What Is the National AIDS Fund’s AmeriCorps Program?

About the Program: AmeriCorps is a federal program that engages individuals in a year of public service to address critical community problems in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs. The National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Program unites individuals and HIV/AIDS organizations to help members become leaders in the community, serve as HIV/AIDS prevention educators; HIV testers and counselors; case managers; and legal advocates. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago partners with the National AIDS Fund to administer the HIV/AIDS AmeriCorps program.

How it works: AFC recruits and interviews prospective AmeriCorps members from the end of January to the beginning of July. After eight members are selected, AFC places each participant with an agency that matches their area of interest and skill. The program begins with an orientation and training seminar in Washington, DC and then is followed by an 11-month service commitment with a Chicago-based AIDS organization. During the week, AmeriCorps members spend four days with their host agencies doing direct service work, which includes conducting HIV prevention education, HIV counseling and testing services, and care services assisting people infected and affected by HIV.

On the last day of the week, members meet for “fifth day” projects, during which the team plans and implements additional community service activities, receives further training, and supports each other's service experience. Past AmeriCorps groups have participated in urban gardening, assembled care packages for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, assisted people living with HIV shop for groceries, prepared and served Thanksgiving dinner to needy families, and talked to teenagers about comprehensive sexual education at area high schools. If your local HIV/AIDS organization would like to host AmeriCorps members for a fifth-day activity, please contact Julie Peugeot .

How to Apply: Applications are being accepted now through July 1, 2008 for the 2008-2009 AmeriCorps year. It is best to submit applications early as positions fill quickly. You can download the general AmeriCorps application here and the National AIDS Fund Supplemental Application here. Applicants must complete both applications to be eligible.

NOTICE: The national AmeriCorps website is experiencing system-wide technical problems with online applications. We suggest printing and completing the PDF application for a faster response.

More Information: Contact AFC’s Julie Peugeot at (312) 922-2322 ext 518.

2007- 2008 Host agencies:

AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Austin Health Center of Cook County

Center on Halsted

Children’s Memorial Hospital

Haymarket Center

Howard Brown Health Center

Jackson Park Hospital

Michael Reese Hospital

Test Positive Aware Network

The Night Ministry

2008-2009 Member Applications:

General AmeriCorps Application: Online

General AmeriCorps Application: PDF

NAF Supplemental Application