Hosting an AmeriCorps alumni panel discussion as part of training

The panel for the training discussion typically consists of five people, usually a mix of AmeriCorps members from the past two years who have gone on to do a variety of things. For example, individuals might include former members who:

• Work at an entry-level development job
• Manage a service program
• Attend graduate school
• Teach
• Are still looking for what to do next

Steps to take when planning the panel discussion include:

1. Make sure the panelists are well-prepared, and that they've taken at least a few minutes to reflect on what they're going to say. Ask them to remember back to their first few weeks of service: What would have been helpful for them to hear? Also make sure they are aware of any major programmatic changes.
2. Conduct the training later in the day, rather than during midday; this enables more people to come. Sometimes people can leave their job a little earlier or attend on their way home.
3. If you have a quieter group of service members, help them get ready by thinking of questions for the panelists in advance. Questions show interest, and it's nice to have a few prepared to keep the discussion going.

Sample agenda:

• 4:30 p.m. — Welcome everyone and explain the purpose and agenda.
• 4:40 p.m. — Each panel member introduces himself or herself and shares a bit about their service year and what they're currently doing.
• 4:50 p.m. — The facilitator asks a few questions that some or all of the panel members can answer. The nature of the questions will depend on the goals of the particular training. Possible questions include:
  • What was your most memorable experience? 
  • What was your biggest lesson learned? 
  • What were the greatest skills you developed? 
  • What was most inspiring? 
  • How does your year of service relate to what you're doing now?
• 5:15 p.m. — Q&A session with the group.
• 5:30 p.m. — Ice cream social for panelists to connect with the group one-on-one.