Sunday, February 22, 2009

Michigan's AmeriCorps Member Council - Posting #11

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Michigan’s AmeriCorps Blog. I’m Rachel Cush, a second year member, and I represent Camp Fire USA’s AmeriCorps team. Camp Fire USA is a national non-profit that seeks to build caring, confident youth and future leaders. Focused on providing a safe and healthy environment for kids, AmeriCorps members teach classes that focus on safety training, self confidence, responsibility, conflict resolution, as well as the importance of service-learning. Camp Fire USA offers programming in eleven different public school sites located all over Grand Rapids. Our 19 members serve with over 2,500 inner city, at-risk children, building positive, healthy mentoring relationships.

This year I serve within the Camp Fire office as the Volunteer Coordinator. Some of my responsibilities include volunteer orientation and processing paperwork. I also serve at some of our after-school sites as an Activity Leader, helping children grow their academic and social skills.

Recently I got the chance to partner with a Member Council representative from the Greater Grand Rapids Red Cross and one of his teammates to actively recruit and perform outreach and educational programming about AmeriCorps at the Winter Special Olympics in Traverse City. It was a great experience where we were able to reach out to not just the several hundred athletes competing but the hundred Central Michigan University students we volunteered along side with. One of the most gratifying aspects was being able to create relationships with the Special Olympic athletes and cheer them on and let them know someone thought they could do anything they put their minds to, and that they could have a chance to "get things done for America" as well.

I think that really embodies one of the key parts of AmeriCorps - the chance to form bonds with many different people. AmeriCorps is all about making a difference in the lives of others, but what I’ve come to realize is that one of the greatest gifts of serving in this organization is that our actions are reciprocated. I started my first term of service trying to change the lives of others, but found the people I’ve met along my journey have made a huge impact on me. For example, I believe because of the many opportunities I've been given to meet families from all over the city of Grand Rapids, my service has been made all the better for it. The knowledge and insight I get from each person I meet causes me to grow and learn alongside the people I'm serving with and for. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the kids, co-workers, volunteers and AmeriCorps members I serve with everyday.

How has AmeriCorps changed your life? Who or what in during your term of service has constantly inspired you to grow and learn everyday?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Michigan's AmeriCorps Member Council - Posting #10

Hi! My name is Christy Fieber and I represent Volunteer Muskegon AmeriCorps. Our members are placed at several sites in Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties. The 15 full-time members and five minimum time members engage K-12 youth in service-learning projects. Members develop strong skills in youth development, grass roots community problem solving, and leadership skills. The Volunteer Muskegon AmeriCorps team is dedicated to building awareness of national service and facilitating large-scale projects on days of national service. Members serve in school systems, health organizations, and various non-profit agencies.

I serve in a local high school, where I facilitate the after-school program dedicated to building social skills among the attendees, improving individual grades, as well as one-to-one mentoring. In addition to the after-school program, I work with three students in the special-education program. We work to improve their math, reading, and writing skills through various computer programs and books dedicated to such a population.

My service thus far has caused me to think about hope and how its concepts affect our youth on a daily basis. When I first began working with the three special-education students, I was told by a teacher my efforts would be wasted because these students were unable to change. When did we lose faith in our youth? When did our education system, the pillar of possibility, begin to think the future of our nation held no promise? I refused to believe this; I refused to be swayed by those who have become jaded by the few who, by some standards, have been unsuccessful. Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I hold these students to this standard and I challenge them to revert back to childlike behaviors when everything was possible. This may seem naïve, but I have seen the change. More importantly, I have witnessed students experiencing change, being empowered by newly discovered abilities.

In his inaugural address, Barack Obama said, “Today, I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America; they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

I believe education is one of the challenges of which he speaks. In the same breath, we face such challenges with hope. After all, where would our country be without it? This is the time for people such as AmeriCorps members to take a personal responsibility to instill this level of optimism in our future leaders. During a time when hopeless situations are far from scarce, it has been increasingly difficult to find hopeless individuals. We are not hopeless. We simply refuse to be. We as AmeriCorps members have a duty to show them they have a voice; we’re ready to listen. We are ready to see how they can change our destination, how they too, are able to be a valuable part of their community.

You will fail. This is merely a fact of life. The question is: do you have the integrity, the spirit, the strength to try again, in spite of yesterday’s outcome? This is hope. It is not to be confused with merely wishing. I can tell you, I have been moved by the students I work with who are consumed and devoted to this concept.

Zach, a student who continually participates in the after-school program, was recently unable to play with his basketball teammates due to poor grades. He had only eleven school days until the first game of the season, and was failing three classes. For two weeks, we worked on all three subjects, both during and after program hours. He began to get frustrated by the extra work after an already extended school day. On Tuesday, which would have been our 12th day working together, I noticed he was late to our study-sessions. Ten minutes passed when he walked through my door wearing a basketball jersey. I jokingly asked if he was going to be able to make it to our study-time that day, when he said, “Nope, I have a game I have to play in.” I was so proud; I was nearly brought to tears. I would like to tell you that they won that game because of him, but they lost. In fact, they have won only three games this season. He told me how easy it would have been to not even try to improve his grades, especially in such a short amount of time. He knew his team’s chances of doing well this season. He knows how easy it would be to fall back into old habits in school. But, everyday, without fail, he still comes to me for extra schoolwork help, and he still practices and plays in his games. Both he and I were discouraged on a daily basis. We were constantly reminded that our efforts had a small chance of making a difference. Neither of us believed. We chose to believe this time, things would end up differently.

I have seen the power of hope in three students where hope was considered an extremely foreign concept; in the three special-education students. I have an hour and half everyday where I am considerably unoccupied. The frustrated special-education teacher approached me and asked if, during that downtime, I would be willing to work with those three students. I was a little confused by his request as I have a degree in family studies not education, nor am I highly educated on this population. He basically told me to keep them occupied. He said they retain very little information you give them, and his only expectation is for them to have basic survival skills. I was nearly enraged by his lack of hope in these three individuals. He is a person who has dedicated his life to this population. But then, I thought, they now have the opportunity to vastly improve their quality of life. During our first meeting, it was my goal to get to know them better, allowing me to better understand their individual needs. I was surprised to see how much they do in fact retain. They told me stories in great detail about their childhoods. They remembered who they sat by when they were riding the school bus in kindergarten. I realized that when you are told on a daily basis you are unable to do something, trying seems like a lost cause. I began by telling them my name. One student, Jessie, asked, “How do you spell that?” I replied, “F-i-e-b-e-r.” He wrote it down as quickly as I told him. He carries it with him, and uses it whenever he can’t recall on his own. He has only returned to the piece of paper once.

We began on a computer program that tests them on their math abilities. It starts with addition of ones and zeroes. If it is too easy, a two-minute test will allow an individual to go up a level. Within two days, all three students had surpassed addition and were on to basic multiplication. We are now into higher multiplication and division. Since beginning this part of the program, they go at least four days before passing another 40-question test. Yet, they come in every single day excited and eager to see what today’s challenge has in store. We read through economic and history books in order to work on comprehension, then recalling ideas through summary questions. I cannot put into words how impressed I have been with their abilities to reiterate a whole chapter with such ease. I am not most impressed by their abilities, but rather their enthusiasm and willingness. After years of being given very little chances to impress, they are not taking this time for granted. They clap, cheer, and give verbal congratulations anytime one of their peers gives a correct answer. It is not common for me to see that much pride among the general student body.

During my service, I have been able to find hope in the most unexpected people and places. I have found it where it had been lost. I have seen it restored in stymied students. I have found it in myself through connections with these students. If I were not given anything else, I am rich in its abundance. It has rescued me during my worst times of doubt. It has taught me newfound valuable lessons, while at the same time, has given me more understanding about the history of my own life as well as our country’s. Have any of you experienced such awakenings during your year of service?

Monday, February 9, 2009

Michigan's AmeriCorps Member Council - Posting #9

This is Christine Sisung again with the 4-H Mentor Michigan Initiative. This past January was a very busy month for all members serving with my AmeriCorps program as it was National and Michigan Mentoring Month. Each member worked to find their own way of promoting mentoring in the local community they serve. Programs held recognition events for current mentors, service projects, awareness opportunities, and recruitment activities.

-Lauren Russell, who serves at Alma College, unveiled a new mentor program to the campus and community. She posted flyers, handed out brochures, and conducted presentations to staff and students. Through this effort she was able to form a Planning Committee and received 18 mentoring applications.

-Amy VanProoyen and Elise Sagmoe with KIDS HOPE USA, held a recognition event for mentors. A Mentor Michigan mini-grant allowed mentees and mentors to visit Craig’s Cruisers in the Grand Rapids area. All mentees had the chance to enjoy pizza, pop, and eight play tokens. It was a great success for everyone involved as nearly 225 mentors and mentees participated.

-Andrew Wallace, who serves with Oscoda County Michigan State University Extension, planned a mentor appreciation dinner. Mentors and a guest came for a free dinner and introduced the idea of a mentor support system.

-Rachel Dasbach and Rosalind Vaughn with Catholic Social Services of Oakland County, held a mentor dinner to provide information on their program and encourage people to turn in mentoring applications. Everyone enjoyed the pizza, desserts, and prizes made possible through a Mentor Michigan mini-grant.

-Nikki Shatney serving with Newaygo County Community Services planned a sledding/chili cook-off activity for mentoring matches. The matches made sleds out of cardboard and duct tape. Matches also made chili to see who could create the best recipe.

-Amanda Hurst and I organized a service project luncheon receiving donations of over $1,200 for Capital Area Community Services for heating assistance. The luncheon was a chance for mentors and mentees to showcase what they have gained from the program.
- Angela Hage and Shernitha Grey serving at Winning Futures, held a mentor appreciation dinner. Mentor Michigan recruitment spokesman and former University of Michigan head football coach Lloyd Carr made a special appearance to speak to all those in attendance.

-Shanese Ross serving at Wayne County MSU Extension, helped coordinate a recognition ceremony. There were over 200 mentors, mentees, and supporters who attended this formal event. Those attending had the chance to listen to keynote speaker Henry McClendon, Director of Youth at New Detroit, Inc. Other speakers included Sue Hamilton-Smith; Director of Wayne County Children and Family Services and Marie Ruemenapp; Southeast Regional Director of Michigan State University Extension.

-Roger Tijerina, serving at the Eaton County MSU Extension, held a kick-off event for the STOMP Mentoring Program. The evening had speakers discussing the importance of mentoring foster youth and the positive experience of having a mentor. In addition, there was live entertainment provided by the band Frog and The Beeftones.

Each of these activities were great examples of what mentoring organizations do to support mentors, recruit, or social activities for matches. However, mentoring isn’t always about the big things. It’s more often about the little successes of the match enjoying an activity, a smile, a high five, or a thank you. The little successes that make mentoring successful are also what make a great year of AmeriCorps service.

During a year of service members are constantly working on the big picture, but the little things are the ones the stick out the most. During my first term of service and so far into my second term, the things that stick out the most for me are the cards mentors and mentees have made me, the comments about how they only like certain days of school because they get to stay after for mentoring, or the smiles from mentors and mentees.

What are the little successes/moments you will never forget?

Monday, February 2, 2009

2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service RECAP

On Monday, January 19, hundreds of citizens in Michigan got involved in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Everyone was encouraged to participate and all types of service projects were accepted. Many projects were coordinated by National Service volunteers.

Please visit the following link, http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mcsc/2009_MLK_Day_Recap_265559_7.pdf, to read a recap of the 2009 MLK Day.

For more information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, visit http://www.mlkday.gov/.

Michigan's AmeriCorps Member Council - Posting #8

My name is LaShauna Horton and I am a member of the Community Health Corps at Cherry Street Health Services in Grand Rapids. The Community Health Corps is an AmeriCorps program based in community health centers and clinics across the country that links medically underserved populations and communities with culturally appropriate primary and preventive health care.

On January 27 my AmeriCorps team helped out at an event called “Project Homeless Connect” held at the Van Andel Arena. This unique event offers several services including housing services, food, pedicures, glaucoma screening, and HIV testing to the homeless of Grand Rapids. There were more than 800 guests in attendance. At the event there were a couple of service areas where AmeriCorps members helped out including dental, optical, diabetes screening, and medication assistance.

The dental area screened 203 guests, handed out service vouchers to 45 people, and pulled 121 teeth. The Michigan Department of Human Services was there to sign guests up for available state services. AmeriCorps members worked with the guests to get their Medicaid applications filled out. Then case workers did on-site interviews and were able to approve many of them for immediate assistance.

At the optical booth AmeriCorps members were doing health histories and a pre-screenings on guests. Those who displayed a need were given a voucher for a free thorough eye exam and a pair of glasses.
AmeriCorps members were also able to assist 60 additional guests by giving out information on the $4 generic prescription programs, some of the online services, and handing out the Kent County Rx discount cards.

Diabetes screening was staffed by a dietician and two AmeriCorps members. They screened 48 guests, and for those that were screened positive they were given free meters and testing supplies.

Prior to Project Homeless Connect, the Community Health Corps AmeriCorps team collected warm clothing to distribute during the event. A member and alumni handed out vouchers for guests to redeem their warm clothes. They handed out 125 coat vouchers and also gave away hats, gloves, blankets, scarves, face mask, sweaters, and socks.

“Anticipate charity by preventing poverty; assist the reduced fellow man, either by a considerable gift or a sum of money or by teaching him a trade or by putting him in the way of business so that he may earn an honest livelihood and not be forced to the dreadful alternative of holding out his hand for charity. This is the highest step and summit of charity's golden ladder.”
-Maimonides


During my first year as an AmeriCorps member I volunteered at this event and as I started my second year I couldn’t wait for this event to occur again. Doing a year of service is way more than just volunteering. You can not only change someone’s life but your own as well. When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless. Don't miss the chance to make a difference in someone's life. Take part in a great opportunity to serve your community!