2025-2027 State Service Plan

Overview 

Serve Wisconsin is Wisconsin’s National and Community Service Board. Our mission is to promote service, provide training and allocate resources to programs that enrich lives and communities through service and volunteerism. We achieve our mission primarily through our work with AmeriCorps programs and AmeriCorps members throughout the state of Wisconsin.

The following values guide & inspire all Serve Wisconsin actions & decisions:

• Commitment to Justice, Equality, and Human Dignity
  We uphold the principles of justice and equality, recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, or socio-economic background.

• Empowerment Through Collaboration
  We draw inspiration from communities and individuals joining forces to create meaningful change. Our commitment is to support and uplift their efforts as they work to shape their own futures.

• Dedication to Environmental Sustainability
  We value environmental stewardship and are dedicated to promoting sustainability for both present and future generations.

• Inspiration from National Service and Volunteerism
  We believe in the transformative power of national service and volunteerism to develop individual leadership and build capacity to address critical community needs.

We Work to Achieve:

• Promoting Equity and Strengthening Communities
  We strive to create national service, volunteerism, and civic engagement opportunities that promote equity, empower communities, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life for all.

• Ensuring Accessible Service Opportunities
  We work to make national service opportunities accessible to all communities, ensuring that these programs effectively meet their most pressing needs.

• Building Bridges Across Divides
  We foster national service and volunteerism opportunities that break down barriers across race, culture, belief systems, and backgrounds, building unity and shared purpose.

• Creating Pathways to Education and Employment
  We champion national service as a pathway to educational advancement and meaningful employment, helping individuals build skills and opportunities for their futures.

2025-2027 State Service Plan Goals

1.  Facilitate the Creation, Support, and Development of Strong AmeriCorps Programs

• Identify and Address Underserved Areas
  Collaborate with local partners to establish AmeriCorps programs that address specific community needs by focusing on historically underserved areas.

• Provide Targeted Training and Technical Assistance
  Offer tailored support in key areas such as grant writing, program development, performance measurement, fiscal management, member management, and regulatory compliance to strengthen program success.

• Promote Planning Grants for Program Development
  Provide planning grants that help organizations interested in launching AmeriCorps programs, giving them the tools and resources needed to succeed.

• Align Programs with Local and National Priorities
  Design and support programs that reflect both local community needs and national priorities, ensuring relevance and impact at multiple levels.

• Leverage Data to Drive Improvement
  Utilize insights from member surveys, enrollment, and retention data to continuously refine and enhance AmeriCorps programming, fostering better outcomes and member satisfaction.

2. Center Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Provide Comprehensive DEI Training
  Deliver targeted training on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for both program staff and members, ensuring a deep understanding of these essential values.

• Foster Inclusive Representation
  Strive to have AmeriCorps members reflect the rich diversity of our state, ensuring representation across various demographics, including race, ethnicity, gender, and more.

• Incorporate Culturally Relevant Programming
  Embed culturally appropriate and relevant activities into our programs to celebrate and embrace the diverse backgrounds of both participants and the communities we serve.

3. Comprehensive Support AmeriCorps Members from Recruitment through Alumni Status

• Foster Ongoing Support and Recognition
  Provide continuous support and recognition to AmeriCorps members throughout their service via trainings, Corps-building activities, and regular engagement.

• Expand Recruitment Efforts
  Actively promote AmeriCorps service on college campuses and in high schools to attract a diverse pool of new members.

• Promote Post-Secondary Education
  Advocate for public and private colleges and universities in Wisconsin to match AmeriCorps Education Awards, maximizing educational opportunities for members.

• Enhance Workforce Development

  Strengthen service opportunities by focusing on skill-building, career readiness, and clear pathways to employment for members.

4. Support Volunteerism in Wisconsin

• Diversify Nonprofit Leadership
  Increase the diversity of nonprofit boards by offering training and support through Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) initiatives, creating more inclusive leadership.

• Boost Volunteerism through Funding
  Fund volunteer initiatives at nonprofit organizations using VGF to increase volunteerism across Wisconsin.

• Strengthen Volunteer Management Capacity
  Provide VGF funding to help nonprofit organizations build capacity for recruiting and managing volunteers effectively.

• Promote Volunteer Wisconsin
  Actively support and market Volunteer Wisconsin as the central hub for volunteer opportunities throughout the state.

• Engage AmeriCorps Members in Volunteer Recruitment
  Encourage AmeriCorps members to recruit community volunteers and track volunteer engagement metrics.

5. Collaborate Across the Streams of National Service

• Coordinate with National Service Programs
  Build partnerships with AmeriCorps Seniors, AmeriCorps VISTA, Tribal AmeriCorps, and National Direct programs to maximize the impact of all streams of national service.

6. Support Disaster Response & Preparedness in Wisconsin

• Strengthen Disaster Response Organizations
  Use VGF funding to bolster Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) and Communities Active in Disaster (COADs), increasing their ability to respond effectively.

• Engage AmeriCorps in Disaster Response
  Involve AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps Seniors in state disaster preparedness and response initiatives.

7. Increase Service for Wisconsin Residents Age 55 and Older and People with Disabilities

• Engage Older Adults as Volunteers
  Provide VGF funding to nonprofits that engage Wisconsin residents aged 55 and older, supporting their recruitment and management of volunteers.

• Recognize the Service of Older Adults Service
  Honor AmeriCorps Senior Volunteers who have dedicated 20 years of service to the community by celebrating their contributions at the annual Governor's Service Awards.

• Ensure Inclusivity in Service
  Help AmeriCorps programs secure federal funding to provide reasonable accommodations, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can serve in national service programs.

• Collaborate with Organizations Serving Older Adults and People with Disabilities
  Maintain and develop strong partnerships with organizations that serve older adults and individuals with disabilities to encourage their participation in national service and volunteerism.

8. Increase Awareness of Serve Wisconsin, AmeriCorps, and National Service

• Promote AmeriCorps and National Service
  Drive recruitment of new programs and members through conferences, digital outreach, monthly newsletters, and other targeted strategies.

• Improve Program Reporting and Visibility
  Enhance the reporting and promotion of program outcomes and impacts to stakeholders.

• Document the AmeriCorps Experience
  Capture and share insights from the annual AmeriCorps member survey to document and improve the member experience.

9. Advocate Nationally & Locally for AmeriCorps Members and Programs

• Build Relationships with Elected Officials and AmeriCorps Staff
  Cultivate positive relationships with federal, state, and local officials and AmeriCorps staff to advocate for policies that support national service.

• Champion Accessible National Service
  Advocate for policies and procedures that ensure national service is accessible to all communities and individuals.

• Educate Elected Officials on AmeriCorps' Impact
  Inform elected officials about the benefits of AmeriCorps in their communities and provide guidance on how they can support national service efforts.

• Participate in Advocacy Events
  Organize and participate in advocacy events and Hill Days to support national service initiatives.

• Coordinate the Governor's Service Awards
  Collaborate with the Governor's office to organize and sponsor the Governor's Service Awards or National Service Awards when requested.

10. Increase the Capacity of Serve Wisconsin

• Provide Ongoing Staff Training
  Invest in training for current staff to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness in supporting AmeriCorps programs.

• Recruit and Train Board Members
  Focus on recruiting and training a diverse and skilled Board of Directors to strengthen leadership and governance.