Member Activities
The service activities that members provide during their term of service vary depending on the site where they serve. Examples of some of the services members provide are: teaching health education workshops on topics such as diabetes, nutrition, and asthma; enrolling patients in health insurance and pharmacy assistance programs; HIV testing and counseling; and promoting and coordinating health screenings and immunization campaigns. Link to Position Descriptions
Pre-Service Orientation (PSO)
Pre-service orientation is provided by the North Florida Health Corps during the first two weeks of the program year. It prepares members for their AmeriCorps year of service by providing basic knowledge about the history of AmeriCorps and the NHC, as well as training in basic skills such as effective communication, teambuilding, project planning, group dynamics, and organizational culture. PSO is the time when members begin to develop the friendships that will last throughout the year and beyond.
Training
Preparing to serve
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NFHC Members Shanita and Sara prepare to serve during a NFHC service trip to Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, FL |
Members receive training on a regular basis throughout the year both through the NFHC and their host sites. Training is designed to provide members with a set of core competencies that are critical to their successfully completing their term of service. The eleven NHC member core competencies are: Community Health Advocacy, Patient/Client Relations, Professionalism, Cultural Competency, Civic Engagement, Health Outreach, Health Education, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness, Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, Case Management, Public Health Knowledge.
Member Meetings
Members meet to share experiences and reflect on their service, to plan service projects, complete committee assignments, and continue building an esprit de corps. Attendance at meetings is mandatory for all members.
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.
Administrative Responsibilities
All members have administrative duties related to their service including keeping an accurate record of hours served, services provided, workshops performed, and volunteers recruited.
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. While some members serve at sites where volunteer recruitment is the primary activity, all members are expected to recruit volunteers while in service.
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: service project committee, newsletter committee, professional development committee, learning series committee, and social committee.
Training Coalitions
The purpose of the training coalitions is for members to gain individual learning experiences within public health that are related to their future career goals through specialized trainings, community involvement, and exposure to the needs of the community they are currently serving by collaborating together to meet this goal.
Retreat
The member retreat occurs roughly half way through the service year. It is a time of rest, relaxation, reflection, and recharge. Retreats are also a way of further developing a team spirit.
Recognition Ceremony
The member Recognition Ceremony caps off the program year and occurs at the end of the Year of Service. An evening is set aside and is filled with appreciation speeches, member reflections, staff reflections, awarding of certificates, and the celebration of a job well done.
