How To ... Create A Shape of Text?

[Ray Buster]

Illustrator newbie here.

I want to create this effect but can't figure out how to do it. It's like a shape fill outlining the text.

I'm sure it is very simple to do, but when a newbie nothing is simple!
Thanks

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Group everything that beleongs to the text.

Open Window > Appearance

Click on the button "Apply new fill" in the bottom left of the panel

Drag the fill below the characters

While the fill is still select, apply Effect > Path > Offset path

Enter whatever you consider appropriate

In order to colose gaps inside the additional fill, add Effect > Pathfinder > Add

Then add Effect > Pathfinder > Divide

Double click that effect in the Appearance panel and uncheck the option "Divide and Outline will remove unpainted artwork"

Apply the effect > Pathfinder > Add

So you have 3 pathfinder effects there and two of them are the same.

[Ray Buster]

THANK YOU!!!

It took a couple of attempts, but I got it to work.

Very much appreciated. 
Have a great rest of your day.
- Michael

[Monika Gause]

Glad you could solve it!

Have fun with the Appearance panel.