Blog

Around this time last year, I was laying out ambitious plans for a fresh start with the dawning of a new decade. I think we can all agree that 2020 did not go as expected! Despite the many challenges we have encountered this year, I am proud of how OneStar and our partners have responded—including launching the Texas COVID Relief Fund, coordinating research efforts on the impact of the coronavirus on Texas nonprofits, and pivoting our AmeriCorps programs to meet evolving community needs. This year, OneStar also embarked on a strategic planning process. The extra...

Launching a new school year in the midst of global pandemic requires extraordinary flexibility and creativity. When schools and nonprofits need additional support, AmeriCorps members offer adaptability, enthusiasm, and commitment to get things done! OneStar’s AmeriCorps VISTA members are dedicated to alleviating poverty, and ensuring quality educational opportunities is a key driver in that mission. Here are a few ways that our VISTA members have been able to help educational institutions pivot during this exceptional school year. Developing virtual platforms R...

Last week, the Corporation for National and Community Service hosted the AmeriCorps Symposium—a multi-day conference that brings together AmeriCorps and state commission staff. It is a great opportunity for us to learn from experts in the field as well as each other, and to connect on a variety of topics and learning opportunities that impact AmeriCorps programming. The Symposium is traditionally held in Washington, D.C., but like many recent large-scale gatherings, this year’s event was hosted virtually, where participants accessed workshops and plenaries via webinar. I...

Today we commemorate the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey and celebrate the inspiring progress Texas communities have made toward rebuilding stronger than ever. We invite you visit rebuildtx.org and download the three-year recap to learn more about our Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts through the Rebuild Texas Fund. DOWNLOAD THE RECAP The OneStar Foundation is honored and humbled to continue the work conceived by the Rebuild Texas Fund in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Three years ago, it was hard to im...

“We are constantly reassuring students that everything is going to be okay, but also being super honest that we don't know where things are going. It’s best to keep them task-oriented.” Calep Smith AmeriCorps adviser at Madison High School Advise TX College Advising Corps at The University of Texas at Austin When school closures were announced last month in response to COVID-19, the Advise TX College Advising Corps at The University of Texas at Austin sprang into action to ensure they could continue providing support to high school students...