Grassroots Campaigns: Careers In Grassroots Field Organizing

Grassroots Campaigns was started in 2003 by a group of experienced community activists. Since then, its goal has been to build support for progressive causes through engaging everyday people in political action.

Grassroots Campaigns works with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, Oxfam America and Save the Children. In building support for these groups, it is able to help shape a national dialogue and bring needed awareness to countless issues. Additionally, the organization does electoral work, including voter registration and Get-Out-The-Vote.

AmeriCorps alum Jessica Lindeen worked with Action for Youth. She believes her service experience played an important role in landing a position with Grassroots Campaigns. Lindeen says, "AmeriCorps was an eye-opening experience that taught me a great deal about myself which led to a new found passion of helping others. I knew that I was committed to finding a career where I could work towards social justice through education and empowerment. With Grassroots, I could not only empower others to create change but also have the opportunity to work alongside people that share my beliefs.” Since joining Grassroots Campaigns, Jessica has advanced within the organization, and now runs its Chicago Campaign Office.

The world needs dedicated people to make an impact on these issues. Grassroots Campaigns is a great place to continue your work.  Click here To learn more about Grassroots Campaigns and to view available job opportunities within the organization.

It's Tax Time! Do It For Free This Year

Each year around tax time, many services require you to pay to file your tax returns. AmeriCorps Alums has partnered with MyFreeTaxes, and now you can  file your state and federal tax returns for free! All you need to be eligible is three things: 1) earned income of less than $57,000 in 2011 2) have a valid e-mail address and 3) have a valid social security number.

Last year, over 1,000 AmeriCorps alums used the MyFreeTaxes tool to generate over $878,000 in refunds, and we want to continue that success this year. With MyFreeTaxes, you will be able to quickly organize the necessary items to file your tax returns, as well as learn tips on how to maximize your refund. And the best part, it's all free! Start your 2011 tax returns beginning January 15th, 2012.

Three Career Sites You've Never Heard Of Until Now

Are you tired of visiting the same, saturated career sites over and over again? Here are few lesser known sites that AmeriCorps Alums has found in our research on the topic that we think can help spark your job search by providing new, unique ways to seek job opportunities.

Professional Development Webinar: The AmeriCorps Alums Career Development Program

Led by AmeriCorps alum and Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums, Ben Duda, AmeriCorps Alums' next professional development webinar, The AmeriCorps Alums Career Development Program, is set for Thursday, January 19th from 3:30PM.

How will the webinar focus on AmeriCorps alumni?
The webinar will provide useful insights into what AmeriCorps Alums offers as part of its Career Development Program, as well as why we offer a Career Development program. The webinar will focus on AmeriCorps Alums' professional development series, career center, social media career resources available on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and how we are voicing our career support for AmeriCorps alums through the media. This webinar will expand your knowledge of the tools and resources that are available to you as part of your career development.

About Ben Duda: Ben is a three-term AmeriCorps alum, serving in 2000, 2001, and 2003. Prior to his current role as Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums, he was with KABOOM! for five years.