Vantaggi
My team. My team has been there for me since day 1 and I probably would have quit by now if I didn't have my coworkers.
Svantaggi
I am only speaking about CYSJ and cannot speak for other CY locations because I've only served with CYSJ. That being said, the cons include: Low pay (stipend comes out to about ~$4/hour), RIDICULOUS hours averaging 11 hours a day, inhumane treatment of corps members/exploitation of corps members, money hungry and driven BUSINESS more than nonprofit organization. Constantly BLAMES AmeriCorps as organization rather than owning up and taking accountability. Additionally I've done my fair share of research on americorps programs, and there is no other program that pays this little yet has the longest hours. It is ABSURD that our stipend before taxes is a little over $10,000. Knowing the standard of living in silicon valley, it is ABSURD to think that living with 5 others in a 3 bedroom apartment is feasible and healthy and that we, corps members, can remain sane, healthy and READY TO SERVE 11 hours every single day for our year of service. They treat us like volunteers when it's convenient for them (i.e. making us work 11 hours a day) and treat us like employees when it's convenient for them (i.e. restricted PTO, medical leave, sick days, other BS restrictions) At the end of the day, I DO NOT recommend CY San Jose Silicon Valley. STAY AWAY and SAVE YOURSELF. I do not resent AmeriCorps and would recommend looking at other AmeriCorps programs if you want to do the same work that City Year supposedly does I.e. Citizen Schools, TFA, B&G Club and basically ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION.