AmeriCorps is often referred to as the “domestic Peace Corps.” Participants — known as AmeriCorps members — perform a year of service with a program that meets local community needs in return for a modest living allowance and education award. For the 2013-14 program year, CaliforniaVolunteers will fund up to 44 programs totaling more than $24 million that will support approximately 4,000 members serving statewide in programs that address critical community needs in education, veterans, health and the environment.