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In Their Own Words...
Through our blog,
experience life in AmeriCorps NCCC as one of our teams
travels to community service projects throughout the
central United States and Gulf Coast regions.
> GO
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The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) have launched an innovative partnership to establish a FEMA-devoted unit of 1,600 service corps members within AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) solely devoted to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
This partnership builds on the historic collaboration between the two agencies and will enhance the federal government’s disaster capabilities, increase the reliability and diversity of the disaster workforce, promote an ethic of service, expand education and economic opportunity for young people, and achieve significant cost savings for the American taxpayer. When the program is at full operational capability, and in an average disaster year, we expect to see a savings of approximately $60 million in a year.
Every year, millions of Americans suffer the effects of natural and man-made disaster. Disasters can lead to human losses, social problems, economic harm, and environmental damage. Given the prevalence and severity of disasters and other hazards, FEMA is looking for ways to diversify and fortify its existing disaster workforce structure. FEMA is partnering with CNCS to support 1,600 additional service corps members annually within AmeriCorps NCCC, a full-time residential service program for individuals ages 18-24.
FEMA Corps members focus on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities, providing support in areas ranging from working directly with disaster survivors to supporting disaster recovering centers to sharing valuable disaster preparedness and mitigation information with the public.
The FEMA Corps members serve for a 10 month term with an option to extend for a second year. The program will prepare thousands of young people for careers in emergency management and related fields. During their service, they will gain significant training and experience in disaster services and will provide important support to disaster survivors. The first members began serving in August 2012 and the program will reach full capacity within 18 months.
To be considered for FEMA Corps, you must first apply to AmeriCorps NCCC.
Benefits to Disaster Survivors, Communities and the Taxpayer
This innovative partnership is a win all around - benefiting communities and individuals affected by disasters; disaster response organizations; those who serve, and the taxpayer.
Strengthening the Nation’s Disaster Response Capacity: The partnership provides a trained and reliable resource dedicated to support disaster operations, while enhancing the entire emergency management workforce.
Achieving Significant Cost Savings to the Taxpayer: This partnership is projected to achieve significant cost savings by using a cost-effective approach to providing disaster services.
Creating Pathways to Work for Young People: By providing training, experience, and educational opportunity, the partnership will prepare thousands of young people for careers in emergency management and related fields.
Promoting an Ethic of National Service: The partnership strengthens our nation’s culture of service and civic engagement by mobilizing corps members and community volunteers to provide critical disaster services.
Modernizing Government Operations to Improve Performance: By coordinating between agencies, CNCS and FEMA are advancing the President’s management goals of working across government, managing across sectors, and promoting efficiency
Learn more:
Contact us:
Tel.: 1-800-942-2677
TTY: 1-800-833-3722
If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to contact us at anccc@cns.gov or follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AmeriCorpsNCCC and Twitter @AmeriCorpsNCCC.
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