Guest: Partnerships with nonprofits, agencies can help businesses find workers

Although inflation was a hot-button issue in the midterm elections, another economic issue came up frequently: businesses struggling to find workers.

We heard about problems in almost all fields, from schools and churches to health care and nonprofits.

But many organizations are missing the opportunity to work with trained, vetted, service-oriented people with a demonstrated willingness to work.

The U.S. government’s AmeriCorps program — administered by local agencies — can help fill needed positions.

Here’s how it works: AmeriCorps partners with nonprofits, state and government agencies, Native American tribes, religious organizations and school districts who want to serve as host sites.

These groups agree to provide office space and daily supervision, along with a cash-match to support the member’s living allowances and program administration.

What do host sites get in return? Highly skilled, motivated workers who value community service, helping their neighbors and making the world a better place.

Additionally, all AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old, have a high-school education and have passed a criminal background check.

The program lowers an organization’s commitment to partner with AmeriCorps, eases the recruiting process and allows agencies to build capacity without committing to a long-term position.

That said, AmeriCorps members often go on to become some of a host agency’s most valuable resources, because they are people who made the decision to go into service. Some are moving out of full-time roles in the workforce, and many others are starting their careers, seeking ways to gain knowledge and experience — or even find the right path in life — without accumulating college debt.

If your organization meets the requirements and could use someone new and dedicated to the cause, please reach out to our AmeriCorps agency, Red River Community Corps., to see how our members can help expand services, create innovative programs and further your mission.

Anthony Coby is the executive director of Red River Community Corps., a local AmeriCorps agency. 

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Partnerships with nonprofits, agencies can help businesses find workers