
Created by: Candace Hollingsworth
Modified on: November 11, 2022
Modified on: November 11, 2022
Branding in the proper way provides instant recognition to communities across the nation that we are here to help them, and instills a strong sense of comfort and empowerment. Proper branding helps all of us deliver on our mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and expand service and volunteering.
The Corps Network requires Subgrantees to identify their Corps as a member of The Corps Network as well as a grantee on their website and that they use the AmeriCorps/TCN logo on all TCN AmeriCorps documents. Subgrantees MAY NOT use a state AmeriCorps logo on TCN AmeriCorps documents.
The TCN, TCN/AmeriCorps logos and, the AmeriCorps “Serving Here” are available in Section I of this Manual. Usage of the AmeriCorps logo is in the provisions below.
For instructions on how to use The Corps Network’s logo, Hannah Traverse at htraverse@corpsnetwork.org..
Refer to Section I. 21 of this Manual for further guidance on AmeriCorps branding
Beginning September 29, 2020, the agency (CNCS) will operate as AmeriCorps and we will communicate to the general public under the AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors brand. Your participation will help highlight and amplify the importance of national service and volunteering.
Our goal is to make sure every American is aware of their opportunities to serve and inspired to act.
The Communications Toolkit will make it easy for you to join us as we communicate the impact of national service with the press and through social media.
AmeriCorps Brand Resources
AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions
III. AFFILIATION WITH THE AMERICORPS NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM
A. Identification as an AmeriCorps Program or Member. The recipient shall identify the program as an AmeriCorps program and members as AmeriCorps members. All agreements with subrecipients, operating sites, or service locations, related to the AmeriCorps program must explicitly state that the program is an AmeriCorps program and AmeriCorps members are the resource being provided.
B. The AmeriCorps Name and Logo. AmeriCorps is a registered service mark of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). AmeriCorps provides a camera-ready logo. All recipient and subrecipient websites shall clearly state that they are an AmeriCorps recipient and shall prominently display the AmeriCorps logo. Recipients and subrecipients shall use the AmeriCorps name and logo on service gear and public materials such as stationery, application forms, recruitment brochures, on-line position postings or other recruitment materials, orientation materials, member curriculum materials, signs, banners, websites, social media, press releases, and publications related to their AmeriCorps program in accordance with federal AmeriCorps requirements.
To publicize the relationship between the program and AmeriCorps, the recipient shall describe their program as “an AmeriCorps program.” Recipients shall provide information or training to their AmeriCorps members about how their program is part of the national AmeriCorps program and about the other national service programs.
Recipients are strongly encouraged to place signs that include the AmeriCorps name and logo at their service sites and may use the slogan “AmeriCorps Serving Here.”
AmeriCorps members should state that they are AmeriCorps members during public speaking opportunities.
The recipient may not alter the AmeriCorps logo, and must obtain written permission from AmeriCorps before using the AmeriCorps name or logo on materials that will be sold, or permitting donors to use the AmeriCorps name or logo in promotional materials.
The recipient may not use or display the AmeriCorps name or logo in connection with any activity prohibited by statute, regulation, or AmeriCorps General Terms & Conditions, and these specific award Terms & Conditions.
- Display photos of members in service gear with the A*C logo
- Prominently display AmeriCorps logo on homepage or a designated AmeriCorps page
- Describe your relationship with AmeriCorps (grantee/program)
- Describe AmeriCorps – i.e. service, opportunities, benefits, qualifications
- Application instructions
- Contextual Navigation – includes mention of “AmeriCorps” in your page navigation
Talking Points
Whether you’re giving a speech, issuing a press release, or writing an op-ed, these talking points will help you communicate about AmeriCorps using the new messaging framework.
Impact of AmeriCorps & AmeriCorps Seniors
- National service and volunteering have the power to bring out the best of America. Together, we can make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture.
- As our nation continues to grapple with coronavirus and natural disasters, national service and volunteering have never been more important.
- Across the country, people are asking what they can do to make a difference. And AmeriCorps is answering the call, responding to the growing demand to address challenges in education, public health, food insecurity, and economic uncertainty.
- AmeriCorps is bringing people together to help our people and our country prosper.
- Every year, more than 270,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations working in more than 40,000 locations nationwide to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Benefits of Brand Updates
- The new branding includes updates to the agency name and promoted brands, and the first major update to the AmeriCorps logo in 25 years.
- While it doesn’t change the national service mission, programs, or operations, the new brand will raise awareness about opportunities to serve and elevate service at a time of growing need and demand.
- AmeriCorps has a powerful mission and incredible programs making a difference in communities every day. But too few Americans know what AmeriCorps is, the benefits of service, or how to get involved.
- By refreshing this brand, we can ensure more people know about their opportunity to serve.