AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Analysis

Spotlight On: Civic Engagement

What is the 

Member Exit Survey (MES)? 

At the end of service, AmeriCorps 

members are invited to take a 

survey to capture insights about 

their experience and attitudes. 

Over 350,000 AmeriCorps State 

and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, 

and AmeriCorps NCCC members 

have completed the AmeriCorps 

MES since April 2015.

What do we mean by “Civic Engagement?”

The AmeriCorps MES includes questions that align to four pathways of the 

AmeriCorps member experience: Bridging Differences, Civic Engagement, 

Life and Career Skills, and Getting Things Done. Civic Engagement is the 

constellation of activities individuals engage in to make a difference in their 

communities. It includes participation within and beyond electoral politics at 

all geographic levels. Volunteerism is a prominent example of civic 

engagement, but also includes activities like attending public meetings, 

belonging to organizations, and neighbors doing favors for each other.

Eight survey questions provide information about the Civic Engagement

pathway of the AmeriCorps members experience. This fact sheet provides an 

overview of the findings on this pathway; for more details, read the full report. 

How do AmeriCorps members demonstrate civic engagement?

From 2017–2021, the majority of departing members demonstrated civic engagement by

Prioritizing community 

needs.

Members feel ready to address 

community concerns and have a 

sense of duty toward their 

communities. For example:

86% feel prepared to create a 

plan to address a problem in their 

community.

86% feel a personal obligation 

to contribute in some way to the 

community.

Taking political and social 

engagement seriously. 

Members engage with sociopolitical 

issues that impact their local area by

voting and staying informed. For 

example:

73% voted in the last 

presidential election. 

72% often discuss and think 

about how political, social, local, 

or national issues affect the 

community.

Helping to create stronger, more 

vibrant communities.

Members believe that giving time can 

transform communities and want to 

continue staying involved in their 

communities. For example:

82% are or plan to become

involved in issues that positively 

affect their community.

82% feel their AmeriCorps 

service made them more likely to 

volunteer for a cause or issue they 

care about.

About the Office of Research and Evaluation

The AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation assists AmeriCorps and its partners in collecting, analyzing, and 

disseminating data and insights about AmeriCorps programs and civic life in America.

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve 

their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and 

strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps 

Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or onetime volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

Produced and published at US taxpayer expense