AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. In partnership with non-profits—secular and faith based—local municipalities, state governments,...
Trenton, NJ -- AmeriCorps NCCC Atlantic Region’s Buffalo 4 team is serving with HomeFront Incorporated this round. The team will support the implementation of Campus Mercer, a summer camp for underprivileged children from Trenton, New Jersey. HomeFront’s mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey. They aim to help families become self-sufficient by providing them not only stability, but an opportunity to better themselves through their seemingly limitless resources. The organization strives to house their clients in adequate homes by providing the means and opportunities to earn a livable wage.
Camp Mercer, with an average daily attendance of more than 165 children aged 5-15, keeps the area’s homeless children and at risk youth safe and engaged over the summer. Summer camp is critical for homeless children as many homeless families have a working parent, which means that children may be left unattended during the day. This leaves them with little or no opportunities to have any memorable and personally enriching experiences which can be detrimental to their personal growth.
Since arriving in New Jersey Buffalo 4 has worked with HomeFront’s Maintenance Department painting, landscaping, and cleaning out some of the homes they provide their clients. The team assisted in the construction of a garden that provides fresh produce for the many families that visit HomeFront’s foodbank. Over their weekends thus far they volunteered to help tear down a local art show as well as the New Jersey Special Olympics after the events came to a close.
Currently, the team is undergoing their camp counselor training. This involves courses in conflict resolution, dealing with behavioral issues, properly coordinating volunteers, water safety, CPR/AED certification, personal conduct, etc. Once camp begins on Monday, June 26th, Buffalo 4 will be serve as tutors, role models, and chaperones for camp outings. They will be accompanying the kids on many trips over the summer; which includes Six Flags, the beach, a zoo, and a nearby pool for swimming lessons. Appointed members will rotate in other areas of HomeFront’s departments in order to gain additional professional development opportunities. Such departments include the Family Campus’s youth program and the Development Team. Within the Family Campus, two members will help within a daycare setting which involves reading with the children, conducting art projects, and other stimulating activities. The Development Team will delegate a member to assist in acquiring resources for HomeFront in an office setting.
The team is anxious to see how this project unfolds as they anticipate it will prove to be more of a test of mental fortitude rather than physical endurance, yet they are confident the team’s unparalleled cohesiveness. They also look forward to the opportunity to build upon their bond as a team while supporting the needs of community. They all agree each round seems to bring about a deeper sense of collective growth and comradery.
AmeriCorps NCCC in 3rd Year of Carlton Complex Fire Recovery
Pateros, Wash.—It’s been 3 years since the Carlton Complex fire scorched 250,000 acres, hundreds of cattle, more than 500 homes and structures, cost an estimated $100 million to fight, and had a $500 million impact on the Washington State economy. The fire remains the largest and most destructive in Washington’s history.
After the fires, the residents or rural Okanogan County set to work rebuilding their communities and restoring life to their heat sterilized soil. Three years on, and there is still much to be done.
AmeriCorps NCCC Team Silver 7 is proud to partner with the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery group to reconstruct ranch fencing, clear debris, construct outbuildings, and distribute over 5,000 tress.
A team member of Silver 7, Zach Steaple, commented, “Our team is very excited to be working closely with not only the mayor, but also the survivors of Okanogan County. We are here to help people get back on their feet and continue their rebuilding process.”
Silver 7 is the third team to serve with the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group. The previous teams repaired over 13,000 feet of fencing, removed 9,120 pounds of debris, and collected and transported 2,450 pounds of donated household goods. They also aided in prescribed burns, clearing of unwanted vegetation, landscaping, and refurbishing of campsites
AmeriCorps NCCC Atlantic Region’s composite team, Buffalo 50 is supporting the Katahdin Area Trails in Millinocket, Maine. Katahdin Area Trails is a non-profit organization created in 2014 to build, develop, and grow the trails in the Katahdin region of Maine. The organization’s goal is to invigorate and revitalize the Katahdin Area region by developing mountain biking trails and cross country skiing trails to grow the area economically and environmentally. The team’s focus is centered on building over three miles of mountain biking trails.
Buffalo 50, a team of five, is manicuring the area surrounding the trail; creating a three foot wide tread and carving out a corridor for new trail construction. In order to make a natural looking trail, they are moving logs and hauling brush, raking sticks and leaves, and clearing away any other organic debris along the trail. So far, the team has cleared over two and a quarter miles of corridor for new trail construction.
The town of Millinocket is known for outdoor recreation and forest products. The population is aging and has been fast declining. This town lacks resources especially for people that are just graduating. There is a high rate of poverty in this town and high drug usage as a result. The closing of the Millinocket paper mill in the 1980’s drained much of the prosperity and resources out of this area. Now when students graduate high school, there’s no jobs for them and that’s when they end up leaving the area.
Buffalo 50 believes that their service will leave a lasting legacy within the Millinocket community. The new and maintained trails are intended to attract community members and tourists to the area; thus, boosting economic opportunity. Buffalo 50 is excited to be a part of the revitalization process for an area that has faced difficulty.
Not only is the community benefitting from the team’s service but team members are gaining great experience serving alongside the Katahdin Area Trails staff. As a bonus, the team is daily surrounded by the breathe-taking Mount Katahdin scenery.
Members of Buffalo 50 decided AmeriCorps NCCC with hope to impact the lives of others, better themselves, explore new career opportunities, and travel the U.S. while gaining new skills and experiences. They’ve really enjoyed the experience of living together. While working they’ve formed a bond by sharing in team successes, challenges, and inside jokes and then bring these to the dinner table each night much like a family. They are like five peas in a pod!
The team has created some great memories in just a few weeks in Millinocket. They really enjoyed interacting with community members at Baxter State Park’s annual Earth Day cleanup and while they served as chaperones at a post prom. They also really enjoyed going white water rafting. Nothing forms a bond better than people getting to experience something new together. Whitewater rafting in class 5 rapids and surfing in the “Eddies” was such an adventure. Another highlight for the team was hiking ten miles to check out nearby ice caves.
Southern Region Spotlight: Engaging Partners, Community in Disaster Preparedness
As they slip their feet into black steel-toe boots, FEMA Corps team, Peak 2, rubs remnants from the previous three disasters away and tie their laces tight. During the last nine months, these boots have traveled through seven states. In the weeks leading up to Class 23A graduation, the team is supporting FEMA Region IV preparedness planning and Southern Georgia tornado response.
The team of six executes duties for External Affairs (EA), Office of the Regional Administrator (ORA) and agency events, such as the Public-Private Partner Preparedness Summit. During a regular work week in Atlanta, Peak 2 Team Leader, Geethika, works exclusively at the ORA front desk. “I receive calls and emails from business owners, contractors, public servants and even the general public.” She continues, “My role is to provide them with accurate information with regard to their concerns, and if I don’t have the specific information they need, I direct them to who they can talk to.” She also creates multiple resources, such as call-down lists and organization charts for staff to use in the event of an emergency.
EA strategizes the agency’s communications from connecting with local governments and businesses to facilitating media outreach in impacted areas. The majority of the team has been researching county governments and their disaster history for Intergovernmental Affairs to reference in disaster response. This eases the workload of specialists in the field when disaster strikes. Corps Member Brittany says, “It’s rewarding to know that we are helping prepare for future disasters by completing these profiles ahead of time.” Since deploying to Georgia, the team has crafted and archived around 300 county profiles for four states.
They also monitor online media to identify unmet needs and frequently asked questions about the agency’s operations. As a team, Peak 2 members Brittany, Dina, Ian, Jacky and Jon compile this information from across the region’s eight states to inform FEMA personnel. Dina also writes daily reports regarding Georgia tornado recovery for staff and state officials on the ground. Additionally, Brittany and Dina are able to nourish their digital communications skills publishing press releases on the FEMA website. These responsibilities help EA message material that news outlets and disaster survivors are seeking, whether it be registration deadlines or how to remove debris safely. Geethika comments, “These tasks have benefitted the community and region because I am able to put people in contact with accurate information such as FEMA’s role in a situation or getting local organizations more involved in regional preparedness efforts.”
Peak 2’s current and final assignment in the Peach State is their first time enhancing a majority peacetime project after serving in active disasters 12 hours a day, six days a week. However, their new-found downtime is rarely open; those hours are reserved for volunteering with PAWS Animal Shelter and community development groups, such as Hands On Atlanta and the Nehemiah Project.
Geethika says, “Whether it is at a disaster recovery center, joint field office or in the field, FEMA Corps members work hard to support communities and families affected by disaster.”
AmeriCorps NCCC Members Help to Rebuild Middleton, CA After Devestating Fires
Earlier this month, AmeriCorps NCCC Team Green 4 dedicated their second home to the residents of Middleton, California. Team Green 4 is partnering with North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and Hope City Volunteers to rebuild houses in Middletown that were destroyed in the 2015 Valley Fires and 2016 Lake County Fire.
Altogether, the fires burned 76,076 acres and nearly 2,000 structures, and claimed four lives, making it the third most destructive fire in California history. Both devastating fires displaced nearly 1,500 families in the greater Lake County area especially Middletown and Lower Lake.
This winter season, through the guidance of Hope City Volunteer Supervisors and support from NCO, all twelve AmeriCorps NCCC members helped rebuild homes for fire surviving families who were under-insured during these fires.
Four AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Teams from the Sacramento, California campus will be hosted this year by NCO to lift up Middletown from November 2016 - July 2017. The grant NCO wrote brought several AmeriCorps to Lake County to reach a collective goal to rebuild 15-20 homes for fire surviving families in the Lake County area. Middletown has already hosted their first team, Blue 2, of the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region campus. Two more AmeriCorps teams will follow to aid in assistance of rebuilding for the Lake County community.
Member are helping in all aspects of construction, including framing, plumbing, electrical, sheet-rocking, sanding, truss setting, dry-walling, painting, roofing, flooring, finish work, tool maintenance, managing distribution of equipment, and tracking inventory.
Team Leader, Jessie Smith reflects, “Our work in Lake County opened our eyes about the food security and housing issues that communities face after disaster, even years after.” She continues, “To see how resilient the people are is just amazing. The hotels in town opened their doors, local stores donated goods, and everyone came out to help those that needed it. Even a little bit you can do can go a long way. An hour of volunteering can make a difference in someone’s life”
The thing I will miss most about serving in FEMA Corps is knowing that what I do each day has a deep meaning and purpose.
Prior to joining FEMA Corps, I developed mathematical risk models at an insurance company. The work provided me job stability, financial prosperity, “prestige,” and an intellectual challenge. However, there’s not much fulfillment that comes from working long hours on an algorithm that’s purpose is to help the company’s bottom-line and protect our shareholders’ stake. I loved my coworkers and my company, but I spent every free moment trying to find something that made me feel like what I did actually mattered for the world. I had a few great mentors there, who left after getting all they could out of that career. Upon leaving, they mentioned that they were in search of something that made them happy and allowed them to give back to others through teaching. I thought to myself, “Should I wait until retirement to do something that brought me joy and helped others?”
The answer was “no.” I quit my job, and decided to travel through Central & South America for a few months. Maybe it was the career in insurance, but there something about disaster relief work that resonated with me. I wanted to join a program that was established, so I could know my participation wasn’t for someone’s profit (again), but that I would actually be helping people who needed it. I also had a large interest in disaster relief as I frequently volunteered with the American Red Cross while working at the insurance company. After researching programs, I found the AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps program as a great fit for growing my skills. It would allow me to deliver relief to those devastated by natural disasters, and would even cater to my love of travel. I had my first interview for the program while I was in Costa Rica, and found out I was accepted while traveling in Peru. I hurried back, and attended Team Leader Training two weeks later.
I am currently on my third round in FEMA Corps, and while some days may be slower than others. Every single day I have moments where I know I can have a positive impact on someone. The “someone” can change. In the first round, it was survivors living in the largest shelter in Baton Rouge, LA after the Great Flood occurred in August 2016. A few months later, it was the South Carolinians I met while going door to door asking if they needed help registering for assistance after Hurricane Matthew tore through their state and homes. However, the most consistent “someone” I am there to support is my team. A strong, quirky group of headstrong, intelligent young people. As much as I am there for the survivors, I am also there for my team. Supporting them through the emotional experience of supporting others in the most difficult times of their lives; mentoring them in their first working experience by helping them develop the professional and interpersonal skills I gained while in my leadership development program at the insurance company; and encouraging them in their next steps after AmeriCorps by leveraging the educational grant or using another year to figure out what their own purpose/interests are beyond themselves.
I will miss this sense of purpose that often comes after cooking dinner together after a long day of work, or in our 15-passenger van arguing about the merits of “Rain Drops and Drop Tops.” I will miss the hugs that celebrate a college acceptance, and the high fives after nailing a presentation in front of senior leaders. These are big and small moments that I will miss most about FEMA Corps, and the large part of the fulfillment I have from spending 11 months taking a break from the corporate cube to serve our country and those living in it.
A Visit with Dr. Bernice King, Daughter of MLK, Jr.
AmeriCorps NCCC team Delta 2 was invited by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to attend The State of Georgia's 32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Tribute at the Georgia State Capitol. At the event, Delta 2 was honored to hear remarks from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Atlanta Mayor Andrew J. Young, and Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. The team also had the privilege of hearing the Atlanta Boy Choir & Alumni and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Chorus. The ceremony included the presentation of awards to Dr. Joseph E. Lowery and Ambassador Andrew J. Young.
"We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools," said Dr. Bernice King, quoting her father.
“The event inspired me to be more open to people who are different from me and to never judge a book by its cover before getting to know them,” said Delta 2 member Quintavious Whitner. “With this newfound knowledge, I am inspired to encourage others to serve alongside me, to help make this world a better place.”
“Dr. King’s words have long inspired me to serve, and being invited to this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Tribute in Dr. King’s birthplace of Atlanta, GA, has been an honor,” said Michael Gill, Team Leader for Delta 2. “Reflecting on Dr. Bernice King’s words, I have reaffirmed my dedication to serving others. I am proud to know so many individuals dedicated to community service, who wake up every day acting on Dr. King’s call to action.”
Meredith Parker is a FEMA Corps Team Leader. Learn how her team’s service after 2016′s floods in Louisiana has left a lasting impression.
I am privileged to be the Team Leader for FEMA Corps team Wave 4. We are a Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) team that canvasses communities affected by natural disasters in order to gain a better understanding of how the community can be assisted. Two days before our training with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a 1,000-year flood hit the state of Louisiana. The flood appeared to be devastating, and our training was accelerated so we could respond to the disaster.
The first week of our active disaster assignment was a whirlwind, days with little sleep and high stress. We lived in a small Habitat for Humanity home next to Hurricane Katrina survivors, who explained to us how personal this flood felt. The community felt hostile towards the disaster as if the universe wasn’t allowing them to escape flood waters from any side. But every morning, we woke up at 5 a.m., left by 5:30 a.m. and made the journey to our worksite. Mornings were often filled with bright Louisiana sunrises and the solemn view of dark floodwaters filling neighborhoods. The scene was grim and difficult to see at times. However, I will never forget the survivors we met. The people are some of the strongest I have ever seen and showed us what community really meant.
For a few weeks, we worked in a small classroom meant for Sunday school behind a Catholic Church in a community called French Settlement. We posted signs and tried to grab the attention of survivors who were in the church seeking aid in the form of cleaning supplies, clothes, or food. At this point, my entire team and I had gotten close to the local law enforcement and other members of the community. One morning, as we were waiting in the classroom for survivors, the heavy metal door swung open and a man caked in mud walked in the door. He sat down and began answering questions to register for FEMA aid. There is one question on the registration that often prompts survivors to feel emotional or tell their personal story: “Have you lost any property or belongings as a result of this flood?”
The man looked down at his hands and began telling us his story. When the floodwaters began rising, he moved everything to higher ground. He smiled blankly and stated, “I guess higher ground just wasn’t high enough.” He had lost everything but a mattress and his family. After the team filled out his registration and told him he was likely to receive aid from FEMA, he thanked us and walked away. As the team watched him leave the building, we saw “FIRST RESPONDER CAJUN NAVY” written on the back of his t-shirt. We later discovered he had left his home to rescue others, spending nights sleeping on church floors away from his family and helping trapped residents vacate their homes.
It is a moment like this that stays with you throughout the year. A moment of helping a survivor in their time of need, a moment of true humility and witnessing the resilience of people. FEMA Corps has shown me the best in people, and without the FEMA Corps program, I would not have stories like this to give me faith that humanity is strong and unwavering even in times of desperation.
AmeriCorps NCCC Helping Florida Residents Hit Hard by Hurricanes
Stationed in Tallahassee, Florida since late October, AmeriCorps NCCC-FEMA Corps Team, Hickory 3, has been able to support residents affected by two hurricanes this season through their service with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (FEMA).
On September 28, 2016 the President declared a major disaster for Florida in areas affected by Hurricane Hermine from August 31 to September 11, 2016 followed by another major disaster declaration due to Hurricane Matthew from October 3 to October 19, 2016. Hickory 3 was requested to assist the Public Assistance Department at the Joint Field Office (JFO) in Tallahassee. The team has assisted the affected counties by collecting information for Project Worksheets, attending Public Assistance site visits, and scheduling kick off meetings in affected counties. Hickory 3 has also supported the Public Assistance Department with daily accountability and other organizational support. Carter Long, a member of Hickory 3, points out the importance of the team’s service to the community when it comes to making it easier for FEMA to identify and restore the city’s basic infrastructure: “For hurricane relief, Public Assistance is especially important…without roads and bridges, towns cannot survive major disasters.” Team Leader Gabriel Bailey adds, “By working at the JFO, we streamline FEMA’s operating capabilities and make it easier for [FEMA] to assist more people.”
The team’s work has primarily focused on Hurricane Hermine recovery, however some tasks relate to Hurricane Matthew. Hickory 3 assistance continues to aid counties seeking federal reimbursement for costs and recovering from damages from the two hurricanes. On a more personal note, Hickory 3 member Beverly Chavez says, “I’m getting to see how a community comes back together after a natural disaster and I’ve learned that I really enjoy being a part of that.”
On Thanksgiving morning, 29,002 runners and walkers gathered in downtown Sacramento, California to take part in Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services’ ‘Run to Feed to Hungry’, the nation’s largest Thanksgiving foot race. In the middle of the action, AmeriCorps NCCC Team Silver 1 staffed the set-up crew, led the clean-up efforts, and cheered on the runners throughout the day. With Silver 1’s help, ‘Run to Feed the Hungry’ raised over $1 million that will go toward emergency goods and services for 150,000 men, women and children each month.
Silver 1’s efforts did not stop there. During the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, they collected canned food and clothing donations, staffed a turkey drive that collected a record 13,055 birds, and distributed over 5,000 turkeys to local pick-up locations. Corps Member, Emmaline McDaneld reflects, “During our Thanksgiving drive, I was impressed at the amount of people that came out to make a difference. 29,000 people is a lot of people and it’s great that they all came together and showed that they cared about people in their city that may not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal this year.”
However, with the winter holidays approaching, Silver 1 is not slowing down. They continue to sort food donations in the food bank’s warehouses, distribute produce to the public, pick up donations prepare food orders and put together goody bags full of nutritious food choices for school children. Silver 1 also works once a week at the Family Services location where they sort clothing donations, babysit children, teach parenting classes, and provide a safe, fun learning environment for local youths.
Follow Luke on Snapchat (NationalService) live from the AmeriCorps NCCC North Central Region Class 22 graduation on Tuesday morning, November 15th.
The four rounds are complete, the paperwork, resumes and portfolios are turned in, and the experiences and impacts in AmeriCorps NCCC have been made. All of the accomplishments were neatly and tightly packed in to just a short AmeriCorps year which started back in February. So now, as members of the AmeriCorps NCCC’s North Central Region Class 22 prepare for graduation, there is a great sense of accomplishment on both a personal and collective level. There were goals that were set and service work that has made an impact.
Individually, each graduate has their own personal accomplishments. Personal goals were met which might have been as simple as getting through the program. Others may have been more specific, like being a great camp counselor, impacting the lives of a disaster survivor, or discovering something new about themselves. For me, I realized how lucky I was to have a full trunk of clothes when I went to camp as a kid after I saw many of the kids at a camp in Indianapolis did not. It’s something that stuck with me.
Luke Lauer at Jameson Camp in Indianapolis playing in the sand with one of his favorite campers.
There are also the collective accomplishments of the whole class. Perhaps less about the impact we made on ourselves but rather the impact we left on the communities we served. The houses that we rebuilt, the fresh food that was harvested, the new trails cleared, or the children’s lives improved. These can all be quantified in units such as pounds, acres, or miles. I think it’s important, however, not to think of these as just numbers but as individuals impacted by the service. There are the dedicated project sponsors who are working on these projects - the Toms, Candys, and Brents. There are the many people that teams have helped across the region - the Jaspers, Angies, and Gregs. All these people were part of our accomplishments this year and it’s important to acknowledge them as part of our AmeriCorps NCCC experience.
Luke and his team Maple 3 in Bemidji MN while harvesting potatoes with the Bemidji Community Food Shelf.
As we close out our year, I think it’s important to celebrate these many accomplishments. Let’s remember the many people we met along the way, those who helped us through the year, and those who made a lasting impact alongside us. Finally, let’s take these many accomplishments and memories with us after we graduate to continue making a difference.
Tips from the Corps: Making the Most of Your Year of Service
AmeriCorps NCCC has exposed me to a wide variety of locations, projects, personalities, and responsibilities. As a result of this service term, I will have gained a plethora of experience and wisdom. When asked to provide advice to incoming members, there are a few thoughts that come to mind. First of all, believe in yourself. Of all the advice in the world, this is the most sound advice not only for AmeriCorps NCCC but also life. Believe in yourself and what you are capable of. An AmeriCorps NCCC service term will test you and stretch your limits; in order to expand your capacity as a developing leader.
At the beginning of my service term, I served as a Corps Member. During the Corps Training Institute (CTI) I was given the opportunity to be promoted to a Support Team Leader. Now I am the proud Field Team Leader for the Moose 3 team. None of this would be possible if I did not believe in myself and my capacity for development. Not every day has been easy, but as a result of embracing this one concept I will complete this term stronger and more confident.
As important as it is to believe in yourself, also believe in your team, they will become your biggest support system. You work with these people day in and out for months. You learn all their quirks and they will learn yours. You are in this once in a lifetime program together; no one understands what you are going through like your team. Use them to their fullest potential and embrace them for who they are. This program attracts many different types of people, which allows everyone to meet new people and learn how to work effectively with people who are different. Take advantage of the sponsors you work with and the staff on campus. You are surrounded by people who care about you and are willing to do what is necessary to help you succeed. This is not an environment that comes around every day, take advantage of it.
Have an open mind, concerning everything; from the people to the work. Keeping an open mind will allow you to make the most of every opportunity. Situations will frequently change, and on short notice, so also be fluid. Keeping an open mind and being fluid go hand in hand because it is easy to get set on one plan and when it changes you can look at everything you are missing and be stuck in what could be. If you are fluid and open minded you can see the potential in the new situation and embrace the change and make the best of what is in front of you and your team. This service term moves fast, embracing your path while on this journey will help you make the most of your time. With that being said, every day will not be easy. But accept the difficult days; looking back they are the ones where you learn the most. Always know the work you are doing is making a difference, whether you are sitting in the office supporting the teams from the office or out in the field breaking your back day in and out. AmeriCorps NCCC is a program that changes the lives of so many people all over the country. On the hard days, even the easy ones too, keep in mind that you are making a difference.
From FEMA Corps to Teach For America, Brittany Continues to Make a Difference
Brittany Bieber
AmeriCorps NCCC - FEMA Corps
Teach For America New York ‘15
Brittany Bieber knew she wanted to make a difference, but she wasn’t sure how. It wasn’t until she heard about AmeriCorps NCCC in high school that she started to see her path after college more clearly. Based out of Mississippi, Brittany served for many local initiatives in the Southern Region. She continued her AmeriCorps service in FEMA Corps as a Team Leader on a Disaster Survivor Assistance team, registering survivors and finding them the help they needed during disasters all over the country. The experience she gained during her AmeriCorps commitment inspired her to be a leader in her own elementary classroom as a 2015 Teach For America New York corps member.
Q&A:
Q: I’d love to hear more about your path to Teach For America. How did you decide to join AmeriCorps? And what was your path to TFA?
A: I never really left Long Island, and I had the urge to see the world and change lives. I wasn’t sure at first what that would look like. A friend from high school joined AmeriCorps NCCC, so it was always in the back of my mind. After I graduated from Hofstra University, I worked in the service industry for a year and a half. After that, it seemed like the perfect time to join AmeriCorps NCCC. I liked that it was team based and it was an inclusive environment where I felt supported. I never pictured myself in the classroom, but as I learned more about TFA, it seemed like a great way for me to transfer my skills from AmeriCorps NCCC to another service opportunity.
Q: What kind of positive impact did you have on the communities you served through AmeriCorps?
A: The best part for me was getting involved in local initiatives. I got to meet people from areas I never thought I’d be exposed to. Even though we were from different backgrounds, we all shared the human experience. I got to know and help people at crucial points in their lives, and that’s really when you see the best in people.
Q: How have your personal life experiences shaped your career path?
A: My hometown lacked diversity. I was one of the only Jewish students in my school, so I was automatically different. I always felt a little left out. I had a great upbringing, but we struggled financially. Despite that, I always wanted to be surrounded by people and bring a smile to their face. That’s what put me on the path to service work.
Q: How did you grow personally and professionally through your service with AmeriCorps?
A: AmeriCorps gave me professional direction. Traveling to new places and meeting people from all walks of life exposed me to diverse situations. It opened my eyes to what the world is like outside of my hometown, a predominantly white suburb.
Q: What inspires you to join and continue in the fight to end educational inequity?
A: I didn’t know a lot about educational inequity when I joined TFA. As the first year progressed, I started to understand what those inequities look like firsthand. I’m starting to see how much work it will take to close the opportunity gap between my students and their more affluent peers. I feel like I have a lot of power in that, which is inspiring. I have the chance to help my students reach their fullest potential by teaching skills in Math, Language Arts, Culture and History they will need to contribute to society. This fight for equity has only become closer to my heart over the last year.
Learn how you can launch a career of impact and service. Start an application to Teach For America!
Interested in disaster preparedness, response and emergency management? Check out FEMA Corps and apply today!
With the commencement of Team Leader Training (TLT) this past June, I quickly began to hear the phrase “You look good in green!” quite often. Out of context, this interesting compliment might not mean much, but as an AmeriCorps NCCC Member-turned-Team Leader, it signified my transition from a Corps Member for FEMA Corps Class 22 to a Team Leader for FEMA Corps Class 23.
Our first month on the job as Team Leaders was full of, not surprisingly, training. From classroom instruction and scenario exercises on campus to traveling to state and local emergency management organizations and a Leadership Reaction Course (LRC), “Team Green” was busy building their skills and learning the ins and outs of AmeriCorps NCCC culture. As a Support Team Leader, I spent this time learning not only Field Team Leader responsibilities but also getting acquainted with campus staff and the tasks that are involved in supporting teams that are deployed from the Southern Region campus.
A typical day for a Team Leader in training starts at 8:30 am. Throughout our first month, we were immersed in the world of mastering budgets, supervising and managing, overseeing team wellness and safety, how to handle difficult conversations, navigating topics of diversity, operating fifteen passenger vans, and enforcing NCCC policies and procedures. While some days this took the form of classroom instruction, other days it involved donning full personal protective equipment and completing an obstacle course or taking a day trip to a local nuclear power plant to tour the facility and visit with their emergency management personnel. Formal training came to an end around 5:30 pm and Team Leaders moved on to cook dinner together, complete physical training, and bond over the quirks of our unique lifestyle.
My participation in Team Leader Training was an incredible opportunity that prepared me to complete the two-fold purpose I set to fulfill this upcoming year. Firstly, I chose to return to AmeriCorps NCCC as a way to give back to a program that gave so much to me. My growth both personally and professionally alongside my team last year was a highlight of my experience and I am happy to be a part of making similar opportunities possible for approximately 300 other young adults. Spending a month training and preparing to do this to the best of my ability was both exciting and motivating.
Aside from these benefits, I am also eager to serve in the Support Team Leader capacity, acting as a resource to my fellow Team Leaders and supporting them in their work. Being an AmeriCorps NCCC Team Leader is an incredibly unique and at times difficult job. Spending a month working, living, cooking, shopping, learning, and laughing with the individuals who I will be helping to support from a distance has only increased my anticipation to be a part of what will inevitably be one of their most life-changing years.
However, despite all these highlights, I would be leaving out a significant part of our learning experience if I did not say that Team Leader Training came with a number of challenges. As FEMA Corps Team Leaders and Corps Members learn quickly, “FEMA Flexible” is a way of life while serving in the program. This unpredictability coupled with juggling the many hats that Team Leaders wear can approach overwhelming levels. Team dynamics and balancing the needs of a total of 37 unique Team Leaders often felt like a real-life puzzle. Sleep did not always come in large supply. Although tough at times, working through these bumps in the road while supporting one another has prepared us to face future challenges with confidence and skill. I will be excited to look back in ten months and celebrate all great things this dedicated group of young adults accomplished through their hard work and selfless service.
AmeriCorps NCCC team Maple 3 takes over Snapchat live from Iowa City on Thursday, August 10th. Follow nationalservice on Snapchat and @nationalservice on Instagram to join the fun.
This week, Maple 3 began a new conservation project with Bur Oak Land Trust in Iowa City, IA. This is the team’s fourth project since they began their service in February.
Maple 3 previously served in Youngstown, OH, working on neighborhood revitalization efforts with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. They also served at Jameson Camp in Indianapolis, IN where they taught children about the environment and were positive role models for young campers. Maple 3 also completed new biking trails for recreation in Vinton, IA – the hometown of AmeriCorps NCCC’s North Central Region.
Meet the Team!
Luke Lauer - Morgantown, PA –
While serving in AmeriCorps NCCC I have been given the opportunity to experience new places, meet new people, and confront new challenges. I’ve been to parts of the country and neighborhoods I might never have been. I’ve met people that have taught me so much about service, hard work, and myself. I’ve faced challenges that have developed myself as a person, my leadership abilities, and skills that I can take with me beyond the program. As we are begin our fourth project, I look forward to learning more about conservation efforts at the Bur Oak Land Trust and more about the dangers of invasive species. I’m excited to be preserving natural land for community members to use, now and in the future.
Ashley “Apples” Applegate - Memphis, TN -
I joined AmeriCorps NCCC because I was looking for a change in my life. I went to the website and 30 seconds later, I knew that this was the program for me. I have gained countless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to go places I never would have gone, do things I never would have done, and meet people I never would have met. I am fortunate enough to be in my second term and I feel incredibly lucky to have called NCCC "home" for the past year a half.
Courtney Schramm - Rochester, NY –
I heard about AmeriCorps NCCC through a friend of a friend. Hearing her stories had always sparked an interest in me. I knew I wanted that adventure in my life and I also wanted to do something great. AmeriCorps was just that. Joining NCCC has made me grow in so many ways. I’ve gained skills and knowledge that will help me as I start turning that page into adulthood. I hope to gain lifelong connections and unforgettable memories. As we start our next project with the Bur Oak Land Trust, I'm excited to see how we can help and improve the conditions of this preservation.
Erika Stocker - Riverside, CA –
I first saw an AmeriCorps NCCC team while working at a summer camp where they served on fire reduction and as part-time counselors. I thought it was a nice way to travel and be a part of other communities. I’ve learned so much from other communities that I’d be unable to experience if I was just visiting a city. I hope to gain an awareness of where I’d like to work long-term.
Ali Noor - Lewiston, ME –
I joined AmeriCorps NCCC because I wanted new experiences. I have gotten countless of those brand new experiences. I’m hoping for even more new encounters and ways to grow.
Brandon Perez Rivera - Vega Alta, Puerto Rico –
I joined AmeriCorps NCCC because I wanted to gain new experiences and travel. Through this program, I have to gained a good education of how nonprofit organizations work and how they impact the communities they serve. While working with the Bur Oak Land Trust in Iowa City, I hope to learn more about conservation efforts.
Christian Jimenez - Miami, FL –
I decided to join AmeriCorps NCCC for several reasons. The first was to have an opportunity to travel and learn from new experiences. Because I one day wish to run for office and make positive changes to government policy, I see NCCC as an excellent opportunity to observe and empathize with the adversity faced by our communities every day. Another reason I joined was to earn the esteemed Congressional Award, which I hope will help me be accepted into my college of choice. Last but not least, I plan to put the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to good use and avoid relying on loans for as long as possible. So far, the program as shed valuable perspectives on two important dilemmas faced by our communities: invasive species and urban decay. The program has also presented incredible opportunities to visit cities I thought I would never see until later in my life, such as Chicago and Indianapolis. I hope to continue learning more about the social issues that affect our communities and what I can do to help. During this project, I look forward to learning more about camping just in case there is ever a zombie apocalypse.
Josh Tribbett - West Chester, PA –
I joined AmeriCorps NCCC because I wanted to do good. I have had a good experience with this program so far and I hope to have even more exciting adventures.
Maddie Ponn - Exeter NH -
I joined AmeriCorps NCCC right after I got my undergrad degree and wasn't sure what my next step was going to be, whether it was grad school or a job. I thought NCCC would be a good gap year experience to provide me time to figure out what I wanted next. This program has allowed me to travel to multiple states I never thought I'd go to before like Ohio, Indiana and Iowa. I hope to get to reach other states, continue to make lasting impacts on every community I work with, and hopefully make strong, professional connections for the future. I am excited to learn more about geocaching.
Damali Archie - Aniak, AK -
I decided to join AmeriCorps NCCC to find out what I was good at and what makes me happy. In the future, I think I want to be a forensic pathologist or a physical therapist. I plan to use my Education Award to reach these goals. Through my experience in NCCC, I have further developed my passions, improved my time management skills, and have become more comfortable working with power tools. I have been placed in leadership roles I have never had before. This project is my first ever experience camping and I am a little nervous. I don't know what to expect from camping, and I don't do bugs.
