FAQ about Starting a YVC

1. How long has the Youth Volunteer Corps been in existence?
2. How does an agency become a sponsor for a Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) program?
3. Is there a fee or charge for becoming affiliated with the Youth Volunteer Corps America?
4. What services does an agency receive for their $400 annual affiliation fee?
5. Are there any mandated requirements for being an affiliate of YVCA?
6. I’ve heard a lot about National Service Programs such as AmeriCorps. Does YVCA participate in any National Service Programs?
7. How do these AmeriCorps members help strengthen YVC affiliates?
8. How does a YVC affiliate obtain AmeriCorps members to serve with them?

Answers

1. How long has the Youth Volunteer Corps been in existence?

   YVC started in 1987. The national office was founded in 1989.

2. How does an agency become a sponsor for a Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) program?

   An agency that wants to sponsor a YVC program enters into a formal affiliation agreement with the Youth Volunteer Corps of America. Please see the information on the Affiliate page under the YVC materials tab for more information.

3. Is there a fee or charge for becoming affiliated with the Youth Volunteer Corps America?

   Yes, currently the annual affiliation fee is $400. This fee is determined by the YVCA Board of Directors and is subject to change; however, it has not been increased in more than 10 years.

4. What services does an agency receive for their $400 annual affiliation fee?

   The YVCA National Office supports their affiliates in a number of ways. These support services include:

   
   
   • Developmental and Operational Technical Assistance
     On-site assistance to help start a new program, build public support, raise funds, and train local program staff.
     
   
   
   • Fund Development Assistance and Fundraising Materials
     Strategies and assistance to tap public and private funding sources; programs receive a nationally developed fundraising video and related fundraising materials.
     
   
   
   • Program Evaluation
     Comprehensive assessment of local program operation through self-assessments, on-site monitoring and technical assistance, YVCA reporting forms and research by an independent evaluator.
     
   
   
   • National Conference
     Reduced registration fees for the annual convening of Program Directors, Team Leaders, Youth Volunteers and prospective YVC sponsors for training and networking opportunities.
     
   
   
   • Promotional Materials
     Free start-up kit with materials for Youth Volunteer recruitment and program promotion; other YVC recruitment, promotion and recognition items provided at nominal cost.
     
   
   
   • Volunteer Insurance
     Excess accident, personal liability and auto insurance for volunteers available to YVC sites at cost.
     
   
   
   • Policy Advocacy and National Collaboration
     Collaboration with government officials and other national youth service organizations to promote and advance the YVC network and youth service through legislation and funding.
     
   
   
   • YVCA.org web site and list serve
     Access to YVCTalk list serve to ask questions of and learn from all those subscribing to the list serve and access to all elements of the extensive YVC web site including our quarterly e newsletter.
     
   
   
   • YVC Ambassadors and YVC Road Trip
     Access to YVC Ambassadors from other YVC affiliates at no cost and the ability to apply for funding to take a YVC Road Trip to visit another YVC program to gather information and share ideas.
     
   
   
   • Bulk Purchasing
     Cost-savings on YVC recruitment and promotional materials through the bulk purchasing program
   
   

5. Are there any mandated requirements for being an affiliate of YVCA?

   Yes, there are agreements and covenants set out in the affiliation agreement that both parties, the sponsor and YVCA, are bound to. There are also 12 program standards that a sponsor must agree to abide by. These are:

   
   
   1. Recruit youth who represent the diversity of the program's community
      
   
   
   2. Conduct supervised service projects that address important community needs
      
   
   
   3. Provide leadership opportunities for Youth Volunteers
      
   
   
   4. Establish an integrated education and reflection process for participants
      
   
   
   5. Conduct an intensive summer component consisting of structured team projects
      
   
   
   6. Conduct a school year component of frequent, diverse service projects
      
   
   
   7. Provide no financial inducement for Youth Volunteer participation
      
   
   
   8. Follow basic volunteer management practices
      
   
   
   9. Hire a year-round Program Director responsible for managing and operating the program
      
   
   
   10. Use the trademark Youth Volunteer Corps name and logo in close coordination with the name and logo of the sponsoring organization
       
   
   
   11. Operate with the guidance of a broad cross section of community leaders, including youth
       
   
   
   12. Participate in the program evaluation process
   
   

6. I’ve heard a lot about National Service Programs such as AmeriCorps. Does YVCA participate in any National Service Programs?

   Yes, YVCA has participated in the AmeriCorps program and the Learn & Serve America program for many years. We currently have a grant through the Corporation for National and Community Service that enables our affiliates to recruit upwards of 90 AmeriCorps members.

7. How do these AmeriCorps members help strengthen YVC affiliates?

   AmeriCorps members serve as Team Leaders for YVC programs. Team Leaders recruit and supervise the Youth Volunteers in meaningful service-learning projects that have previously been determined by community leaders and agencies, including youth.

8. How does a YVC affiliate obtain AmeriCorps members to serve with them?

   Each year, usually in January or February, YVCA issues a request for proposal (RFP) to all of our affiliates. Through this RFP the affiliates provide us information about their program and the number of AmeriCorps members they would like to have. YVCA staff review each RFP and decide if an affiliate meets the minimum requirements to recruit and enroll AmeriCorps members.
   
   YVCA charges a minimal per member fee for stipended members to help defray the member’s living allowance, FICA and health care costs that are required by the Corporation for Community and National Service. Education award only AmeriCorps members receive no stipend from YVCA and the local YVC affiliate pays nothing to YVCA.