Member Activities
Service Activities
The service activities that members provide during their term of service depend on the site at which they serve. However, the following are examples of some of the services PHC members provide: pharmacy and health insurance benefit enrollment, health screenings, case management, development and distribution of health education materials, nutrition and exercise education, diabetes management, outreach and dissemination of health information, recruitment and management of volunteers. Link to Position Descriptions
Pre-Service Orientation
Pre-service orientation is provided by the Health Federation of Philadelphia. It occurs at the beginning of the program year and is intended to prepare members for their year of service as an AmeriCorps member. It provides basic knowledge about the history of AmeriCorps and the National Health Corps, as well as training in basic skills such as effective communication, teambuilding, project planning, group dynamics, and organizational culture. Members also become familiar with the goals and objectives of the program and the rules, regulations, and expectations of serving as an AmeriCorps member. Most importantly, however, pre-service training is the time when members begin building an esprit de corps. That is, they begin to develop and establish the friendships and bonds that are critical to ensuring that members have a fulfilling and satisfying year of service as they share in the programs’ challenges, successes, and accomplishments. Oftentimes, when members face the challenges of serving in AmeriCorps, it is the esprit de corps that keeps them motivated, enthused, engaged, and committed.
Training
Members receive training throughout the year, which is provided by the Health Federation of Philadelphia. The purpose of training is to provide members with a set of core competencies that are critical to being employed as a health care professional and carrying with them the commitment to service and volunteerism. Developing these core competencies is necessary to successfully complete the term of service. The eleven core competencies are: Community Health Advocacy, Patient/Client Relation, Professionalism, Cultural Competency, Civic Engagement, Health Outreach, Health Education, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness, Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, Case Management, and Public Health Knowledge
Member Meetings
Members meet twice a month to share experiences and reflect on their service, to plan service projects, complete committee assignments, and continue building an esprit de corps. Meetings are generally combined with a training session, and therefore require a whole day. Attendance at meetings is mandatory for all members.
Site Supervisor Meetings
Site supervisors meet bi-monthly to receive program updates, share best practices, and discuss program direction. Supervisors also attend a one-day training/orientation during pre-service orientation in the beginning of the program year.
Local Service Projects
Throughout the year members participate in service projects independent of their sites. These service projects allow members to interact with other AmeriCorps members, community sites, and volunteers. They also give members an opportunity to engage in another service experience.
Administrative Duties
All members have administrative duties related to their service. These include keeping an accurate record of hours served, service activities, and performance measures. Timesheets are completed daily and submitted bi-weekly to the program director. They must be signed and dated by the member and the site supervisor.
In addition, members are expected to participate in evaluation measures for the AmeriCorps program. Evaluation may take the form of surveys, one-on-one interviews, or group discussions. Evaluations are used by the NHC to assess the impact of the AmeriCorps program and by specific program sites to provide feedback about their programs.
Recruiting Volunteers
Recruiting volunteers is an element of all AmeriCorps programs, because developing a cadre of volunteers helps programs and communities sustain the services provided by members after the program ends. Additionally, promoting and enabling volunteerism promotes citizenship and civic engagement in the communities we serve. While some members serve at sites where volunteer recruitment is the primary activity, all members are expected to recruit volunteers while in service. Members are expected to recruit volunteers for the many service projects in which we participate throughout the year.
Member Committees
Members are expected to serve on one or more committees during their term of service. Doing so helps them develop leadership, professional skills, and teambuilding skills. Examples of committees include professional development committee, service project committee, newsletter committee, peer support committee, and social committee.
Retreat
The member retreat occurs roughly half way through the service year. It is a time of rest, relaxation, reflection, and recharge. In past years, members and staff have traveled to a state park and spent a few nights away from their service site and the demands of the program. Since members live with each other for a few days, it is an important element in building an esprit de corps.
Recognition Ceremony
The member Recognition Ceremony caps off the program year and generally occurs on the last day. The day is set aside as a luncheon, with appreciation speeches, member reflections, staff reflections, awarding of certificates, and the celebration of a job well done.
