AmeriCorps MEMBERS are not VOLUNTEERS

On the first day of orientation with the Pittsburgh Health Corps the director kept repeating that we were NOT volunteers, nor should we call what we are doing work.  Instead we are referred to as members and are serving at our site. 

Now this can cause a great deal of consfusion when one is trying to describe the AmeriCorps program to someone and/or what they actually do on a daily basis; it definitely took us some time to get used to the new vocabulary.  A few weeks ago, I came across a great article from a past VISTA member which sums up her expereince and why ServeNext wants to change the description of the national service expereince within the AmeriCorps program.  She brings up a lot of good points that many of the members here share as well!  Check it out.