AmeriCorps provides the opportunity to put idealism to work. In AmeriCorps, members learn teamwork, communication, responsibility and other essential skills that help them be successful throughout their lives. Members also gain the personal satisfaction of taking on a challenge and seeing results. Over 10,000 Illinois residents have answered the challenge. Are you up to it ?

VOCAL AmeriCorps Program

The central goal of the VOCAL - Volunteer Outreach for Community Action in Literacy - program is to expand the volunteer base of community and faith-based adult literacy programs by recruiting, placing and training AmeriCorps members to serve as Literacy Specialists and tutors in adult literacy programs throughout the state.

As Literacy Specialists, AmeriCorps members serve as one-to-one and small group tutors, are involved with volunteer recruitment and retention activities and help to secure other resources for their host site, including books, program materials, and "give -away" items for tutor and student celebrations. Members are also involved in special events to generate awareness of and support for the literacy activities of the agency.

Take a look at our monthly newsletter and Host Descriptions to get a closer view of 2012-2013 members and activities:

May 2013

Click for May 2013 VOCAL Newsletter

Click for VOCAL Newsletter Archive

Click for 2012-2013 Host Site Information

 

Are You Up for A Challenge?

Application Form and Instructions

The VOCAL program is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Illinois Commision on Volunteerism and Community Service.

If you are interested in submitting an application to be an AmeriCorps member, click on the AmeriCorps icon below to go to that website to submit an application along with two references electronnically. If you do not have Internet access, you can download and complete the application below and submit it, along with two references to Literacy Volunteers of Illinois, 30 East Adams St, Suite 1130, Chicago, IL 60603.

AmeriCorps Logo AmeriCorps Application
AmeriCorps Website
Position Description

Benefits

Along with the satisfaction of making a difference in someone's life and gaining personal experiences that will never be forgotten, members also receive the following benefits:

Full-time Member - 1700 hours

  • Bi-weekly living allowance of $12,100 a year
  • Health insurance and (income-based) child care
  • Student Loan Deferment & Interest Accrual Waiver
  • Initial, in-service and hands-on "job" training
  • Post service educational award of $5,550

Part-Time Member - 900 hours

  • Bi-weekly living allowance based on $6,100 a year
  • Student Loan Deferment & Interest Accrual Waiver
  • Initial, in-service and hands-on "job" training
  • Post service educational award of $2,775
Minimum-Time Member - 300 hours
  • Student Loan Deferment & Interest Accrual Waiver
  • Initial, in-service and hands-on "job" training
  • Post service education award of $1,175
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Click here for a downloadable version of the VOCAL Member Information.

Agencies interested in becoming a host site, click on the following materials:
Call for Host Sites, Host Site Application, and Host Site Renewal Application.