I wrote the About Me page for Fatima Morken, singer-songwriter, model and actress.
Brands Win Super Bowl Blackout
A few minutes after half-time of SuperBowl XLVII, the lights went out in the Superdome. It didn’t take long before my Twitter feed exploded; with jokes of the Jerry Seinfeld variety to smart responses from brands. Here are a couple of my favorites from the night:
Power out? No problem. twitter.com/Oreo/status/29…
— Oreo Cookie (@Oreo) February 4, 2013
I love @Oreo‘s response! If you want more information on how their team was able to get the graphic up so quickly, check out this Buzzfeed article.
We just really don’t want football season to end. Can you blame us?
— Buffalo Wild Wings (@BWWings) February 4, 2013
As it happens, a stadium blackout is the subject of another Buffalo Wild Wings ad. Their social team didn’t miss the opportunity.
I’m sure there were other clever brand responses that I missed. What were some of your favorites? Let me know on Twitter or in the comments!
Idealist.org
I recently wrote a guest post for Idealist.org, which connects people seeking to make a difference with their careers to opportunities and resources. As an AmeriCorps Alum, I shared my experience with public service programs.
Why AmeriCorps is Worth It
Recently, United We Serve published a blog post entitled “Was AmeriCorps Worth It?,” by Rachel Ogorek. Rachel shares her AmeriCorps experience as her service comes to a close. As I read Rachel’s reflections, I started thinking about my own AmeriCorps VISTA service–asking that question of myself.
I particularly identified with this line:
I know the skills I developed through AmeriCorps will help me be a better employee and a lifelong community member. My work challenged me to invest in a new community, allowed me to develop new relationships, and encouraged me to find innovative ways to tackle community problems.
Serving the Homeless as a VISTA
Looking back on my own service experience, I can say it was worth it. I served as a VISTA with Cornerstone Assistance Network, a non-profit that meets the needs of people struggling with poverty in Tarrant County. Before my service, I had little direct knowledge of homelessness as a social problem, and relied on my perceptions.
The truth is, the reasons for homelessness are varied. I learned during my service year that everyone has a story, even the homeless man you pass on the street. We are all one or two wrong moves, or an economic downtown, away from needing help.
In my role as a VISTA, I had the opportunity to interview current and former clients, who shared their stories of struggle and triumph. In every case, I found a sense of gratitude, despite adversity.
I established a social media presence for the agency and was a key member of the website development team. Looking back, I take pride in my external relations role, helping Cornerstone tell its story online.
I’m proud that these contributions continue to live on after my service.
Why AmeriCorps Matters
I make a point to tell my story of service because AmeriCorps is in danger of losing Congressional funding.
It has been my experience that national service is not only a fulfilling way to serve, but also an answer to our nation’s youth underemployment gap. AmeriCorps is a perfect partnership between young adults who serve, the federal government and non-profits around the country.
Last year alone, 80,000 Americans served with AmeriCorps, a Corporation for National and Community Service program.
It needs to be fully funded. Visit OneMillionNewJobs.org to learn more.
Reflecting on 9/11: A Call to Serve
September 11, 2001 was, as President Roosevelt said, “a date which will live in infamy.”
I’m sure you can remember exactly where you were on that day. I was in high school, and heard the news in class. I watched the towers come down with the rest of my French class, trying to make sense of what was happening.
America Responds
In the days following the attacks, we saw the best of America. We helped each other grieve by serving one another. We read stories of heroism and survival like this one from FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Jonas (published in 2011). We even got back to watching baseball, and the song “God Bless America” took on a new meaning in the wake of the tragedy.
Now, A Call to Serve
Today, we mark another anniversary of our nation’s worst tragedy since the attack on Pearl Harbor. We can honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 people that lost their lives by serving others.
After 9/11, many answered the call to serve by joining our nation’s military. The United States military has defended our nation admirably in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. To these brave men and women who defend with honor, thank you for your service.
You may not be called to serve in the military, but everyone can serve.
After graduating from college, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Cornerstone Assistance Network, a non-profit that fights homelessness. I loved serving my country, and enjoyed contributing to a cause bigger than myself. I continue to learn from the experience.
Service to Honor 9/11
If you’d like to volunteer in your community to honor the anniversary of 9/11, there are non-profits around the country that would be glad to have your time and service. Here are a few resources to help you find a project:
1. 911Day.org: A movement to remember 9/11 each year through service. If you are interested in serving, enter your vip-code here to search for local opportunities.
2. Mission Continues: Have you ever wanted to say “Thank You” to a veteran? Here’s your chance! There is no better way to thank a veteran for serving than to volunteer alongside them. Mission Continues provides fellowships to post-9/11 veterans. Click here to register for a project.
2. Serve.gov: United We Serve is a nationwide service initiative, launched by President Obama and managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Learn more about the nationwide effort to mark 9/11 with service.
How will you honor the anniversary of 9/11?
Note: The credit for the images in this post goes to www.911Memorial.org and www.AmeriCorps.gov. They can be found here and here.