SUMMER 1995 - (archived information - please note the date of publication)

Service is a life-long commitment and in its noblest of forms can transform war into peace.
It can transcend hate, and arrive at a station of understanding and community.
If love is the essence of life, then surely service has its kindred spirit.
Service is the resolution of man's need for purpose in his life—his burning desire to both make a way for himself while also clearing a way for others.

It can be as productive and lasting as the planting of a tree.
It can be as proud and lasting as the construction of a monument.
It can be as profound and lasting as the rearing of a child.

No matter what the reason... No matter what the season... Service is always lasting...

by Tyrone A. Alvin
AmeriCorps Member, 1994–95
Public Allies/The Environmentors Project

The Continuous Improvement Process
Continuous improvement is a way of thinking that permeates every activity in your organization. It involves continual seeking better ways to do things—ways that lead to more satisfied customers and better results, often without increased spending. The continuous improvement process consists of four steps:

The Four Steps of Continuous Improvement

1. Identify stakeholders and their needs.
2. Set goals related to their most important needs.
3. Check how you are doing in meeting their needs.
4. Take action to improve.

From the Handbook for Continuous Improvement, Corporation for National Service.

Call for Program Materials

Have you developed any program materials such as corps member orientation guides, training modules, or evaluation tools for your AmeriCorps project? If so, we'd like you to share them with us so that we can make them available to other programs. We have already received several calls from AmeriCorps programs interested in these types of resources. Call or email us, or just put a copy of any materials in the mail. Thanks!