Institute for the Study of Societal Issues

Initiated by President Bill Clinton in 1992 as a centerpiece of his domestic social policy, AmeriCorps was dedicated to the intention of promoting an inspiring ethic of volunteerism and service among American youth to galvanize a generation of Americans in the interests of improving the lot of their fellow countrypersons. Since then, AmeriCorps programs have taken root in nearly every state in the Union, bringing together private citizenry and public institutions, community agencies and government bodies, local residents and the enormous variety of organizations which aim to serve them. This document represents the culmination of six months of intensive research and evaluation of seven AmeriCorps programs in the state of California. Our review of the programs was guided by an interrelated set of questions, all of which have practical, academic and policy-oriented dimensions: How effectively does the program address local and community needs? Does the program demonstrate enduring viability? Do the proposed programs provide a reasonable basis for successful social outcomes? In order to answer these questions, we conducted key informant interviews and field observations at seven selected AmeriCorps programs. We also reviewed program reports and documents. Finally, we supplemented our primary research with a review of the social science literature on the experience of programs operating in other communities, as well as survey research and other secondary data.

In summary, AmeriCorps in California is not simply another social program in a relatively stable world. Rather, AmeriCorps arrives as an alternative to facilitate the positive forces of community change necessary to address substantial demographic, cultural, linguistic and economic changes over the past two decades. Whereas more traditional patterns of community service provision can become disconnected or “out-of-touch” with the changing realities of new people, new cultures, new economics and reduced state and local budgets, AmeriCorps programs possess the qualities of adaptability and flexibility necessary for relevant and timely service provision which meets local conditions and situations of need.