Volunteering with Links
Anyone who is aged 17 and up can become a Links member! Our members come from all walks of life and dedicate an average of at least 25 hours per month to a cause that is important to them.
Links members are usually recruited by our partner agencies, though it is possible for individuals to work with a local agency to develop a project on their own initiative.
Links members can connect communities, create resources, learn new skills and have fun working on projects as diverse as they are.
Links members receive an education award at the completion of their service term (see below chart). In addition, Links members may also be able to receive course credit, federal work study or internship/practicum credit for their service experience. Some partner agencies also offer a small monthly stipend or professional development opportunities as a part of their service opportunity.
| Hours of Service | 300 | 450 | 675 | 900 | 1700 |
| Education Award | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,800 | $2,362 | $4,725 |
Members have the opportunity to dedicate up to 20% of their service term to personal and professional development. In addition to orientation and site-based meetings, Links members are encouraged to seek out other opportunities that help them develop in to active and effective community members.
Development activities tend to be as diverse as our members and must broadly fit into the four main AmeriCorps priorities of education, the environment, public safety and other human needs. Examples include: participating in service projects or events organized by other community agencies; career exploration such as job shadowing or conducting informational interviews; participating in trainings or other professional development activities; or organizing a training or service event that engages community volunteers.
Links accepts applications throughout the year on a first come, first served basis depending upon availability of open positions.
"In the past, I never bothered to keep track of the hours I spent volunteering. Being an AmeriCorps member has made me realize how much my everyday activities serve my community. As a result, I feel a greater pride in my work and have a sense of how easy it is to serve the community."
- Padma Raman-Caplan, AmeriCorps member with National College of Naturopathic Medicine