Sonoma State University

AmeriCorps VIP at SSU

VIP Members build volunteer capacity at existing nonprofits, government agencies and schools (Partner Sites) that serve children, youth, and families.  The VIP program is 11 months of service that runs from August through June each year. During this time, VIP Members will work on: 

  1. Building sustainable systems to track, support, manage, and train virtual or in-person volunteers

  2. Recruiting one-time and skills-based volunteers

  3. Raising funds to support the development of the volunteer program.

Sonoma State University (SSU)-based VIP positions are a unique opportunity to serve with both a community partner site and at SSU within the Center for Community Engagement. AmeriCorps VIP - SSU members spend one day a week on campus at SSU serving as the point of contact and organizer between the partner site and SSU students, faculty, and staff who have projects with the partnering community agency. Partner Sites change annually based on community and agency needs; positions have included placements at several nonprofits and school districts in both Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park/Cotati. These positions are a valuable opportunity to develop and apply your leadership and community-organizing skills to make a lasting difference. Extensive training in volunteer management and nonprofit professional skills is provided.

Service Benefits:

  • Monthly living stipend of $2,200

  • Segal Education Award of $6,895*

  • California For All Education Award $3,105* (pending annual California State budget approval)

  • Health Benefits

  • Childcare (if applicable)

  • Potential Eligibility for CalFresh (CA’s food stamp program)

  • Moving stipend for applicants traveling from out of state and over 250 miles from the Partner Site

  • Student loan deferment and interest repayment

  • Extensive Professional Development and experiential learning opportunities

  • Gain experience in the nonprofit sector

  • Receive professional development training

  • Earn a certificate in Volunteer Management

  • Learn a wide variety of new skills

  • Serve alongside a cohort of AmeriCorps members

  • Attend statewide webinars with AmeriCorps members and staff

*Please note: The living stipend and education awards are taxable.

If you are a community partner that wants to collaborate with the CCE as a VIP partner site, please contact our Community Partnerships Coordinator, Caroline Bañuelos.