Coronavirus: Guidance & Resources for AmeriCorps Texas Programs

Last updated May 21, 2020

OneStar is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the potential risk factors and implications on AmeriCorps Texas programming. To support our grantees, we have compiled the following guidance and resources, which also contains useful reference material for all Texas nonprofits.

We recommend that AmeriCorps Texas programs take the following steps to prepare and protect their members and the communities they serve.

Guidance for AmeriCorps Texas Programs

• Review COVID-19 FAQs issued by CNCS for guidance in the event of service site closures, member exposure, event cancellations, and other potential scenarios. This information is being updated on a rolling basis, so please check back for the latest updates. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss a specific situation encountered by your program please contact your OneStar Program and Grants Officer.
• The AmeriCorps Texas team hosted weekly COVID-19 Update Calls from the middle of March through the end of May.  During those sessions, we reviewed guidance shared over the past week, provided programs with contact tracing updates, answered questions, and allowed AmeriCorps Texas programs to share best practices with one another. All calls were recorded and are shared here.
  • View past recordings: March 13 | March 19 | March 26 | April 2 | April 9 | April 24 | April 30 | May 7 | May 14 | May 21 | May 28
• Review the OneStar e-mail archive for specific program and fiscal guidance sent to all AmeriCorps Texas grantees regarding the COVID-19 response.
  • Exiting Members CPC during COVID-19 Pandemic (sent April 8)
    Guidance for how to exit members whose service was disrupted due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic when they are unable to complete the required minimum number of hours for their slot type.
  • In-Person COVID-19 Response Activities (sent March 20)
    Additional guidance around alternative service and training activities and highlights on member safety guidelines.
  • Fiscal COVID 19 Updates (sent March 18)
    Contains guidance on increasing living alowance payments, budget reallocation requests, insurance, and additional financial support to members.
  • COVID-19 Updates (sent March 17)
    Shares a list of alternative service and training activity ideas and provides instructions on how to report alternative activities to OneStar.
  • AmeriCorps Texas COVID-19 Update Call Recording + Updated FAQs (sent March 13)
    Summarizes key points from the portfolio-wide March 13 Update call regarding performance indicator expectations and exit for compelling personal circumstances and contains sample teleservice policies.
• View our AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Resources page for tools and templates related to COVID-19.
• Check out these ideas for alternative service and training activities for AmeriCorps Texas members, and report to OneStar if your program plans to reassign members from their regular service activities. Programs may develop alternative service activities that are not currently in your approved grant if normal service activities are disrupted. Please keep in mind that these activities can not be prohibited nor unallowable. Please contact your Program Officer if you plan to deviate from your members’ regular service activities.
• Review your program’s member safety policy and procedures and update them as needed.
• Review and update your program’s teleservice policy and procedures. If you are considering remote service possibilities for your members, you must have a written policy and procedure in place that aligns with the AmeriCorps State and National Teleservice Guidance from CNCS.
• Share Member Assistance Program (MAP) resources, or program-provided mental health resources, with your members during this time. If you are unsure how to access these resources please reach out to your Program Officer.

If your AmeriCorps program experiences service site closures due to COVID-19 or if a member or program staff has a confirmed/suspected case of COVID-19 or been exposed to COVID-19 or anyone under quarantine, please notify your Program Officer IMMEDIATELY.

Visit OneStar’s Responding to the Coronavirus in Texas webpage for ideas on how to give or serve. 

Visit OneStar’s Texas Nonprofits online resource hub for nonprofits responding to COVID-19 to access tools and articles for your organization.

Thank you in advance for all you to do safeguard our members and communities during this emerging public health threat.