Earth Day 2022: Every year on April 22, we are encouraged to connect with nature and reflect on ways we can tread lighter on the planet. Check out how AmeriCorps members with Conservation Legacy serve to help improve the accessibility and usability of our recreation areas for more Americans. Another blog post describes how AmeriCorps member Meadow Wheaton created a documentary centered on her community: the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho. The film is about how they defend the land and protect ancestral practices like gathering camas – one of the Nez Perce’s first foods which is still harvested annually.

AmeriCorps Expands Commitment Advancing Equity and Racial Justice: AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, launched its equity action plan today (April 26, 2022) in accordance with President Biden’s Executive Order 13985. “AmeriCorps has been engaged in a cross-agency initiative to evaluate and deepen our culture and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for nearly two years,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “We are focused on creating structural and lasting change in our grantmaking, member recruitment and retention, and equity in our workplace. We recognize our mission cannot be fully realized until community and national service embodies the rich diversity of our country and the communities we serve and is accessible to all.” This article further details the plan, including a list of AmeriCorps’ equity accomplishments since 2021 and a link to the agency’s strategic plan.

Official Exit Confirmation: Once you complete all closeout steps by next Monday, May 23, RelayAmeriCorps can officially exit you from the 2021-22 service term. ( Think of this as your AmeriCorps graduation!) Upon exit, you will receive an official exit email from Relay AmeriCorps with important Segal AmeriCorps Education Award information if eligible. Stay tuned in June- early July for an official closeout email.

Using Your Education Award: If you were eligible to earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, it will be available in your My AmeriCorps Portal in 1-3 business days. after the “AmeriCorps Exit Date” column in the closeout tracker — Relay has not yet released an award if no date is listed. Follow the steps in this Support Center article no later than July 6, 2022 if you wish to release your award to Relay.

Alumni Resources: Calling all Year 2 students! Be sure to log on to Relay Connect to know what’s going on around the Relay Nation and stay connected. Also check out this AmeriCorps national webpage for AmeriCorps specific alumni resources and our internal Alumni resources.

AmeriCorps 2022-23 Enrollment Preview: Current AmeriCorps members planning to return to Relay for the 2022-23 school year will be required to complete a new AmeriCorps application for a second year of service. However, you will not have to complete new background checks since we can use the Truescreen and Fieldprint checks you completed this year. Stay tuned for enrollment communications this summer!