Frequently Asked Questions

About AmeriCorps

  • AmeriCorps is a federally-funded National Service program. It is often nicknamed the “domestic Peace Corps” for the United States. AmeriCorps is a good alternative to the military or the Peace Corps for those who are interested in National Service but cannot commit for multiple years or who want to serve in a more specific focus area. AmeriCorps has four branches: State/National, VISTA, NCCC, and Senior Corps. There are hundreds of AmeriCorps programs across the country; the AmeriCorps St. Louis (ACSTL) Emergency Response Team (ERT) is one such program, based out of St. Louis, Missouri. Each program is distinct, although some are very similar to others. Some programs have hundreds of Members, while some have only one. Program commitments range from a few months to a year. Check out www.americorps.gov and watch the video below for more information.

  • The AmeriCorps St. Louis Emergency Response Team is a State/National Program under the AmeriCorps umbrella. Our term of service is an 11-month, full-time commitment from mid-September to mid-August. You must serve at least 1,700 hours within that 11-month commitment to complete your term and receive the Segal Education Award. We have 42 AmeriCorps Members on the ERT every year.

  • We were one of the first AmeriCorps programs to exist and therefore one of the first in St. Louis, so we established our name, “AmeriCorps St. Louis.” Since our founding in 1994, the city has hosted many more AmeriCorps programs, but we have kept our name. We do not represent any other AmeriCorps program. We are one program, the Emergency Response Team. If you are interested in finding other AmeriCorps programs in St. Louis or Missouri, visit the AmeriCorps job portal and filter the current opportunities by state.

Specific AmeriCorps St. Louis Program Logistics

  • All ERT Members must find their own housing in St. Louis. There are apartments that current Members share, and those rooms usually become available once their term of service ends. Members have the opportunity to connect with each other virtually after they are hired and before they arrive in St. Louis to coordinate roommates and living situations. ACSTL is happy to help facilitate the housing search, but it is ultimately each Member’s responsibility to find a housing arrangement for at least 11 months (September to August). The cost of living in St. Louis is still very affordable, especially if Members live together and split rent and utility costs. On average, AmeriCorps Members spend $350/month on rent.

    Already live in St. Louis or a reasonable commuting distance? Many local member choose to continue living with family or their current residence, while some choose to move in with other members, it is your personal preference.

  • If relocation to St. Louis poses a significant barrier to your participation in the program, please reach out to us, assistance may be available.

  • A personal vehicle is not required for the program. AmeriCorps St. Louis owns a fleet of work trucks that members use to travel to and from projects.

  • AmeriCorps St. Louis provides most of the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed, including:

    • Uniform shirts (short and long sleeve)

    • Uniform Sweatshirt

    • Bandana

    • Beanie

    • Basic eye & ear protection

    • Gloves for prescribed burns

    • Duffel bag, work pack, travel bag

    • Hard Hat

    • Fire-safe Nomex clothing

    • Reusable utensil set

    Provided while you are in service:

    • Housing (while on out of town projects)

    • Food

    • Travel

    What You Cover:

    • Work pants

    • Winter gear/layers

    • Work gloves

    • Chainsaw rated boots

    • Basic camping/outdoor gear

    Required, but reimbursement available

    • Approved wildland fire boots

    • All fire boots are also chainsaw boots, but not all chainsaw boots are fire boots

    Available for loan:

    • Sleeping bag & sleeping pad

    • Tent

  • While it is not forbidden, having another job while serving with the ERT is not encouraged. Your ERT term must be your top priority. Some jobs like gig-work (like ride share), remote work, or part-time flexible schedule jobs may be possible.

    Most of our service projects involve hard manual labor, so we encourage Members to use time off and weekends to recuperate and relax.

 

Still wondering if this is the right fit for you?

Do your research! AmeriCorps is a great opportunity, but it is not for everyone.

 

I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter and healthier.
I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.
Faced with apathy, I will take action.
Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will persevere.
I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done.

— The AmeriCorps Pledge