The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or Improve accuracy of results. When Item 17 on the Form 0MB 83-1is checked, 'Yes," the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement to the extend that it applies to the methods proposed:
Universe and sample
The first universe consists of active RSVP, FGP, and SCP projects during FY 2023. From this universe of projects, AmeriCorps will sample grantees, stations, volunteers, caregivers and independent living clients. Table B1 shows the respondent universe and the proposed sample of grantees, stations, volunteers, caregivers and independent living clients based on FY 2022 AmeriCorps Seniors Administrative Data. JBS will use multi-stage stratified sampling to select a sample of 109 grantees, 1,500 current AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, 260 SCP caregivers receiving respite services, 260 SCP independent living clients, 2,618 stations, and 260 former AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. There are two types of SCP projects: 1) SCP projects that cater to independent living clients only and 2) SCP projects that cater to independent living clients and offer direct respite services to caregivers.
Table B1 Universe and Proposed Sample
Entity |
Universe |
Sample |
RSVP |
|
|
Grants |
447 |
45 |
Stations |
20,818 |
1,500 |
Unduplicated Volunteers |
116,372 |
800 |
FGP |
|
|
Grants |
254 |
45 |
Stations |
10,484 |
1,005 |
Unduplicated Volunteers |
15,324 |
500 |
SCP with independent living clients only |
|
|
Grants |
81 |
50 |
Stations |
1,134 |
73 |
Unduplicated Volunteers |
4,689 |
190 |
SCP independent living clients |
8,064 |
150 |
SCP with independent living clients and respite services |
|
|
Grants |
75 |
50 |
Stations |
944 |
40 |
Unduplicated Volunteers |
2,925 |
70 |
SCP independent living clients |
17,464 |
110 |
SCP caregivers receiving respite |
1,781 |
260 |
Total |
|
|
Grants |
857 |
109 |
Stations |
33,380 |
2,618 |
Unduplicated Volunteers |
142,235 |
1,500 |
The second universe consists of the population of 40 active AmeriCorps Seniors SDP projects with 2,563 unduplicated volunteers. JBS researchers will purposefully identify and select ten projects for a case study based on geography, type of project, size of project measured by the number of unduplicated volunteers, recency of the grant applicant (e.g., new grantee with AmeriCorps, existing grantee with an AmeriCorps grant, existing grantee with a grant from other AmeriCorps program), and intervention to be delivered to their community.
Response rate
Based on previous studies with AmeriCorps Seniors, we have an expected response rate of 80 percent among volunteers, 75 percent among caregivers and independent living clients. In a separate previous study on the FGP and SCP, out of a sample of 1,233 volunteers, 1,089 completed the request survey, representing an 88 percent response rate.
Stratification
The information collection will use a stratified multi-stage sampling design. The first stage creates four groups of projects: RSVP, FGP, SCP serving independent living clients, and SCP projects that also provide caregiver respite services. Within each group of projects, there are two stages: sampling grantees using probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) where size is determined by the number of volunteers, then sampling volunteers within grantees. The number of volunteers allocated to each grantee will be proportional to the number of volunteers. In addition, to answer the station-level research questions under objective 2, we will randomly sample stations within the sampled grantees (Table B2).
Table B2 Sampling Strategy for FGP and SCP
Stage 1 |
Stage 2 |
Stage 3 |
Create four groups of projects and define three strata within each group that reflects the size of the projects based on the number of volunteers (small, medium, large).
Cut-off point to determine the project’s size is the number of volunteers from AmeriCorps Seniors administrative data.
Sample grantees using PPS based on number of volunteers. |
Determine the allocation of the number of volunteers for each grantee which will be proportional to the number of volunteers.
Allocate the number of caregivers and clients for each grantee which will be proportional to the number of caregivers and clients. The sample of caregivers and clients apply to SCP projects only. |
Simple random sample of current volunteers, SCP caregivers and SCP independent living clients.
Sample of former volunteers is not random; it is based on availability of contact information from the sampled grantees.
Randomly sample stations within each group of projects (the sample of stations is used to address specific questions under objective 2). The sample of volunteers will not be drawn from within the sampled stations. The sample of stations to answer the questions under the second objective is independently drawn. |
Define the strata. In the first stage, we will divide the number of grantees into three strata based on the grantee’s number of volunteers. Based on FY 2022 administrative data, the proposed cut off for large includes grantees with more than 300 volunteers, medium includes grantees with 61-299 volunteers, and small includes grantees with 60 or fewer volunteers. Based on this definition of project size, in FY 2022 FGP have one project defined as large, and SCP projects do not have projects with more than 300 volunteers. Any stratum that contains one grantee, the grantee will be selected with certainty.
Sample grantees. The second stage is to sample grantees within each stratum using probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) sampling. We will determine the proportionate allocation of the number of volunteers for each grantee with each stratum based on the number of volunteers.
Sample volunteers, caregivers, and clients. The third stage is to sample current volunteers, SCP caregivers receiving respite services, and SCP independent living clients using simple random sampling.
Sample stations. AmeriCorps Seniors will provide the station roster for the sampled grantees. The station roster will include a) station’s unique identifier (e.g., name); b) number of volunteers serving in each station; c) full address including city, state, zip code and four-digit zip for each station; d) focus area; e) name of primary point of contact; f) phone number and/or email for primary point of contact. Within each group of projects (stage 1), JBS researchers will use a simple random sample to select 10 percent of the stations. Within each group, grantees with only one station or grantees that serve as their own station, we will select their station with certainty.
Former volunteers. Former volunteers are a target population for the study. Based on conversations with the field working group and focus groups with a sample of grantees, a few projects maintain a list of former volunteers. We will assess which of the sampled grantees or their stations have contact information for former volunteers. We will contact all former volunteers to reach a sample size of 260 former volunteers.
Recruitment for Survey Administration
Current volunteers. Given that AmeriCorps currently does not have contact information on volunteers, the JBS research team will secure a list of current volunteers from grantees from which to sample the volunteers.
JBS staff will collaborate with grantees to disseminate information about the study to volunteers. JBS staff will provide grantees training on getting informed consent and will provide a tracking sheet for grantees to record and then transmit to JBS information on current volunteers serving with their project. The tracking sheet will include the name, phone number, email if applicable, best day and time to contact the volunteer. Once the research team secures the list, we will sample volunteers using a simple random sample. The research team will share with each grantee the list of sampled volunteers for their project. The transfer of the list between the research team and the projects will occur via a secure upload process.
We anticipate that most if not all grantees may decide to first notify volunteers about the survey before providing their contact information. Once grantees inform their volunteers of the study and secure consent, the research team will work with them to determine their preferred method for distributing the survey to the volunteers. In prior studies, most projects provided the research team with the volunteers’ direct contact information. Other project directors asked their volunteers to call our dedicated toll-free number to complete the survey. As a result, partial lists may be received at various time intervals.
This process increases the likelihood of achieving the target sample size within the data collection window while minimizing the burden on grantees and stations. It is efficient in that grantees already have a relationship with their volunteers, as such the volunteers are more likely to agree to enroll and complete the survey if they receive it from someone they already know.
Former volunteers. Grantees that maintain a list of former volunteers will introduce the study to their former volunteers. JBS staff will provide grantees training on getting informed consent, and we will provide a tracking sheet to record and transmit to JBS information on former volunteers willing to participate in the study. JBS will contact these former volunteers who agree to participate to provide them with an online survey link and/or administer a phone survey.
Caregivers and independent clients. The enrollment of caregivers and clients is the same as current volunteers. JBS staff will provide training on getting informed consent and will provide a tracking sheet for grantees to record and then transmit the JBS information on current caregivers and clients. The tracking sheet will include the name, phone number, email if applicable, best day and time to contact the caregiver or client. The JBS research team will share the list of sampled caregivers and clients with the grantees. Once the grantees secure consent, JBS will collaborate with each project to determine the best method to provide a copy of the survey to the caregiver and client.
Stations. JBS researchers will provide grantees with a list of the sampled stations and a template to record contact information for the active sampled stations. Grantees then inform stations about the study and request their participation. Upon notification that the grantees have communicated with sampled stations, JBS will email a link to an online survey to sampled stations. For participants who do not complete the survey, JBS interviewers will contact each participant by phone and will be ready to administer the survey by phone if the participant so chooses.
Survey administration
Surveys with Volunteers. The volunteer survey will be self-administered using a scannable form. JBS will provide the projects with hard-copy surveys to distribute to current and former volunteers. Each project will send JBS staff a list of the participants who received a copy of the survey with full contact information. The JBS survey coordinator will coordinate with projects and stations to encourage non-respondents to return their survey. Throughout the data collection period, project directors will be engaged proactively to help them encourage their volunteers to participate. To facilitate this, project directors will receive a draft letter to give to the sampled volunteers. The invitation introduces the function of the study, provides assurance of privacy, and succinctly informs potential respondents of the study’s risks and benefits. Project directors and volunteers will also receive information on whom to contact if they have questions. The letter also explains the voluntary nature of the research and that the volunteers’ responses would be anonymous.
Surveys with SCP Caregivers and Independent Living clients. The caregiver and client surveys will be self-administered using a scannable form. JBS will provide the projects with hard-copy surveys to distribute to their SCP caregivers and clients. Each project will send JBS staff a list of the participants who received a copy of the survey with full contact information. The JBS survey coordinator will collaborate and coordinate with projects and stations to encourage non-respondents to return their survey.
Station staff will receive a link to complete the station survey online.
Recruitment for focus groups and interviews
JBS will select grantees for the focus groups from the sample of grantees using a random sample stratified on focus area, geography, and size defined by the number of unduplicated volunteers. JBS researchers will contact 30 grantees via email and phone calls to participate in six focus groups.
Calculating weights
Sampling weights are necessary to account for differential probabilities of selection and to reduce potential bias due to non-response and differential coverage of subpopulations. Although weighting adjustments aim at reducing bias, these adjustments typically introduce variation in the weights, which increases the variances of survey estimates. The development and implementation of the weighting methodology will balance the bias reductions against the potential increases in variance.
For the analysis of volunteer outcomes, we will construct sampling weights and post-sampling weights, and measure their impact on design effects. JBS researchers will compute survey weights that account for non-response. The possible reasons for nonresponse are an eligible respondent who does not return a completed survey; a respondent that becomes ineligible (i.e., the person is deceased after receiving the survey); and unknown eligibility in that the respondent could not be located as such it is unknown whether the respondent is still eligible (i.e., the person stopped volunteering). Analyses using the weights will be representative of the original study population.
Estimation procedure and degree of accuracy
At the highest level of the sampling design, program type, stratified sampling will be used. Sampling is then carried out at the lower levels, independently within each stratum. The lower levels of sampling are current volunteers, stations, caregivers, and independent living clients will be sampled without replacement. All descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis will account for the complex sampling which includes stratification and cluster of participants within type of program. Given that we are sampling without replacement from a population of a finite size and our sample size is relatively large relative to the population size, we will a finite population correction (FPC) factor to calculate the standard error of the mean or the standard error of the proportion. The FPC captures the difference between sampling with replacement and sampling without replacement. When applied the FPC can reduce the width of confidence intervals and increase statistical power by reducing the standard error1.
Minimum detectable effect size
Table B3 shows the minimum detectable effect size for analysis of responses for the four different surveys with a power of 0.80 and alpha value of 0.05. A sensitivity analysis shows that a sample size of 1,500 respondents to the Current Volunteer Survey will detect an effect size of about 0.037 for a target proportion of 0.50. A samples size of 260 respondents to the Former Volunteer Survey will detect an effect size of about 0.089 for a target proportion of 0.50. A sample size of 520 SCP beneficiary respondents (both to the independent living client survey and caregiver survey) will detect an effect size of about 0.062.
Table B3 Minimum Detectable Effect Sizes for One- Sample Proportion Testsa
|
Single Group Analysisb |
|||
Proportion |
Current Volunteer Survey (N=1,500) |
Independent Living Client (N=260) |
Independent Living Client Survey (N=260) |
|
0.1 |
0.029 |
0.079 |
0.041 |
|
0.3 |
0.044 |
0.109 |
0.059 |
|
0.5 |
0.047 |
0.113 |
0.062 |
|
0.7 |
0.042 |
0.097 |
0.055 |
|
0.9 |
0.026 |
0.058 |
0.035 |
|
|
a Power=0.95. α=0.05 |
|||
|
b One-sample proportion test Wald z test (Ho: p = p0 vs Ha: p ≠ p0). |
|||
Table B4 shows the minimum detectable effect for a range of sample of current volunteers. The assumption is a linear multiple regression model with 15 predictors, a two-tails t-test on the regression coefficient. The sample size of 1200 volunteers will detect an effect size of about 0.01.
Table B4 Minimum detectable effect– linear multiple regression model, current volunteer survey
Power = 0.95, alpha = 0.05, number of predictors in the model is 15, two-tails t-test
Sample size |
Effect size |
200 |
0.066 |
400 |
0.033 |
600 |
0.022 |
800 |
0.016 |
1000 |
0.013 |
1200 |
0.011 |
1400 |
0.009 |
A samples size of 260 caregivers will detect an effect size of about 0.052.
AmeriCorps may disaggregate the respondents into subgroups. One possible subgroup may be based on length of service: volunteers who began serving prior to the pandemic compared to those who began serving after the pandemic. Table B5 shows the minimum detectable effect size of the mean difference between two groups. If group 1 consists of 900 members and group 2 consists of 400 respondents, this is a total sample size of 1300. The MDES for the mean different between the two groups is 0.217.
Table B5 Minimum detectable effect size, mean difference between two groups, current volunteers
Power = 0.95, alpha = 0.05, two-tails t-test, allocation sample size of group 2 relative to the sample size of group 1 is 0.444.
Sample size |
Effect size |
400 |
0.39 |
600 |
0.32 |
800 |
0.28 |
1000 |
0.25 |
1200 |
0.23 |
1400 |
0.21 |
Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures
Former volunteers are a target population for the study. Based on conversations with the field working group and focus groups with a sample of grantees, a few projects maintain a list of former volunteers. As such, there does not exit a sampling frame from which to draw a sample of former volunteers nor can a comprehensive list of the population of former volunteer be constructed. The sample of former volunteers is not random; it is based on the availability of contact information from the sampled grantees. We will assess which of the sampled grantees or their stations have contact information for former volunteers. We will contact all former volunteers to reach a sample size of 260 former volunteers.
Data collection frequency
The data collection will occur once. There will not be multiple data collection cycles.
Maximize response rate
The proposed strategy for maximizing enrollment into the study and reaching the target sample size includes regular follow-ups with each participant and an equally important component is to collaborate with the projects consisting of regular communication with projects before launching the data collection and through the survey administration. The types of communication will include e-mail announcement(s) originating from AmeriCorps Seniors and a kick-off video conference class for projects to introduce the study and outline the steps of the data collection. JBS staff will monitor a toll-free hotline and an e-mail address to respond to participants’ queries about the study. JBS will provide live, friendly responses to incoming phone calls. The hotline will also accept voicemail which staff will monitor every weekday and return calls. Specific strategies used to maximize the response rate at each of the study participant groups include:
Targeted communications via the survey introduction kick-off video, email announcements, telephone script, and draft letters;
Using multiple reminders and multiple modes to contact and follow up with projects and stations; and
Incentive offers.
Letters and telephone scripts are designed to encourage participation and reduce nonresponse. JBS staff will use the following strategies to maximize response rate:
JBS researchers will provide grantees with a list of the sampled stations and a template to record contact information for the active sampled stations.
Grantees then inform stations about the study and request their participation. Upon notification that the grantees have communicated with selected stations, JBS will email a link to an online survey to their active stations that will address station-level information.
The JBS survey coordinator will collaborate and coordinate with projects and stations to encourage non-respondents to return their survey.
Throughout the data collection period, project directors will be engaged proactively to help them encourage their volunteers to participate.
For participants who do not complete the survey, JBS interviewers will contact each participant by phone and will be ready to administer the survey by phone if the participant so chooses.
Incentive has a positive impact on increasing the response rate with no adverse effects on reliability. Participation in the study is voluntary, however, respondents will likely perceive a time cost and burden associated with their participation. The use of incentives to increase the response rate is particularly important when collecting data to assess outcomes of current volunteers from comparison group participants who no longer serve as AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers.
Addressing Issues of Nonresponse
Even with the most aggressive and comprehensive enrollment efforts, there is a possibility of nonresponse. The possible reasons for nonresponse are an eligible respondent who does not return a completed survey; a respondent that becomes ineligible (i.e., the person is deceased after receiving the survey); and unknown eligibility in that the respondent could not be located as such it is unknown whether the respondent is still eligible (i.e., the person stopped volunteering). If necessary, JBS staff will calculate a non-response weight adjustment that accounts for differential non-response across the different program types and groups of respondents.
We anticipate that item nonresponse will likely be very minimal and will result primarily from early termination of the survey. These will be classified as incomplete, but included, cases and non-sufficient responses. The evaluator will assess whether both partial survey completion and answers to survey items differ significantly by survey modality (physical survey or phone).
For phone or online surveys, respondents may decline to answer some questions, and some data will be missing in the final analysis dataset. If any item response rate is less than 70%, the evaluator will conduct an item nonresponse analysis to determine if the data are missing at random at the item level.
JBS researchers piloted the surveys with AmeriCorps Seniors FGP, SCP, and RSVP current volunteers, SCP caregivers and clients, and station staff from October 10th to December 18, 2023. A total of eight volunteers completed the survey and three SCP clients completed the survey. Volunteers and clients were asked to complete the paper survey first, then two JBS researchers conducted cognitive interviews with each volunteer and client. Each interview last 30 minutes. Volunteer and station staff Surveys took approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, while SCP Client survey respondents took 20-30 minutes to complete.
The cognitive interviews focused on the completeness of instructions and questions for respondents; clarity of instructions and questions for respondents; sequence of questions; relevance of questions for the target audience; use of language that the target audience understands; use of appropriate and relevant terms; online navigation format, and completion time.
Pilot participants’ feedback revealed that the survey instructions, navigation, questions, and response options were clear and were interpreted as intended, and that survey questions were relevant to the AmeriCorps Seniors experience. Participants for the volunteer survey stated that additional service activities under the section “Service Activities and Community Engagement” could be listed for volunteers working with very young children. Additionally, volunteers and SCP clients noted that a scannable paper survey would be easy to use. Station staff noted the ease of completing the survey on their computer or laptop.
JBS researchers also piloted the qualitative data collection instruments on October 26, 2023. The pilot was conducted online with four legacy grantees, two SDP grantees, two SDP station staff, and two SDP volunteers. JBS employed focus groups and semi-structured interviews to pilot the qualitative instruments with each of the groups to assess the extent to which participants’ understandings of the questions match the intended meaning, the appropriateness of the instrument questions, and the use of focus groups and interviews for the data collection.
Feedback from the pilot indicated that the questions were easy to understand, but improvements to the questions could be made by making them more succinct, using plain language, and providing clear definitions or expanding to provide examples for terms. Participants also found that the number of questions was acceptable, that the sequence of questions flowed well, and that focus groups and interviews would be a suitable method for the qualitative data collection. The qualitative instruments were revised to reflect feedback from the pilot.
The following individuals were consulted regarding the statistical methodology: Georges, Annie, Ph.D., JBS International, Inc. (Phone: 650-373-4938); Sum, Carmen, MBA, JBS International, Inc. (Phone: 650-373-4945); Robert Shannon, MDP, JBS International Inc. (Phone: 470-228-1180 X4058).
Field Working Group (FWG) members (alphabetical by last name):
Maureen Allen, SDP Phase 3 Grantee
Jessica Carrera, RSVP (ARP1 augmentation), SDP (APR2) Grantee
Susan Cheesman, ORO
Deidre Crawley, FGP (ARP 1 augmentation), RSVP, SCP Grantee
Jocelyne Fliger, FGP, RSVP, SCP Grantee
Michele Hull, RSVP Grantee
Makieya Kamara, FGP Grantee
Nolen Mears, FGP, RSVP, SCP Grantee
Betty Ruth, RSVP Southeast Grantee
Valarie Wright, SCP Grantee
Technical Working Group (TWG) members (alphabetical by last name):
Dawn Carr, PhD, Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University, email: dccarr@fsu.edu
Deborah (Debby) Carr, PhD, Boston University Center for Innovation in Social Science, email: carrds@bu.edu
Nancy Morrow-Howell, PhD Washington University, St. Louis, email: morrow-howell@wustl.edu
Cal Halvorsen, PhD, Boston College School of Social Work, email: cal.halvorsen@bc.edu or halvorsc@bc.edu
Christina Matz, PhD, Boston College School of Social Work, email: christina.matz@bc.edu or matzch@bc.edu
Fengyan Tang, PhD, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, email: fet7@pitt.edu
Rebecca Utz, PhD, University of Utah, email: u0452727@utah.edu or Rebecca.Utz@csbs.utah.edu
The data will be collected under contract to JBS International. Analysis of the data will be conducted by AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation and JBS International.
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This table summarizes the research questions, and analysis approach for the AmeriCorps Senior COVID Effects study
Objective 1: Examine the role of the stipend and benefits on volunteers’ recruitment and retention, motivation to serve, and economic well-being. |
|||
Research Questions |
Data sources/Sample |
Description of analysis |
Analysis |
Q1 What are volunteers’ perceptions of the stipend/compensation and benefits? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey / current and former volunteers |
Examine volunteers’ satisfaction levels with their stipend/benefits. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on demographic characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Q2 How do volunteers use the stipend? |
Current Volunteer Survey / current volunteers |
Examine the various ways volunteers utilized their stipends. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on demographic characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Q3 How important/relevant is the stipend in volunteers’ motivation to serve? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews / current volunteers, former volunteers, and grantees |
Create latent constructs to determine groups of volunteers based on motivation; To examine the association between stipend and motivation use rank-ordered logistic regression also known as the proportion odds model. |
Descriptive analysis, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) Create latent constructs to determine groups of volunteers based on motivation; this could be done using several methods (e.g., factor analysis, PCA, cluster analysis). Proportion Odds Model; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q4 How does the stipend/compensation and benefits affect economic well-being (e.g., the ability to purchase certain goods that could have not been afforded otherwise)? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews / current volunteers, and grantees |
Examine the impact of the stipend on volunteers’ economic well-being. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on demographic characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Q5 Is there an optimal stipend amount? |
Current Volunteer Survey / current volunteers |
Examine the optimal stipend amount provided by volunteers. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on demographic characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Q6 How do grantees use the stipend, compensation and benefits for their volunteer recruitment and retention strategies? |
Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey / grantees and station staff |
Examine grantees recruitment strategies as related to their program’s stipends/benefits |
Descriptive analysis; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Objective 2: Understand the current programmatic structure and service delivery methods across grantees and their stations. |
|||
Q1 What is the current mix of service delivery methods (e.g., in person, virtual or remote, hybrid)? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey, SCP Beneficiary Survey and in-depth interviews/ current volunteers, grantees, station staff and SCP beneficiaries |
Examine service delivery methods that are currently being used. Examine the differences in service delivery methods by program and station. |
Descriptive analysis; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q2 To what degree are virtual, remote and hybrid service delivery methods permanent or transitory? |
Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey, SCP Beneficiary Survey and in-depth interviews/ grantees, station staff and SCP beneficiaries |
Examine the service methods that were implemented due to COVID-19 (virtual, remote, socially distant). Analyze grantees’ and station staff's view on the permanence of these methods. |
Descriptive analysis; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q3 What factors contributed to grantees and stations ability to adjust their service delivery in response to Covid? |
Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey, SCP Beneficiary Survey and in-depth interviews/ grantees, station staff and SCP beneficiaries |
Examine grantees and stations service delivery adjustments and different program policy. |
Descriptive analysis; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q4 How do service delivery methods differ by geographic areas? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Station Staff Survey, SCP Beneficiary Survey and in-depth interviews/ current volunteers, station staff and SCP beneficiaries |
Examine the differences in service delivery methods by different geographic areas including region, and state. |
Descriptive analysis by geographic area.
|
Q5 To what extent do service delivery methods differ by types of stations (e.g., focus areas, organization characteristics)? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey, / current volunteers, grantees, station staff |
Examine the differences in service delivery methods by station level characteristics, including focus area, and objective. |
Descriptive analysis by station level characteristics; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q6 To what extent do service delivery methods differ in communities with different levels of Covid infection? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Station Staff Survey, ACS Administrative Data / current volunteers, station staff |
To examine the association between service delivery method and Covid-levels use rank-ordered logistic regression also known as the proportion odds model. |
Create categories of levels of Covid-infection. Descriptive analysis; Proportion odds model |
Q7 To what extent do community Covid health outcomes and policy contribute to differences in service delivery methods by focus areas and grantee characteristics? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey, ACS Administrative Data / current volunteers, grantees, station staff |
Examine the differences in service delivery methods by Covid policy. Analyze by focus areas and grantee characteristics.
|
Descriptive analysis by Covid policy and focus area; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q8 What are the barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention across stations What are the differences by station focus areas? To what extent does any shift in volunteer recruitment affect station capacity to serve beneficiaries and the communities? |
Station Staff Survey / station staff |
Analyze the relationship between recruitment level of volunteers and beneficiaries' satisfaction. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on station focus area program. t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Objective 3: Examine volunteers' and beneficiaries' outcomes. |
|||
Q1 How do current volunteers’ demographic characteristics differ from years prior to Covid? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, prior AmeriCorps Seniors survey of volunteers / current and former volunteers |
Compare the demographics from current survey to prior survey; Examine the differences in the demographics of respondents who began to volunteer before 2020 and respondents who are more recent volunteers since 2022. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on station focus area program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Q2 What are the levels of volunteer commitment hours? How do current levels of volunteer commitment hours differ from years prior to Covid? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, prior AmeriCorps Seniors survey of volunteers / current and former volunteers |
Compare the demographics from current survey to prior survey; Examine the differences in the demographics of respondents who began to volunteer before 2020 and respondents who are more recent volunteers since 2022. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on demographic characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics; Regression discontinuity analysis |
Q3 To what extent are there differences in volunteer service experience (e.g., volunteer satisfaction, volunteer commitments) and community engagement? What are the differences by types of stations (e.g., focus areas, type of service delivery)? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews / current volunteers, former volunteers, and grantees |
Examine the varying degrees of volunteer experience and volunteer community engagement. Analyze the relationship between service delivery volunteer experience, and community engagement through use of logistic regression also known as the proportion odds model. Examine the differences by station characteristics. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on station characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics; Proportion odds model. Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q4 What programmatic and policy components contribute to volunteer recruitment and retention? What are the barriers and facilitators to recruitment and retention? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews, Station Staff Survey / current volunteers, former volunteers, grantees, and station staff |
Analyze the relationship between the use of recruitment and retention levels and programmatic components through the use of logistic regression also known as the proportion odds model. |
Descriptive analysis; Proportion odds model. Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q5 What factors influence volunteer attrition? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews / current volunteers, former volunteers, and grantees |
Examine the relationship between volunteer characteristics, station characteristics and program characteristics on volunteer retention through the use of logistic regression also known as the proportion odds model. |
Descriptive analysis; Proportion odds model. Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q6 How satisfied are volunteers with existing operating conditions (examples, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid)? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews / current volunteers, and grantees |
Examine the relationship between volunteer satisfaction levels and operating conditions and service delivery methods. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on station characteristics and program, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q7 What are volunteers' health and psychosocial outcomes? How do volunteers' health and psychosocial outcomes compare to those that no longer volunteer? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey / current and former volunteers |
Create subgroups based on how long volunteering; examine the association how long volunteering and psychosocial outcomes; combine the sample of current and former volunteer and examine the association of being a current volunteer and outcomes compare to former volunteer |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on volunteer characteristics, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics |
Q8 Are there differences in volunteer outcomes by type of service delivery methods? What are the programmatic components associated with volunteer outcomes? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey, Grantee in-depth interviews / current volunteers, former volunteers, and grantees |
Examine the relationship between volunteer outcomes and service delivery methods. Examine the relationship between volunteer outcomes and programmatic components. |
Descriptive analysis; Subgroup analysis based on volunteer characteristics, t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics; multivariate regression model; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q9 Are there differences in beneficiary outcomes by type of service delivery methods? What are the programmatic components associated with beneficiaries' outcomes? |
Grantee in-depth interviews, SCP Beneficiary Survey, and in-depth interviews/ grantees, SCP beneficiaries |
Examine the relationship between beneficiary outcomes and service delivery methods. Examine the relationship between beneficiary outcomes and programmatic components. |
Descriptive analysis; t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics; multivariate regression model; Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data. |
Q10 What factors contributed to volunteers’ ability to adjust to the service experience (e.g., degree of volunteer interaction, satisfaction among volunteers)? |
Current Volunteer Survey, Former Volunteer Survey / current and former volunteers |
Analyzes the volunteers’ degree of interactions in the different service delivery methods and training, their level of satisfaction with the service delivery and program experience |
Descriptive analysis; t-test or non-parametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon signed-rank test) to assess differences in observed characteristics; multivariate regression model |
Q11 What factors contribute to the effectiveness of different types of service delivery methods? |
Grantee in-depth interviews, SCP Beneficiary Survey and in-depth interviews, ACS Administrative Data/grantees, SCP beneficiaries
|
Define the effectiveness of service delivery methods. Examine the different levels of effectiveness by service delivery method |
Descriptive analysis. Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Objective 4: Assess the effects of COVID and Covid-related programs funded through the Senior Demonstration Project (SDP) on the volunteers, grantees, and communities they serve. |
|||
Q1 What SDP programmatic components affect volunteer satisfaction, health, and psychosocial outcomes? |
SDP Grantee interviews, SDP Station Staff interviews, SDP Volunteer in-depth interviews, ACS Administrative Data / SDP grantees, station staff and volunteers |
Analyze case studies and thematic analysis of SDP programmatic components' impact on volunteer outcomes. |
Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q2 What are the effects of SDP programs on the grantees’ capacity? |
SDP Grantee interviews, SDP Station Staff interviews, ACS Administrative Data / SDP grantees, station staff |
Examines how the SDP funding and temporary policies impact grantees program capacity in volunteer recruitment and retention, service delivery and program administration. |
Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q3 What are the effects of SDP programs on beneficiaries and communities? |
SDP Grantee interviews, SDP Station Staff interviews, SDP Volunteer in-depth interviews, ACS Administrative Data / SDP grantees, station staff and volunteers |
Examines how the SDP programs and temporary policies impact beneficiaries and communities with respect to services delivered. |
Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Q4 Which, if any SDP programs, could AmeriCorps Seniors support and replicate alongside traditional programs? |
SDP Grantee interviews, SDP Station Staff interviews, ACS Administrative Data / SDP grantees, station staff |
Examines the role of SDP’s program structure, components, funding, and temporary policies in program sustainability and/or replicability. |
Content and thematic analysis of qualitative data.
|
Invitation Letter for Current Volunteer
MONTH DAY, 2024
Dear Volunteer:
I invite you to participate in a new national study on volunteering. The study will look at the health benefits of volunteering, and how to make volunteering more satisfying. This new research will help us learn if volunteering is an activity that helps older adults maintain their health.
AmeriCorps, the federal agency that supports the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Retired Senior Companion Program is funding this study. JBS International, Inc., an independent research firm, is conducting the study.
To participate in the study, you will need to complete a survey that takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a $30 gift card as a thank you.
Survey results will be presented as summary information only. Your individual answers will not be shared.
If you do not want to participate, you do not need to do anything. It will not affect your volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions about the survey or this study, please contact the JBS help desk at 800-207-0750.
Thank you for your service. You are helping to meet the needs and challenges of communities across the country.
Atalaya Sergi
Director, AmeriCorps Seniors Program
Invitation Letter for Respite Caregiver and Independent Living Clients
MONTH DAY, 2024
Dear Caregiver/Client:
I invite you to participate in a new national study on caregiving. The study will tell us if receiving support services helps caregivers/clients maintain their health. The information we learn from you and other caregivers/clients will help the Senior Companion Program improve its services.
The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that supports the Senior Companion Program, is funding this study. JBS International, Inc., an independent research firm, is conducting the study.
To participate in the study, you will need to complete a survey that takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a $30 gift card as a thank you.
Survey results will be presented as summary information only. Your individual answers will not be shared.
If you do not want to participate, you do not need to do anything. It will not affect your access to services.
If you have any questions about the survey or this study, please contact the JBS help desk at 800-207-0750.
Thank you for your consideration. You are helping service providers better understand the needs of caregivers/clients like yourself.
Atalaya Sergi
Director, AmeriCorps Seniors Program
AmeriCorps Seniors Current Volunteers
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to participate in this project.
What activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities last? If you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a survey. You only have to complete the survey once. You will be asked to complete the survey during the time you serve with AmeriCorps Seniors. The survey should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Benefits and Risks: There is little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating in this research project. The results of this project will contribute to knowledge about how volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in national service programs.
Voluntary Participation: Your participation in the study is voluntary. You can freely choose to participate or not to participate. At any point during this project, you can stop participating without any adverse consequences to you. You will receive a $30 gift card for completing the survey.
Confidentiality and Privacy: The personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this project is linked to additional information about you. However, it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be shared with AmeriCorps staff and external parties who require the PII to complete their work. It will not be disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you; when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the responses of other participants and reported in aggregate form.
Privacy Act: The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you the following notice about the personal information we collect and how it will be used: Authorities – Your personal information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer Services. Purposes – It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which members serve. Routine Uses – Routine uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match your personal information with their data in order to complete additional research. Effects of Nondisclosure – This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect the results of the survey. Additional Information – The current SORN, to include this collection, is pending modification and publication to the Federal Register.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to contact Melissa Gouge, AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree.
No, I do not agree. STOP. Do not complete the survey.
AmeriCorps Seniors Caregivers Receiving Respite Services
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to participate in this project.
What activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities last? If you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a survey. You only have to complete the survey once. You will be asked to complete the survey during the time you serve with AmeriCorps Seniors. The survey should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Benefits and Risks: There is little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating in this research project. The results of this project will contribute to knowledge about how volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in national service programs.
Voluntary Participation: Your participation in the study is voluntary. You can freely choose to participate or not to participate. At any point during this project, you can stop participating without any adverse consequences to you. You will receive a $30 gift card for completing the survey.
Confidentiality and Privacy: The personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this project is linked to additional information about you. However, it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be shared with AmeriCorps staff and external parties who require the PII to complete their work. It will not be disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you; when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the responses of other participants and reported in aggregate form.
Privacy Act: The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you the following notice about the personal information we collect and how it will be used: Authorities – Your personal information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer Services. Purposes – It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which members serve. Routine Uses – Routine uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match your personal information with their data in order to complete additional research. Effects of Nondisclosure – This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect the results of the survey. Additional Information – The current SORN, to include this collection, is pending modification and publication to the Federal Register.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to contact Melissa Gouge, AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree.
No, I do not agree. STOP. Do not complete the survey.
AmeriCorps Seniors Independent Living Clients
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to participate in this project.
What activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities last? If you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a survey. You only have to complete the survey once. You will be asked to complete the survey during the time you serve with AmeriCorps Seniors. The survey should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Benefits and Risks: There is little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating in this research project. The results of this project will contribute to knowledge about how volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in national service programs.
Voluntary Participation: Your participation in the study is voluntary. You can freely choose to participate or not to participate. At any point during this project, you can stop participating without any adverse consequences to you. You will receive a $30 gift card for completing the survey.
Confidentiality and Privacy: The personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this project is linked to additional information about you. However, it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be shared with AmeriCorps staff and external parties who require the PII to complete their work. It will not be disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you; when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the responses of other participants and reported in aggregate form.
Privacy Act: The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you the following notice about the personal information we collect and how it will be used: Authorities – Your personal information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer Services. Purposes – It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which members serve. Routine Uses – Routine uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match your personal information with their data in order to complete additional research. Effects of Nondisclosure – This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect the results of the survey. Additional Information – The current SORN, to include this collection, is pending modification and publication to the Federal Register.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to contact Melissa Gouge, AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree.
No, I do not agree. STOP. Do not complete the survey.
AmeriCorps Seniors Former Volunteers
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to participate in this project.
What activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities last? If you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a survey. You only have to complete the survey once. You will be asked to complete the survey during the time you serve with AmeriCorps Seniors. The survey should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Benefits and Risks: There is little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating in this research project. The results of this project will contribute to knowledge about how volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in national service programs.
Voluntary Participation: Your participation in the study is voluntary. You can freely choose to participate or not to participate. At any point during this project, you can stop participating without any adverse consequences to you. You will receive a $40 gift card for completing the survey.
Confidentiality and Privacy: The personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this project is linked to additional information about you. However, it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be shared with AmeriCorps staff and external parties who require the PII to complete their work. It will not be disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you; when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the responses of other participants and reported in aggregate form.
Privacy Act: The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you the following notice about the personal information we collect and how it will be used: Authorities – Your personal information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer Services. Purposes – It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which members serve. Routine Uses – Routine uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match your personal information with their data in order to complete additional research. Effects of Nondisclosure – This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect the results of the survey. Additional Information – The current SORN, to include this collection, is pending modification and publication to the Federal Register.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to contact Melissa Gouge, AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree.
No, I do not agree. STOP. Do not complete the survey.
AmeriCorps Seniors Station Staff Survey
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You
are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the
type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities
and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult
volunteers, and the communities the volunteers serve. JBS
International, a research organization, will conduct the study on
behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to participate
in this project.
What
activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities
last? If you decide to
participate in the study, you will be asked to complete a survey. You
only have to complete the survey once. The survey should take about
20 minutes to
complete.
Benefits
and Risks: There is
little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You
may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project
altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating
in this research project. The results of this project will contribute
to knowledge about how
volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in
national service programs, and the benefits that accrue to the
communities the volunteers serve.
Voluntary
Participation: Your
participation in the study is voluntary. You can choose freely to
participate or not to participate. At any point during this project,
you can stop participating without any adverse
consequences.
Confidentiality
and Privacy: The
personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this
project is linked to additional information about you. However,
it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only
used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be
shared with AmeriCorps
staff and external parties
who require the PII to complete their work. It will not be
disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you;
when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the
responses of other participants and reported in aggregate
form.
Privacy
Act: The Privacy Act
of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you
the following notice about the personal information we collect and
how it will be used: Authorities
– Your personal
information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National
and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer
Services. Purposes –
It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and
retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase
member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which
members serve. Routine
Uses – Routine
uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors
and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any
related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match
your personal information with their data in order to complete
additional research. Effects
of Nondisclosure –
This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect
the results of the survey. Additional
Information –
The current SORN, to
include this collection, is pending modification and publication to
the Federal Register.
Contact
Information: If you
have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to
contact Melissa Gouge,
AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E
Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree.
No, I do not agree. STOP. Do not complete the survey.
AmeriCorps Seniors Grantee Focus Group
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You
are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the
type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities
and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult
volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct
the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to
participate in this project.
What
activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities
last? If you decide to
participate in the study, you will be asked to participate in a phone
or video conferencing interview which will take approximately 75
minutes.
Benefits
and Risks: There is
little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You
may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project
altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating
in this research project. The results of this project will contribute
to knowledge about how
volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in
national service programs.
Voluntary
Participation: Your
participation in the study is voluntary. You can freely choose to
participate or not to participate. At any point during this project,
you can stop participating without any adverse consequences to you or
your organization.
Confidentiality
and Privacy: The
personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this
project is linked to additional information about you. However, it
will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only
used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be shared
with AmeriCorps staff
and external parties who require the PII to complete their work. It
will not be disclosed to the general public in any form that would
identify you; when reporting our findings, your responses will be
combined with the responses of other participants and reported in
aggregate form.
Privacy
Act: The Privacy Act
of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you
the following notice about the personal information we collect and
how it will be used: Authorities
– Your personal
information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National
and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer
Services. Purposes –
It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and
retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase
member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which
members serve. Routine
Uses – Routine
uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors
and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any
related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match
your personal information with their data in order to complete
additional research. Effects
of Nondisclosure –
This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect
the results of the survey. Additional
Information –
The current SORN, to
include this collection, is pending modification and publication to
the Federal Register.
Contact
Information: If you
have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to
contact Melissa Gouge,
AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E
Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree. [CONTRACTOR will contact you to provide information about the interview/focus group]
No, I do not agree. STOP.
AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Demonstration Program
Grantee Interview
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You
are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the
type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities
and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult
volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct
the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to
participate in this project.
What
activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities
last? If you decide to
participate in the study, you will be asked to participate in a phone
or video conferencing interview which will take approximately 60
minutes.
Benefits
and Risks: There is
little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You
may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project
altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating
in this research project. The results of this project will contribute
to knowledge about how
volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in
national service programs.
Voluntary
Participation: Your
participation in the study is voluntary. You can freely choose to
participate or not to participate. At any point during this project,
you can stop participating without any adverse consequences to you or
your organization.
Confidentiality
and Privacy: The
personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this
project is linked to additional information about you. However, it
will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only
used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be shared
with AmeriCorps staff
and external parties who require the PII to complete their work. It
will not be disclosed to the general public in any form that would
identify you; when reporting our findings, your responses will be
combined with the responses of other participants and reported in
aggregate form.
Privacy
Act: The Privacy Act
of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you
the following notice about the personal information we collect and
how it will be used: Authorities
– Your personal
information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National
and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer
Services. Purposes –
It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and
retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase
member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which
members serve. Routine
Uses – Routine
uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors
and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any
related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match
your personal information with their data in order to complete
additional research. Effects
of Nondisclosure –
This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect
the results of the survey. Additional
Information –
The current SORN, to
include this collection, is pending modification and publication to
the Federal Register.
Contact
Information: If you
have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to
contact Melissa Gouge,
AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E
Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree. [CONTRACTOR will contact you to provide information about the interview/focus group]
No, I do not agree. STOP.
AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Demonstration Program
Station Interview
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You are invited to participate in a research study that will examine
the type of service activities volunteers do to support their
communities and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older
adult volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will
conduct the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your
consent to participate in this project.
What activities
will you do in the study and how long will the activities last?
If you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to
participate in a phone or video conferencing interview which will
take approximately 60
minutes.
Benefits and Risks: There
is little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You
may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project
altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating
in this research project. The results of this project will contribute
to knowledge about how volunteering promotes healthy aging for older
adult volunteers in national service programs.
Voluntary
Participation: Your participation in the study is voluntary. You
can choose freely to participate or not to participate. At any point
during this project, you can stop participating without any adverse
consequences to you or your organization.
Confidentiality and
Privacy: The personally identifiable information (PII) you
provide during this project is linked to additional information about
you. However, it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure
manner and (b) only used for research and statistical purposes.
It will only be shared with AmeriCorps staff and external parties who
require the PII to complete their work. It will not be
disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you;
when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the
responses of other participants and reported in aggregate
form.
Privacy Act: The Privacy Act of 1974, as
amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you the following
notice about the personal information we collect and how it will be
used: Authorities – Your personal information is
requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National and Community
Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer Services.
Purposes – It will be used to (a) identify best
practices for recruiting and retaining NCCC members and (b) improve
service projects to increase member leadership skills and strengthen
the communities in which members serve. Routine Uses –
Routine uses of this information may include disclosure to (1)
contractors and grantees hired to assist with this collection project
or any related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to
match your personal information with their data in order to complete
additional research. Effects of Nondisclosure – This
request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect the
results of the survey. Additional Information – The
current SORN, to include this collection, is pending modification and
publication to the Federal Register.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about any part
of this survey, you are welcome to contact Melissa Gouge, AmeriCorps
Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E Street SW,
Washington, DC. 20024.
Please indicate
your agreement to participate in today’s study by signing
below…
Printed Name:
__________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree. [CONTRACTOR will contact you to provide information about the interview/focus group]
No, I do not agree. STOP.
AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Demonstration Program
Volunteer Interview
OMB Control Number: XX (Expires XX)
You
are invited to participate in a research study that will examine the
type of service activities volunteers do to support their communities
and how volunteering impacts the well-being of older adult
volunteers. JBS International, a research organization, will conduct
the study on behalf of AmeriCorps. We are asking for your consent to
participate in this project.
What
activities will you do in the study and how long will the activities
last? If you decide to
participate in the study, you will be asked to participate in a phone
or video conferencing interview which will take approximately 30
minutes.
Benefits
and Risks: There is
little or no risk to you in participating in this project. You
may skip any question. You may also withdraw from the project
altogether. There may be no direct benefits to you for participating
in this research project. The results of this project will contribute
to knowledge about how
volunteering promotes healthy aging for older adult volunteers in
national service programs.
Voluntary
Participation: Your
participation in the study is voluntary. You can choose freely to
participate or not to participate. At any point during this project,
you can stop participating without any adverse consequences. You will
receive a $30 gift card for completing the interview.
Confidentiality
and Privacy: The
personally identifiable information (PII) you provide during this
project is linked to additional information about you. However,
it will (a) always be stored in a safe and secure manner and (b) only
used for research and statistical purposes. It will only be
shared with AmeriCorps
staff and external parties
who require the PII to complete their work. It will not be
disclosed to the general public in any form that would identify you;
when reporting our findings, your responses will be combined with the
responses of other participants and reported in aggregate
form.
Privacy
Act: The Privacy Act
of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a) states that we must provide you
the following notice about the personal information we collect and
how it will be used: Authorities
– Your personal
information is requested pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Chapter 129 - National
and Community Service and 42 U.S.C. Chapter 66 - Domestic Volunteer
Services. Purposes –
It will be used to (a) identify best practices for recruiting and
retaining NCCC members and (b) improve service projects to increase
member leadership skills and strengthen the communities in which
members serve. Routine
Uses – Routine
uses of this information may include disclosure to (1) contractors
and grantees hired to assist with this collection project or any
related follow-up project, and (2) other Federal agencies to match
your personal information with their data in order to complete
additional research. Effects
of Nondisclosure –
This request is voluntary, but not providing a response may affect
the results of the survey. Additional
Information –
The current SORN, to
include this collection, is pending modification and publication to
the Federal Register.
Contact
Information: If you
have any questions about any part of this survey, you are welcome to
contact Melissa Gouge,
AmeriCorps Research Analyst: Phone Number 202-606-6736, Address 250 E
Street SW, Washington, DC. 20024.
Please
indicate your agreement to participate in today’s study by
signing below…
Printed
Name: __________________________________
Signature:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Do you agree to participate in this study?
Yes, I agree. [JBS will contact you to provide information about the interview/focus group]
No, I do not agree. STOP.
1 Cochrane, W. (1977). Sampling Techniques, 3rd Edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York.
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| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Appel, Elizabeth |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2025-05-19 |