into transferable job skills. A recent study performed by CNCS shows that unemployed people who volunteered were 27% more likely to get a job than those who did not volunteer, and that volunteering increased employment opportunities regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, geographical area and across job market conditions. Host Site Opportunity POL is seeking host sites that are interested in supporting the program for a year between July 2015 and June 2016 (with an opportunity to apply for a one year continuation of the program). The VISTA participating VISTA members will also serve one-year terms. Organizations should apply to host up to five VISTAs for a one-year service term. These VISTAs will serve as part of a national team of VISTAs serving across the country. National support for this effort includes the following: Provision of VISTA living allowance and benefits. Delivery of employability training. Access to employability and service learning curriculum and materials for use with volunteers. Ongoing training and support from the POL national office. Up to $20,000 + sub-grant per host site to support program implementation (amount will vary based on number of VISTAs hosted and strength of application). Additional funds available to cover VISTA mileage reimbursement and service learning project supplies (i.e. paint, gardening tools, etc.). Host sites may partner in order to deliver programming across multiple locations in a city, and are encouraged to work with other local community organizations. However, one organization should serve as the lead applicant and the host site for all requested VISTAs. Please address partnership plans in your application. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 4

5 REQUIRED MEMBER ACTIVITIES (UP TO 5 MEMBERS PER SITE) AmeriCorps VISTA VISTA will develop a youth service and employability training program to provide professional development, networking, and project management skills, ultimately increasing probability for continuing education and employability for young adults (16-24 year-olds) participating in the program. VISTAs will engage volunteers to support training provision, mentorship and long-term program sustainability. Member activities will include: Participation in train-the-trainer program Development of service learning projects using provided curriculum Recruitment and training of volunteers and young adults (16-24 years old) Provision of ongoing support to young adults as they develop service projects Integration of efforts with local workforce development and youth service programs Finalization of processes and systems to ensure long-term sustainability Monitoring and evaluation of program success, including ensuring up-to-date information entry into client management system Participation in national office training and communication Engagement in National Days of Service including MLK Day of Service, National AmeriCorps Week and the September 11 th National Day of Service and Remembrance ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 5

6 I. PROGRAM PLANNING A. PROGRAM PLANNING RESOURCES Points of Light Resources for Additional Information: ServiceWorks web site includes links to the latest information on ServiceWorks. address for RFP questions: ServiceWorksInfo@pointsoflight.org (requires free registration) VISTA Host Site applicants should review the VISTA member handbook for an overview of rules and regulations: and the Supervisor Manual available on VISTA Campus. B. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS As part of participation in this program, host sites must agree to the following parameters: 1. Site Supervisor Requirements a) Host Site On-boarding Participation in the 2015 Host Site Onboarding Process, which includes: b) Compliance Submission of required documents, including but not limited to MOU, Accessibility Checklist and W-9 - February 2015 Host Site Welcome Webinar and Member Recruitment Training Late February/early March 2015 Development of a member training plan, including orientation and ongoing training June/July 2015 Participation in Points of Light s Supervisor Training July/August 2015 Comply with all applicable regulations, provisions and handbooks for the VISTA Program c) Recruitment Recruitment of AmeriCorps VISTA member(s) by the provided recruitment deadline May 1, 2015 for July VISTA Pre-Service Orientation. Please note that all AmeriCorps VISTA candidates must be approved by the Points of Light national office and CNCS prior to enrollment. d) Communication and Training Participation in supervisor conference calls. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 6

7 Ongoing communication with Points of Light program staff via , phone, and online sites such as Salesforce and the Google Site. e) Program Evaluation and Reporting Support of VISTAs in tracking program data attributable to the AmeriCorps program and submission of progress reports through Points of Light s online client management system. Reporting of outcome-based measurement for all VISTA activities per provided performance measurements. Utilization of the online time tracking and member reporting system. f) Member Supervision and Support Supervision of AmeriCorps VISTAs including at least bi-weekly meetings Review and electronic submission of member timesheets and service reports Provision of ongoing training to members including on-site orientation and position-specific training. Support of members in engaging in POL and CNCS provided events, trainings and activities such as MLK Day, AmeriCorps Week, and 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Provision of necessary supplies, resources and office space to members. Reimbursement of pre-approved service related mileage according to ServiceWorks financial processes. Provision of a host site HR contact and harassment and discrimination allegation policy. g) Program Implementation Using the provided curriculum, implement the program as developed and provided by Points of Light 2. Member Requirements VISTA: full time service, for a one-year service term. Submission of bi-weekly time logs Submission of project related data via progress reports, storytelling submissions, and data input in client management system Ongoing communication with Points of Light program staff via , phone, and online reporting mechanisms. Participation in CNCS s National Service Day efforts including MLK Day, AmeriCorps Week and 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Participation in CNCS, Points of Light, and Host Site training opportunities. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 7

8 II. APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS AWARD, ORGANIZATIONS MUST MEET THE CRITERIA LISTED BELOW. IN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION: Is an independent 501(c)(3); a fiscal agent partnership with 501(c)(3); or a program internal to another 501(c)(3) or local, county, state government or institution of higher education. If a member of HandsOn Network, or grantee of partner organizations (CNCS or The Citi Foundation), is in good standing/compliance at the time of the application AND can remain in good standing for the length of this grant award. Has reviewed and will adhere to the Program Requirements section. Is located within the ServiceWorks program footprint (see application for eligible areas). Has recent audit for submission, A133 if applicable. Site Selection and VISTA Recruiting Timeline ServiceWorks RFP/Application Released December 1, 2014 Host Site Application Technical Assistance Webinar(s) Visit ServiceWorks web site for updates/registration details Week of December 12, 2014 Host Site Applications Final Due Date Note: Fast-track RFP due for continuing host sites January 12, 2015 December 19, 2014 Clarifying questions sent electronically Week of February 2, 2015 Selection Announcements and MOU due date Week of February 16, 2015 Service Enterprise Diagnostic February 23 27, 2015 VISTA Member Recruitment March April 2015 VISTA Member Onboarding June 2015 VISTA and Program Supervisor Training July 2015 (tentatively 20 th -25 th ) VISTA Start Date End of July, 2015 III. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS THE NATIONAL OFFICE MAY NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SUBMITTED VIA FACSIMILE OR SUBMISSIONS THAT ARRIVE AFTER THE DEADLINES AS OUTLINED BELOW. Format Submitted to Due Date Submission Instructions Electronic Submission via link on ServiceWorks web site ServiceWorksInfo@pointsoflight.org Monday, January 12 th, 8PM Eastern Time. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 8

9 IV. Glossary Beneficiaries Beneficiaries are individuals and/or organizations from the targeted population to be served through service opportunities who receive direct and immediate benefits. Both individual beneficiaries and beneficiary organizational partners must receive an immediate and direct benefit from service opportunities. Low- to moderate-income Low- to moderate-income is defined as having individual income that is less than 80% of the Median Family Income (MFI) as defined by the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council (FFIEC). Project (also known as Service Opportunity) A project is an act of service or experience provided for an individual to provide direct service to the community and/or a community-serving agency for which they are not paid; however, they may receive other incentives or recognition for their contributions. Service Enterprise Diagnostic Soft Skills A Service Enterprise is an organization that fundamentally leverages volunteers and their skills across all levels of the organization, to successfully deliver on the social mission of the organization. The Service Enterprise Diagnostic is a research-based assessment of existing organizational volunteer engagement practices that helps to identify an organization s strengths and opportunities for improvement along the way to becoming a Service Enterprise. Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual's interactions, job performance and career prospects. Unlike hard skills, which are about a person's skill set and ability to perform a certain type of task or activity, soft skills relate to a person's ability to interact effectively with coworkers and customers and are broadly applicable both in and outside the workplace. VISTA Project Volunteers Each VISTA position requested is called a VISTA Project; each VISTA project should have an overall position goal and activities for the entire year of service. Volunteers are individuals who participate in service opportunities. Volunteer Leader A Volunteer Leader is an individual who has received training on volunteer leadership and/or volunteer management AND has led or managed service opportunities and/or programs. ServiceWorks RFP P a g e 9