On September 12, 1994, the first class of AmeriCorps members took the pledge to “get things done” for America. Since then, more than 1.1 million members have served in AmeriCorps nationwide, and in the state of Texas, more than 58,000 residents have served approximately 79 million hours through AmeriCorps. Last week, OneStar and our AmeriCorps*Texas programs commemorated this exciting milestone with celebrations throughout the state.

“Every day, in communities across Texas, AmeriCorps members are getting things done to make our state stronger and better,” said Jaclyn Kolar, Manager of AmeriCorps at OneStar Foundation.  “This is an opportunity for us look back at the extraordinary accomplishments of AmeriCorps members over the past 25 years, and to look forward by welcoming a new class that will be carrying on the enduring legacy of national service in the coming year.”

This year, 3,200 members are expected to serve in AmeriCorps Texas programs at more than 500 locations around the state.

• At the flagship event in Austin, about 400 AmeriCorps members and friends of national service gathered at LBJ Auditorium & Plaza for a celebration powered by AmeriCorps alums. The event featured with a ceremony showcasing stories from current and past members, a panel of AmeriCorps alums spanning 25 years, remarks from Director of AmeriCorps VISTA Desiree Tucker-Sorini, and the AmeriCorps pledge led by Austin Mayor Steve Adler. You can watch the full ceremony here:In addition, guests enjoyed networking at the AmeriCorps Festival, where AmeriCorps alums hosted interactive activities and resources as a living showcase of career paths stemming from national service. The festival included representatives from ServeAustin, Austin Cancer Society, Austin Community College, Austin Public Library, Mission Capital, and YNPN Austin.
• In Dallas, about 250 AmeriCorps members and friends of national service celebrated at Klyde Warren Park with interactive icebreaker activities and an afternoon of fun yard games. The event also featured speakers from North Texas programs sharing about their inspirational service experiences and a swearing-in of new members with the AmeriCorps pledge.
• In the Rio Grande Valley, members were sworn in at special ceremonies hosted at the UTRGV Brownsville and Edinburg campuses. Speakers included local AmeriCorps alums, university leaders, and representatives of U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

Take a look at at all the festivities in our photo slideshow here:

To celebrate the AmeriCorps 25th Anniversary, we are proud to launch a new video series featuring the inspirational stories of three AmeriCorps*Texas alums from across the decades! Although each of these former AmeriCorps members served years apart, they are united by the impact that national service has had in their lives.

In this video series, these extraordinary individuals share how the lessons and skills learned during AmeriCorps service can have a lasting effect on a person’s life and career and illustrate the enduring legacy of national service for members.

These members will be also sharing more of their stories in person during our panel at the AmeriCorps 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, October 4, in Austin, TX! You are encouraged to share these videos or to screen them during at your own local AmeriCorps events.

OneStar hosted its annual AmeriCorps*Texas All-Grantee Meeting, and AmeriCorps Evaluation Institute pre-conference event, on Tuesday, February 27 through Thursday, March 1, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel-Northwest Arboretum in Austin, Texas.

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Our annual All-Grantee Meeting was an opportunity to provide updates and training to the full portfolio. This year’s theme was the Winter Olympics! Our sessions covered everything from transition planning, to asset utilization, to federal budget updates. Day 2 focused on resources to assist with member recruitment and retention, including train-the-trainer financial literacy and recruiting and retaining members with disabilites.

ICF once again hosted our Evaluation Institute. This year’s Institute was build off of the 2017 Institute, with a focus on the critical “how to” of evaluation. Attendees received training on data collection, including how to manage, access, store, and analyze data. ICF also covered recent CNCS changes to the evaluation and evidence sections of the 2018 NOFO.