The PBLC is somewhat unique in the AmeriCorps and national service network because it is a legal program and one of only a handful that involves lawyers and other professionals. Generally, a large percentage of AmeriCorps programs address expanding, promoting and improving educational opportunities in underserved communities. Accordingly, do not be surprised if national service resources, including correspondence, special events and/or technical assistance opportunities do not always match your experience, your host site or the type of work you do. This does not mean that the AmeriCorps national service network has nothing to offer you. National service programs are some of the most experienced leaders in recruiting, managing and training volunteers for community service, and we encourage you to use AmeriCorps resources to further develop and inform your projects. Many resources are available online through the National Service Resource Center at www.nationalserviceresources.org.

State Commissions

In addition, CNCS sponsors free services and events that you and your host site can utilize. Every state has a State Commission for National and Community Service whose mandate is to oversee AmeriCorps-funded projects in that state, provide free technical assistance and support, coordinate special service days (such as the annual day of service on Martin Luther King Day) and share ideas for funding opportunities. Your project director should be in touch with your state commission, informing its staff about your project, accomplishments and upcoming events. AmeriCorps looks very favorably upon partnerships within the national service network and we encourage you to seek ways to work with your state commission in your service activities.

Other AmeriCorps Projects

You may also look for opportunities to collaborate with other AmeriCorps projects in your area, participate in community events on special service days and communicate your accomplishments throughout your region and state. You and fellow AmeriCorps Attorneys can have lunch with AmeriCorps members from another project in your area to get to know one another and share ideas; you can join other AmeriCorps teams for a day of park cleaning or community education; or you can involve other AmeriCorps teams in your project, such as asking their assistance in distributing community education materials. You can also share your legal knowledge and expertise with other AmeriCorps teams to assist them in their service. Our past AmeriCorps Attorneys, for example, have trained other AmeriCorps members on mediation, domestic violence education, housing rights and community economic development.

Training

Please be aware that you can also obtain free training on certain topics through your state commission. CNCS contracts with a number of service providers to supply free training and technical assistance to AmeriCorps projects across the country. Although some of the services are available only to project directors, many are also available to members. Please let your project director know what type of training would be of interest to you. To obtain more information on CNCS-sponsored events or services, visit the "Conference and Training Calendar" section of the National Service Resource Center website at www.nationalserviceresources.org/calendar.