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?