“I will get things done.”
AmeriCorps is a federal community service program that places volunteers in places of need. Its motto is “Your world. Your chance to make it better.” The organization also has a pledge:
I will get things done for America -
to make our people safer,
smarter, and healthier.I will bring Americans together
to strengthen our communities.Faced with apathy,
I will take action.Faced with conflict,
I will seek common ground.Faced with adversity,
I will persevere.I will carry this commitment
with me this year and beyond.I am an AmeriCorps member,
and I will get things done.
The pledge provides no guidance for AmeriCorps members faced with union complaints to the state labor board.
The California School Employees Association charged the the Twin Rivers Unified School District with unfair labor practices for using AmeriCorps volunteers in the classroom as teachers’ aides.
“We have highly qualified people who have been laid off,” said CSEA’s Carlo Tarantola. “We are concerned about our members, but the greater concern is that children are being instructed by people without any training.”
Interestingly, the local teachers’ union has an opposing view. “Teachers like AmeriCorps,” said union president John Ennis. “Any additional adult in the classroom is good.”
The Sacramento Bee editorial page criticized CSEA, pointing out the lack of connection between AmeriCorps presence and teacher aide layoffs.
May 27th, 2011 at 11:37
“…I will be exploited, I will be forced to use my Segal education award the year after I complete my year of service to pay off undergraduate loans, but I will be taxed on it the following year as “other income” and end up owing 2K come tax time, before I’ve landed a real job” Thanks AmeriCorps! I could have made more as a bus boy and paid off my loans.