What is the Volunteer Action Corps?

The Volunteer Action Corps is currently made up of over 1500 AFGE members who are actively involved in educating and mobilizing other government employees on workplace issues that directly affect our jobs, our families, and our communities.

What do Volunteer Action Corps volunteers do?

Volunteer Action Corps volunteers are engaged in a variety of education and mobilization activities including: distributing flyers and talking with co-workers about workplace issues; helping out with Lunch and Learns and Union Fairs; communicating with members by setting up and participating in phone banks; getting involved in media outreach; and researching changes in the federal personnel policies and their impact on government employees.

How much time does it involve?  

As much or as little as possible-you decide. Volunteer Action Corps volunteers spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours per week involved in workplace activities.

We all lead busy lives with considerable work and family responsibilities. Volunteer Action Corps activities are specific and geared towards making efficient use of the volunteer’s precious time. You will be asked to participate in activities that match your interests and your expertise.

Will I be violating the Hatch Act if I volunteer for Volunteer Action Corps?

 Volunteer Action Corps activities are geared towards specific legislative and workplace issues that directly affect government employees. Those activities are not partisan political activities which are governed by the Hatch Act. They are protected as union representation activities as outlined under federal labor law. Remember, our pay, benefits and personnel policies are determined by Congress and we have the protected right under federal labor law to discuss and mobilize around these issues at work and in the community.

NOTE: Also, the Hatch Act does not prohibit AFGE Volunteer Action Corps volunteers interested in working on political education and electoral campaigns, from participating in these activities outside the government workplace, on their own time.

What do I get when I join the Volunteer Action Corps?

You become an automatic subscriber to AFGE’s *Action News and Alerts, receive national recognition for your volunteer efforts, and are eligible to earn college credit for your volunteer activities with an AFGE service internship.

*This must be sent to your home email and may not be read on a government computer.

Join the Volunteer Action Corps Today!