The purpose of the Member Exit Survey is to collect information about AmeriCorps members’ experiences. All exiting AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, and NCCC members who complete a term of service are invited to complete the survey.

- A copy of the complete survey questions is provided as an attachment.
- Responses from Question 2, Question 27, and all open-ended questions are excluded.
- Responses from Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are combined.
- Responses from Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are combined.

The data is prepared using AmeriCorps members who began service on any day in fiscal year (FY) 2017. The members may have served 1 to 365 days during their term. Members who are in never served, disqualified, pre-service, or deferred statuses were excluded from this analysis.
AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps NCCC race and ethnicity data come from the member application to serve. The code to extract the data between the two programs is the same.
The ASN race and ethnicity data comes from the enrollment form. The enrollment form may exist multiple times if the member enrolled in more than one term. It is not uncommon for each enrollment form to have conflicting information about the member’s race and ethnicity. The member may have enrollment form data for terms served outside of the timeframe of the dataset. For example, if we are reporting on members who began service in FY17, then a member who also served in FY16 may have race and ethnicity information in the FY16 enrollment form and no race or ethnicity information or conflicting information in the FY17 enrollment form. In the case of conflicting information, this analysis assumes each instance of race designation is correct. If a member reports themselves as “Asian or Asian American” in one enrollment form and “White” in another enrollment form, then the analysis categorizes this person as someone who identifies with multiple race selections vs. one or the other. In the case of ethnicity, if a member indicates that they are not Hispanic or Latino/a in one form, but that they are in another, this analysis assumes the affirmative—and they will be categorized as Hispanic or Latino/a. Lastly, the totals include the total results from the query plus the difference between the query and the raw count of members who started service in that fiscal year. The members who did not have a record in the invite table and enrollment table were added to the non-response category.
Senior Corps Figures come from the Annual Progress Report Supplement as of April 11, 2018.
Percentages are calculated from totals of the subcategories, excluding the non-response categories.

The Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement is the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States. Produced by AmeriCorps in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the CEV takes the pulse of our nation’s civic health every two years. The data on this page was collected in September of 2021. The CEV can support evidence-based decision making and efforts to understand how people make a difference in communities across the country.

For topline findings from the 2021 CEV, please see:
1) Volunteering and Civic Life in America research https://americorps.gov/about/our-impact/volunteering-civic-life
2) National rates of all measures https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-National-Rates-of-All-Measu/rhng-qtzw
3) National rates of all measures by demographics https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-National-Rates-of-All-Measu/bhmf-84dy
4) State-level rates of all measures https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-State-Level-Rates-of-All-Me/4r6x-re58

We encourage all users to download and review the following resources provided as attachments to this dataset (click on "Show More" to view):
1) 2021 CEV Top Line Findings - slides from January 27, 2023 presentation of top line findings
2) 2021 CEV Dataset Fact Sheet – brief summary of technical aspects of the 2021 CEV dataset
3) CEV FAQs – answers to frequently asked technical questions about the CEV
4) 2021 CEV Analytic Data and Setup Files – analytic dataset in Stata (.dta) and Excel (.csv) formats, codebook for analytic dataset, and Stata code (.do) to convert raw dataset to analytic formatting produced by AmeriCorps
5) 2021 CEV Technical Documentation – codebook for raw dataset and full supplement documentation produced by U.S. Census Bureau
6) 2021 CEV Nonresponse Analysis – technical report produced by U.S. Census Bureau
7) 2021 CEV Raw Data and Read In Files – raw dataset in Stata (.dta) format, Stata code (.do) and dictionary file (.dct) to read ASCII dataset (.dat) into Stata using layout files (.lis)

The Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement is the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States. Produced by AmeriCorps in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the CEV takes the pulse of our nation’s civic health every two years. The data on this page was collected in September of 2019. The CEV can support evidence-based decision making and efforts to understand how people make a difference in communities across the country.

For topline findings from the 2019 CEV, please see:
1) Key findings summary report https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/2019%20CPS%20CEV%20findings%20report%20CLEAN_10Dec2021_508.pdf
2) National rates of all measures https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-National-Rates-of-All-Measu/rhng-qtzw
3) National rates of all measures by demographics https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-National-Rates-of-All-Measu/bhmf-84dy
4) State-level rates of all measures https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-State-Level-Rates-of-All-Me/4r6x-re58

We encourage all users to download and review the following resources provided as attachments to this dataset:
1) CEV FAQs – answers to frequently asked technical questions about the CEV
2) 2019 CEV Analytic Data and Setup Files – analytic dataset in Stata (.dta) and Excel (.csv) formats, codebook for analytic dataset, and Stata code (.do) to convert raw dataset to analytic formatting produced by AmeriCorps
3) 2019 Technical Documentation – codebook for raw dataset and full supplement documentation produced by U.S. Census Bureau
4) 2019 CEV Raw Data and Read In Files – raw dataset in Stata (.dta) format, Stata code (.do) and dictionary file (.dct) to read ASCII dataset (.dat) into Stata using layout files (.lis)

The Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement is the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States. Produced by AmeriCorps in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the CEV takes the pulse of our nation’s civic health every two years. The CEV can support evidence-based decision making and efforts to understand how people make a difference in communities across the country.

The findings on this page are based on data collected in September of 2017, 2019, and 2021. All figures are weighted to account for the random selection of eligible respondents and missing data due to nonresponse. They reflect national rates of 17 measures of civic engagement for key demographic subgroups. Please see column descriptions for details.

A spreadsheet with all of these figures is provided as an attachment along with additional resources about the CEV data. Click on "Show More" to view and download.

For the full CEV datasets, please see https://data.americorps.gov/browse?q=cev&sortBy=last_modified&utf8=%E2%9C%93

For more top-line findings from the CEV, please see https://americorps.gov/about/our-impact/volunteering-civic-life

The Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement is the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States. Produced by AmeriCorps in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the CEV takes the pulse of our nation’s civic health every two years. The data on this page was collected in September of 2017. The CEV can support evidence-based decision making and efforts to understand how people make a difference in communities across the country.

For topline findings from the 2017 CEV, please see:
1) National rates of all measures https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-National-Rates-of-All-Measu/rhng-qtzw
2) National rates of all measures by demographics https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-National-Rates-of-All-Measu/bhmf-84dy
3) State-level rates of all measures https://data.americorps.gov/Volunteering-and-Civic-Engagement/2017-2021-CEV-Findings-State-Level-Rates-of-All-Me/4r6x-re58

We encourage all users to download and review the following resources provided as attachments to this dataset:
1) CEV FAQs – answers to frequently asked technical questions about the CEV
2) 2017 CEV Analytic Data and Setup Files – analytic dataset in Stata (.dta) and Excel (.csv) formats, codebook for analytic dataset, and Stata code (.do) to convert raw dataset to analytic formatting produced by AmeriCorps
3) 2017 Technical Documentation – codebook for raw dataset and full supplement documentation produced by U.S. Census Bureau
4) 2017 CEV Raw Data and Read In Files – raw dataset in Stata (.dta) format, Stata code (.do) and dictionary file (.dct) to read ASCII dataset (.dat) into Stata using layout files (.lis)

Upon exiting service, AmeriCorps members are invited to complete the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey (AmeriCorps MES) to provide information on their service experiences. By collecting data on member experiences, AmeriCorps and its partners can better understand how to support its members, while individuals interested in becoming a member can see the benefits of serving. Members that leave service after completing their full term or members that depart from service early both complete the exit survey. The data includes information on members’ civic-mindedness, community involvement, cultural competency, and developed life and career skills (based on the AmeriCorps Member Theory of Change). As well as measures of members’ experience and training, motivations to serve, and post-service plans. Any data on members that started prior to them turning 18 years of age is excluded from this data. Since the start of the MES in 2015, there have been over 360,000 respondents. In 2020, 46,080 surveys were completed out of 58,427, for a completion rate of 79%.

The dataset displays the decimal percentages of members in each program that answered with the two most positive selections of each question’s available options. For example, the available answers for Question 12 are: ‘Much less likely, Somewhat less likely, No effect, Somewhat more likely, and Much more likely’. The data selected for Question 12 thus displays the percentage of members that responded with ‘Somewhat more likely or Much more likely’, therein providing the percentage of individuals who responded favorably to the question.

To note: some members begin the survey, complete only a selection of the survey, and never finish the survey after starting. The responses of members that do not finish the survey are included in the calculations of proportions in the 2020 MES table. As a result, the total number of individuals answering each question of the MES varies question to question, though the number of partially finished surveys represent a fairly small portion of the total overall number of surveys given out in a given timeframe. The total number of finished surveys, partially completed surveys, and surveys that were never started can be found in the attachments section under "MES 2020 Total Counts".

To view a full copy of the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey, please see the attachments section. All Open-ended questions featured on the AmeriCorps MES are omitted from this file

For more information on the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey, please see:
1) AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Fact Sheet: https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/MES%20Fact%20Sheet_061423_final_508.pdf
2) Step Forward Where Adventures Meet Opportunity Infographic: https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/32722_AmeriCorps_ORE_StepForward_Infographic_v08_RELEASE_Web_508.pdf
3) AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Analysis: https://www.americorps.gov/evidence-exchange/highlights-americorps-member-exit-survey-2016-2020-dataset
4) AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Technical Webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVPg4VKq5lo

Upon exiting service, AmeriCorps members are invited to complete the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey (AmeriCorps MES) to provide information on their service experiences. By collecting data on member experiences, AmeriCorps and its partners can better understand how to support its members, while individuals interested in becoming a member can see the benefits of serving. Members that leave service after completing their full term or members that depart from service early both complete the exit survey. The data includes information on members’ civic-mindedness, community involvement, cultural competency, and developed life and career skills (based on the AmeriCorps Member Theory of Change). As well as measures of members’ experience and training, motivations to serve, and post-service plans. Any data on members that started prior to them turning 18 years of age is excluded from this data. Since the start of the MES in 2015, there have been over 360,000 respondents. In 2021, 46,233 surveys were completed out of 57,445, for a completion rate of 80%.

The dataset displays the decimal percentages of members in each program that answered with the two most positive selections of each question’s available options. For example, the available answers for Question 12 are: ‘Much less likely, Somewhat less likely, No effect, Somewhat more likely, and Much more likely’. The data selected for Question 12 thus displays the percentage of members that responded with ‘Somewhat more likely or Much more likely’, therein providing the percentage of individuals who responded favorably to the question.

To note: some members begin the survey, complete only a selection of the survey, and never finish the survey after starting. The responses of members that do not finish the survey are included in the calculations of proportions in the 2021 MES table. As a result, the total number of individuals answering each question of the MES varies question to question, though the number of partially finished surveys represent a fairly small portion of the total overall number of surveys given out in a given timeframe. The total number of finished surveys, partially completed surveys, and surveys that were never started can be found in the attachments section under "MES 2021 Total Counts".

To view a full copy of the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey, please see the attachments section. All Open-ended questions featured on the AmeriCorps MES are omitted from this file

For more information on the AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey, please see:
1) AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Fact Sheet: https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/MES%20Fact%20Sheet_061423_final_508.pdf
2) Step Forward Where Adventures Meet Opportunity Infographic: https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/32722_AmeriCorps_ORE_StepForward_Infographic_v08_RELEASE_Web_508.pdf
3) AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Analysis: https://www.americorps.gov/evidence-exchange/highlights-americorps-member-exit-survey-2016-2020-dataset
4) AmeriCorps Member Exit Survey Technical Webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVPg4VKq5lo

The Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement is the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States. Produced by AmeriCorps in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the CEV takes the pulse of our nation’s civic health every two years. The CEV can support evidence-based decision making and efforts to understand how people make a difference in communities across the country.

The findings on this page are based on data collected in September of 2017, 2019, and 2021. All figures are weighted to account for the random selection of eligible respondents and missing data due to nonresponse. They reflect state-level rates of six key measures of civic engagement:
FORMAL VOLUNTEERING: the estimated share of state residents who spent any time volunteering for any organization or association in the past year.
INFORMAL HELPING: the estimated share of state residents who exchanged favors with neighbors such as house sitting, watching each other’s children, lending tools, and other things to help each other at least once in the past year.
ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP: the estimated share of state residents who belonged to any groups, organizations, or associations in the past year.
CHARITABLE GIVING: the estimated share of state residents who gave money or possessions with a combined value of more than $25 to a non-political group or organization such as a charity, school, or religious organization in the past year.
TALKING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY: the estimated share of state residents who talked to or spent time with friends and family at least once in the past year.
TALKING WITH NEIGHBORS: the estimated share of state residents who had a conversation or spent time with neighbors at least once in the past year.

A spreadsheet with all of these figures is provided as an attachment along with additional resources about the CEV data. Click on "Show More" to view and download.

For the full CEV datasets, please see https://data.americorps.gov/browse?q=cev&sortBy=last_modified&utf8=%E2%9C%93

For more top-line findings from the CEV, please see https://americorps.gov/about/our-impact/volunteering-civic-life

The Current Population Survey Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement is the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States. Produced by AmeriCorps in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the CEV takes the pulse of our nation’s civic health every two years. The CEV can support evidence-based decision making and efforts to understand how people make a difference in communities across the country.

The findings on this page are based on data collected in September of 2017, 2019, and 2021. All figures are weighted to account for the random selection of eligible respondents and missing data due to nonresponse. They reflect national rates of 17 measures of civic engagement. Please see column descriptions for details.

A spreadsheet with all of these figures is provided as an attachment along with additional resources about the CEV data. Click on "Show More" to view and download.

For the full CEV datasets, please see https://data.americorps.gov/browse?q=cev&sortBy=last_modified&utf8=%E2%9C%93

For more top-line findings from the CEV, please see https://americorps.gov/about/our-impact/volunteering-civic-life