AmeriCorps Reviews

Cons

Pay is not great for the amount of work these organizations ask from you

Cons

Communication
Lack of staff leadership
Lack of diverse trainings

Cons

It’s not all year round.

Cons

-The idea that the “stipend” amount is so low to show people what it’s like to be in poverty while basically being overworked by their sites needs to be revisited. AmeriCorps’ programs are set up so that mostly non-poc’s with socio-economic privilege can comfortably gain experience in these roles while “giving back” to underserved communities, which basically perpetuates savior complexes and also makes it really difficult for folks who are not financially stable to make it through the year.
-Your experience will depend largely on your site. Some sites will value you as an actual member of the team and treat you no different. Others will not and you may not do actual work. OR your site will over-value your position and make you commit to responsibilities completely out of your job description despite not being compensated for doing 3+ positions for virtually no income.

All that said...do not accept mistreatment, mismanagement, or toxic work environments because your site is not paying you, your sponsoring organization is. So they do not have the right to overwork you or disrespect you. That’s a given with any organization, but because of the power dynamic and sever lack of compensation that comes with AmeriCorps, it needs to be restated. Utilize your Vista Leaders as much as possible. Keep them in the loop at all times. Take care of yourself if you decide your site and their mission and your position will be fulfilling. Finishing the year does feel like a huge accomplishment though, because it’s an emotional rollercoaster.

Cons

Low pay
Chaos at the head office
Difficulty with benefits

Cons

Its a lot of problem-solving and thinking on your toes. So if that isnt something you are interested then I wouldn't apply.

Cons

Low pay, unresponsive to feedback, inefficient and ineffective system of communicating with members, no professional development outside of individual site

Cons

The pay.
The long hours.
Some of the martial they want to complete doesn't make sense.

Cons

I was a "volunteer" yet I was paid a paltry stipend which meant I was really an indentured servant. Swinging tools in the jungle for 10.5 hours a day and spending the rest of my waking hours helping out with camp hours was not good for anxiety. I was fired for not disclosing that I'm Autistic which made it it difficult for me to complete the program. In doing so, my supervisor blatantly violated the ADA. If I disclosed my Autism earlier, I wouldn't have been hired to begin with. I would've sued for wrongful termination but I hated this program so much that I was honestly relieved to get fired.

Cons

The pay is intentionally very low. It is doable and helps you understand the people you work to help and makes you very resourceful.