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Americorps:

Be something Bigger

AmeriCorps is a federal program where full-time members dedicate their service to marginalized and underserved communities, focusing on non-profits, schools and government agencies. There are two main types of AmeriCorps members: State and National, and Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA).

What will your year of service with Martha O’Bryan look like?

Focus

Building the capacity of the Martha O'Bryan Center to ensure efficient program operation, promote departmental collaboration, and expand organizational reach.

Nashville

Located in the heart of East Nashville, members engage in our anti-poverty mission through programs and services, employing our values of faith, hope, and love

Historic Roots

The Martha O'Bryan Center served the James A. Cayce neighborhood since 1948. Founded as a Gleaner’s Society in 1894, it has a rich history of community service. Since 2011, the the center has partnered with AmeriCorps to offer service opportunities for its members.

Housing Allowance

Martha O'Bryan Center AmeriCorps get an additional $500 housing allowance per month. This is an added benefit on top of the regular AmeriCorps living allowance.

Creating Community

A top priority in our AmeriCorps program is to create a sense of community among our cohort. We do this through weekly community lunch gatherings, quarterly service days, and monthly social gatherings.

27
AmeriCorps members have been hired as full-time staff members.
$7,395
Education Award to use towards loans or future education.
$160
Per month of health insurance or health care reimbursement.
$25
Per month for cell phone reimbursement.
$500
in addition to the typical living allowance to apply towards rent or bills.
8/10
AmeriCorps alumni say it benefited their career.

Alumni Insights

"I chose AmeriCorps with the Martha O'Bryan Center initially because it provided a great opportunity to work directly with students and to interact with the policies and laws of the education student. My experience in AmeriCorps and the students I had the great honor of serving helped me focus my attention on being the best I can be so that I can continue to serve for the rest of my life. I've since attended and graduated from law school, met plenty of new people, and am constantly working to find ways to stay involved with Martha O'Bryan Center."

Elizabeth Rein,

AmeriCorps member -'17-18

"Being an AmeriCorps at Martha O'Bryan has been a large part of my growth and has given me an incredibly deep perspective on urban poverty. It's also given me opportunities to display and develop my skills while serving struggling communities close to my home. I know that all the work I do here is meaningful and contributing to positive change."

Rishi Deorah,

AmeriCorps member - '23-'24

"After 30 years as a secondary teacher across three states, I was lucky that one of the best experiences happened near the end of my career. The staff here at The Martha O’Bryan Center are extremely qualified and care greatly about the clients they serve. I would encourage anyone, of any age, to get involved in working with people in need. Being an AmeriCorps member has changed my life. The friendships I have made here with staff and clients have affected me far more than I ever dreamed."

Robert Estes,

AmeriCorps member - '23-'24

"Serving with AmeriCorps VISTA at the Martha O'Bryan Center was one of the best decisions I made both personally and professionally! I gained invaluable professional experiences and learned more than I ever thought possible. The work done for the Nashville community had a profound impact on me, and I will take these experiences and lessons with me as I continue my career in public service."

Mason McVeety

AmeriCorps member - '23-'24

State and National Members

Service Commitment: 1,700 hours over 11 months.
Compensation: $19,100 for the term, plus a $500 monthly housing allowance.
Post-Service Award: Segal Education Award of $7,395 for the 2023-24 grant year.

VISTA Members

Service Commitment: 12 months, with no specific hours requirement.
Compensation: $22,882 for the term, plus a $500 monthly housing allowance.
Post-Service Award: Segal Education Award of $7,395 for the 2023-24 grant year.

FAQs

When do I apply?

Our full-time cohort begins in mid-August each year. Our applications typically open late spring, and we accept candidates on a rolling basis. Some full- and part-time positions are available later in the year if we determine we need additional help, so it’s always good to keep an eye on the MOBC job board!

How does the living stipend work?

Living stipends are paid out in increments twice every month:

State and National Members: $19,100 over 11 months/1700 hours

VISTA Members: $22,880 over 1 year

Additional $500 per month towards housing for all full-time members

Paychecks are direct deposited two weeks after the pay period ends, on the 15th and last day of each month, and this income is taxable.

What if I'm interested in multiple positions?

The application process begins with a group interest session to learn more about all of our available opportunities. Throughout the interview process, candidates can discuss their interests and get more information about our positions to determine which ones align most closely with their interests. Members may apply to multiple positions but will only be offered one position.

What's the difference between VISTA & AmeriCorps State?

VISTA members fall under the general AmeriCorps umbrella but have slightly different benefits. You can read about VISTA members’ benefits here and AmeriCorps State & National benefits here. VISTA members engage in capacity-building work, meaning they will develop and create sustainable projects and programs at their site. AmeriCorps members will also have administrative tasks, but the bulk of their work will be direct service. VISTA members do not have an hours requirement but will complete 12 months of service. VISTA members receive 20 days off (outside of days MOBC is closed) during their service term. AmeriCorps State & National members will serve 1700 hours over the course of 11 months.

Can I serve remotely?

Due to fellowship being a key component of our mission, we expect AmeriCorps members to serve primarily in-person. It is important for our staff to build in-person connections with one another and with the community we serve. Some occasional remote work may be available for some positions, but that will depend on each supervisor and position.

Can I speak to a current AmeriCorps member?

Yes! AmeriCorps members at MOBC are available to share about their experience. To get in touch with a current member, please reach out to Mary Sellers, the Director of Service Learning, at mshaw@marthaobryan.org. Please note, you may not be able to speak with someone in the exact role you are interested in, but we will do our best to ensure you can talk to someone who can answer your questions.

Do I have to serve full-time?

Nope. While most of our positions are full-time, we understand that some members may be enrolled in school or may already have other commitments. Members may enroll as a part-time member or participate in a summer internship. MOBC makes a great Field Education placement! Mary Sellers, the Director of Service Learning, can provide more information upon request.

Can I get internship credit?

We love to partner with our local universities! Please have your school administrator contact Director of Service Learning, Mary Sellers Shaw, to discuss any internship or Field Education credit requirements

What are the eligibility requirements for AmeriCorps positions?

Find out more about State & National Eligibility here and VISTA eligibility here.

Can I do a second year?

Absolutely! Each year, we have several cohort members who decide to apply for a second term. Talk with the Director of Service Learning mid-spring to let them know of your interest, and we’ll get the ball rolling!

Positions

The Martha O’Bryan Center hosts 27 AmeriCorps positions:

  • Family support
  • Education
  • After-school programs
  • Data and analytics
  • Adult education & literacy
  • Community engagement
  • Recreation

Contact Us

If you would like to join our mission, have questions about AmeriCorps at Martha O’Bryan, or would like more information, contact our Director of Service Learning, Mary Sellers Shaw.