Handbook for Jesuit Volunteers/AmeriCorps Members Table of Contents Welcome to Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest ...................................................................................................................... 5 Mission Statement .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 History of Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest ..................................................................................................................... 5 The Covenant of Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest ............................................................................................................... 6 Calendar for 2017-18 JV/AmeriCorps Year ........................................................................................................................... 8 JVC Northwest Staff and Contact Information ....................................................................................................................... 9 JV/AmeriCorps Member Expectations ................................................................................................................................... 2 AMERICORPS ONLY ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 Oncorps Monthly Reporting and Timesheets ......................................................................................................................... 4 What are CNCS and AmeriCorps? ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Language is Important ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 More Information about JVC Northwest, AmeriCorps, and How the Program Works ..................................................... 5 AmeriCorps Gear -- Wear it Every Day ............................................................................................................................. 6 Prohibited Activities for JV AmeriCorps Members and Volunteers they Support............................................................. 6 AmeriCorps prohibited activities and rules of conduct ...................................................................................................... 6 Relationship with Partner Agencies ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Retreat Program ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Fall: Community ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Winter: Social and Ecological Justice ................................................................................................................................ 8 Spring: Ignatian Spirituality and Vocational Discernment ................................................................................................. 8 Dis-Orientation/Closure Process and Optional Retreats ..................................................................................................... 8 Retreat Fees ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8 The Role of Your Program Coordinator ................................................................................................................................. 9 What Does a Program Coordinator Do? ............................................................................................................................. 9 Local Community Support for JVs ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Who are Support People? ................................................................................................................................................. 10 How does it happen? ......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Relationship Between YOU and Your SUPPORT PEOPLE ........................................................................................... 10 Relationship Between the Support People and the Program Coordinator ........................................................................ 10 What NOT to Expect from Support People ...................................................................................................................... 10 If Your Locale Does Not Have a Formal Support Team .................................................................................................. 11 Personal and Communal Policies and Best Practices ........................................................................................................... 12 Change Your Driver’s License or Get a State ID ............................................................................................................. 12 Consider Personal Property Insurance .............................................................................................................................. 12 Navigate Student Loans .................................................................................................................................................... 12 Open a Personal Bank Account ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Stay safe ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Social Media Considerations ............................................................................................................................................ 13 Taxes ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 2 Vehicles and Transportation ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Voting and Civic Engagement .......................................................................................................................................... 15 End of the Year ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Commitment ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Dis-Orientation ................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Departure Date .................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Travel ................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 Money Matters: Fiscal Structure of JVC Northwest Households ......................................................................................... 17 Direct Deposits (Your Monthly Income) .......................................................................................................................... 17 Direct Deposits for AmeriCorps Members ....................................................................................................................... 17 Direct Deposits for JVs in Independent Placements ......................................................................................................... 17 Community Cash Flow ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 Living on Your $100 Personal Stipend ............................................................................................................................ 18 Draft Budgets .................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Household Reporting ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 Ethical and Financially Responsible Practices for Community Finances ........................................................................ 19 Money Matters Glossary .................................................................................................................................................. 19 Housing Policies and Best Practices ....................................................................................................................................