Los Angeles Ally Applicants

Download the 2011 Ally Application Packet (2.5 mb) here

Frequently Asked Questions

Contents:

1.       BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT PA

2.       IS IT THE RIGHT FIT FOR ME, RIGHT NOW?

3.       OUT OF STATE / NAVIGATING LOS ANGELES

4.       MANAGING YOUR TIME

5.       APPLICATION QUESTIONS

_______________________________________________________________________

 

1.       BASIC QUESTIONS ABOUT PA

 What is the difference between Public Allies & AmeriCorps?

Public Allies is funded by AmeriCorps, so as an Ally, you are also an AmeriCorps member. Your benefits as AmeriCorps member include your monthly stipend, health & dental care, childcare reimbursement, student loan forbearance for national service, and an Education Award of $5350 to use for future educational endeavors or school loans payoff. Your AmeriCorps requirement is to follow the member policies & procedures and accomplish 1700 hours in service to the community. 

That being said, you must accomplish both AmeriCorps & Public Ally program requirements in order to successfully graduate from the program and obtain your Education Award.

How extensive is the healthcare?

Allies receive basic Health and Dental Insurance; it varies from state to state, as well as by provider. Los Angeles has traditionally held a contract with Aetna, which include basic care and check ups, emergency care, and a 50% reimbursement for prescription drugs.  Please call us for specific information. 

2.       IS IT THE RIGHT FIT FOR ME, RIGHT NOW?

To be honest, I am looking for a challenging experience in order to explore myself. How can Public Allies help me accomplish that?

Public Allies has much to offer candidates who are committed, open to learning, self-reflective and are able to be challenged by others. It is an amazing opportunity for a young person to work towards personal and professional goals in a very supportive environment. Public Allies Los Angeles has a strong reputation for developing social justice leaders in the 10 years since our office opened.

That being said, this program is not for everyone and we encourage you to learn as much about the program as possible to determine if it is a good fit for you at this time. It requires allies to be honest, self-motivated, critical and resilient in order to be successful. If you would like to learn more in-depth information by either speaking to alumni or current allies, please let us know.

I am pretty inexperienced when it comes to social justice issues and working in the nonprofit field. However, working with people I can relate to is essential for me. Is this program a fit for someone like me?                                                                                                                                                      

The easy answer to that is everyone gets something from the experience; it just depends on how you frame your perspective going into it.  We strive for a diverse cohort that represents the communities that we serve.  Through the application and interview process we want to learn about the assets you bring and how you may challenge the social and political make-up of the class.  So far, each class has been significantly different depending on its ally make-up. 

Each ally class is different depending on who is in the program. We believe that this is a great opportunity where you can begin practicing your capabilities as a leader. In some ways, Public Allies is an environment where you can test newly acquired strengths and assets with a group of people who can act as a support system. You are in an environment where "mistakes" are welcomed; understand that this is a learning program and we hope you use the ten months to try new things. Take risks. Make mistakes. The critical issue is whether or not you are open to being challenged within the process; there is much to be gained.

With all of that being said, there are plenty of applicants that represent your experience, though with shades of difference.  This past year we have had 15 masters, 2 doctorates, and 2 practicing lawyers apply.  We have many who are currently professionals who are looking for a new direction.  We have people who are college or high school graduates and some who are currently still working on their GEDs.  We have single parents, allies who are married with children, and those who are still living with their parents. 

Our guiding principle is that anyone can lead and make a change in their communities. We look for individuals who demonstrate their commitment to that principle by their interest in social justice, their openness to learning, their ability to commit to the process and the willingness to critically question themselves.  We welcome anyone who is 18-30, has graduated from H.S., and is interested in the program to apply.  From that, the possibilities are endless. 

3.       OUT OF STATE / NAVIGATING LOS ANGELES

I was wondering what your interview process for out of state applicants?

We can accommodate outof state applicants by having a phone interview and waiving the group interview. Usually, out-of-state applicants are at a disadvantage when it comes to the Partner Organization interviews. If you advance to that level, we highly encourage candidates to attend in person. Please call if you have any questions. 

Can I apply for more than one city?

Absolutely. Please make sure to send a complete copy of your application to both sites. Also, make sure that your application satisfies both site’s requirements.

Is housing provided with this program or are participants supposed to commute?

Unfortunately, we do not have the means to provide housing to participants. We can assist you and finding roommates among the network of Alum or current allies by forwarding your request on to others. In the past, some people have (and are currently) commuting from as far as Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Ana and Pomona. However, it is easier for allies to be closer to the city to fully participate with all of the program activities.

Would we need to have our own transportation?

Although we encourage allies to use public transportation as much as possible, L.A. is definitely easier to navigate if you have your own transportation. Some organizations also require transportation for their positions.

For out of state applicants, we suggest that you become familiar with Los Angeles’ different neighborhoods. You can learn more about L.A. via websites such as www.healthycities.org, www.experiencela.org or even www.yelp.com, which covers much of the various neighborhoods.   

As a very large city, navigating public transportation could become an issue if you live too far from your placement. The majority of our partner organizations are located in the city proper. The local transportation site is www.metro.net

I plan on moving soon, how will this affect my application?

Communication of the application process will happen primarily through email; if any of your contact information changes, please contact to Public Allies Los Angeles as soon as possible.

4.       MANAGING YOUR TIME

Can I pursue school while being in Public Allies?

Our program is one of the most intense and exhaustive leadership training programs in the country and allies need to commit to being completely present at all of our events and activities. As such, it is with reservation that we accept members who also have full time school, work or personal obligations that they feel might prevent them from participating. 

What happens on the days I’m not at placement?

The program is structured to provide you with a range of experiences beyond working at a nonprofit organization. Besides placement, you have classes, trainings, service days, retreats and team service project activities. But even diligent allies need fun and perspective. We encourage allies to explore and learn about Los Angeles on their off time. 

If time off is needed, is it available?

In addition to the observed holidays for each partner organization, Allies are allowed 6 personal days. In order to complete 1700 hours, your attendance at placement is crucial. Allies are working approximately fifty (50) hours a week, but we definitely believe that personal care is necessary.

 

5.       APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Do I need to have some type of volunteer or nonprofit agency experience?   

Candidates do not have to have any volunteer or nonprofit experience. However, you should be able to demonstrate your interest in social justice and public service, your desire to learn more about it or your desire to challenge yourself through this program. As a learning program, we want to know your experiences and why this program would be a good fit for you.

You can do this in several ways; the statement of purpose should explain what you are interested in learning, pursuing or accomplishing during your time as an Ally. If you need other suggestions, please contact us directly.

Do the attached materials need to be in by May 15th for my application to be considered? 

The entire application needs to be submitted by May 15th, 2010 at midnight. If sent via USPS, materials must be postmarked by the 15th of May.

Proof of Education: What documents do you require?

We need verification that you have graduated from high school or obtained your GED. We will accept a diploma, certificate or an unofficial transcript from your most recent school or college as verification. This can be sent via mail, fax or email to apply-la@publicallies.org.

Letters of Reference: Is the website form preferable or are freely written letters also acceptable? 

We use references to learn about you from the perspective of someone you trust. We are trying to understand your interest in social justice, work ethic, level of effort and dedication, and ability to communicate and work with others. You may choose anyone who you feel can best represent you in this way. References can come in either form or letter format and may be sent via mail, fax or email to apply-la@publicallies.org.

If my letters of reference are in the form from your website, can I have my recommenders e-mail it to me completed and then I forward it to you by e-mail, or does it need to be mailed directly by recommenders? Can the references be emailed to you?

We prefer applications to be complete when submitted but understand if references might need to come from several people. Letters can be emailed as long as it is on letterhead and is PDF Format.

Should I attach my actual resume to the application or fill in the work experience portion on the form itself?

Please attach an updated resume in addition to filling out the work experience portion of the application.

What are you looking for in the Statement of Purpose?

 We are looking to understand more about you and why you would like to be a part of this program. Public Allies is an intense learning program that requires a lot of personal and emotional investment as well as a willingness to be challenged. Your essay should speak to your dedication, commitment and motivation towards engaging in such a process.

Which organizations will be partner organizations for next year?

Partner organizations apply in the same manner as ally candidates. As such, we will not have a final list of organizations for the following year until June 2010. If you are interested in a specific organization or field of work, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reach out to them as well.

When does the interviewing process take place?

·          1st Phase Application Screening: Application Review by Panelist.                 

·          2nd Phase Individual – Panel interview: Within eight weeks after the application deadline. If your application shows promise, you will be invited to interview with a panel of staff, alumni and community members.  

·          3rd Phase Group – Panel interview: Month of July. If recommended to proceed, you will be invited to interview with other potential ally candidates that will be observed by a panel. Interview includes group dynamics and team activities.                                                                                                                                                  

·          4th Phase Matching Fair with Partner Organizations: August. If recommended to proceed, you will be invited to the final step, which is a matching fair with Public Allies affiliated partner organizations.

·          5th Phase Partner Organization Interviews: Allies and organizations will get the opportunity to learn about one another and decide who will be the best fit for themselves.

Where do I send my application? Please send it only to ONE method.

Email: apply-la@publicallies.org

Fax: (213) 741 – 2205

Delivery: 520 W. 23rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90007