Farrell Ink

In order to increase engagement of literacy volunteers in our region and build capacity in literacy programs, Farrell Ink is working with the Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland and community partners to submit an AmeriCorps grant in April 2010. AmeriCorps Members will either: provide direct literacy services as tutors, workshop leaders, and teacher’s aides; or engage literacy volunteers as volunteer coordinators.

NEO Literacy Corps

View a map of our host sites

The proposed NEO Literacy Corps will support at least 20 AmeriCorps Members annually who will work at host sites throughout the Greater Cleveland area.  The Members will share initial training, as well as work together as a team to build capacity within their host sites, focused on engaging volunteers. Their findings in best practices and experiences throughout the year will annually be documented and published online using various media.

BENEFIT FOR HOST SITES

Host sites are working together to create a strong implementation plan, program design, and evaluation procedures. Their collaboration and joint credibility is a pillar of our grant application and sponsor recruitment. Each year that a host site participates, they will receive a full time AmeriCorps Member to support their literacy efforts (can be shared with another similar organization). Activities for the AmeriCorps program will be shared across sites including Member recruitment, initial and ongoing training, recognition, and evaluation. Responsibilities include providing workspace, computer with internet access, and phone with voicemail for each hosted Member, organizational participation in the planning/advisory team and annual training, and on-site training and supervision of the Member. For more information, please contact Meagen Howe.

BENEFITS FOR AMERICORPS MEMBERS

AmeriCorps Members are passionate individuals committed to completing 1700 hours of service over 9-12 months in an area of targeted community need. At the start of their year, Members will receive initial training with other qualified and enthusiastic peers. Throughout their service, they will build on that training and deepen relationships  as they hone their skills in capacity building, volunteer management, teamwork and publication, and community-based literacy services. In addition Members are provided with a living and travel stipend as well as health and disability insurance. After the term of service has been completed, AmeriCorps Members receive a $5,350 education award (matched by some colleges & universities, transferable to family members for those 55+) and become lifelong members (small “m”) of the AmeriCorps Alums network.

BENEFITS FOR SPONSORS

AmeriCorps grants require a 24% match in cash or in-kind donations. Thanks to in-kind donations, an organization can sponsor one Member of the NEO Literacy Corps for a year at $5,735, though any contribution is greatly appreciated. Full year sponsors will be recognized by name and logo in the aforementioned publications by the NEO Literacy Corps or individual Members, invited to annual Meet the Members and Member Recognition events, and may provide promotional materials for Members. Members will also be available to present about their work both for sponsors & the larger community. For more information about sponsorship, please contact Omobola Lana.