Ryan Wilcox

Writing. Photography. Storytelling.

Why AmeriCorps is Worth It

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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

Cornerstone Assistance Network is a faith-based agency, and works with families on life and job skills. (Image credit: CAN).

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.

My Inspiration: Champions of Change at the White House

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This is a guest post by Morgan Tracey. Morgan is an AmeriCorps Alum, lawyer and 2014 Olympic hopeful. She was recently honored at the White House as a Champion of Change. Find her website here.

Morgan Tracey at the White House. (Image Credit: Morgan Tracey)

Inspiration comes in many forms. When I began training for the Winter Olympics in the sport of skeleton, I was inspired by the dedication and sacrifice of the talented athletes around me.

Olympic Inspiration

Every day I walk the halls of the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY, admiring the athletes with whom I train. I’ve watched them overcome setbacks and injury, while sacrificing everything for a chance to represent their country in the Olympic Games.

I never thought I would meet a more inspirational group of people, until I attended the Champions for Change event at the White House in honor of AmeriCorps alumni.

As an athlete and Olympic hopeful, I’m acutely aware of the number of days leading to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. I was hesitant to miss a single workout, as each day of training is important. While looking through an old AmeriCorps photo album, I realized that if the other invitees were anything like my AmeriCorps NCCC teammates, the trip would be worthwhile.

Meeting Champions of Change

Morgan is training to compete in the 2014 Olympic Games. (Image credit: Morgan Tracey)

I was unsure what to expect when I arrived at the White House. As I stood before the gates and introduced myself to each attendee, I knew I had made the right decision. After a brief meet and greet, we spent the rest of the morning hearing from community leaders like Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The afternoon was devoted to the “Champions of Change” event.

The most enjoyable part of the day was the time I spent socializing with other alumni. Each had an inspiring story to share, from starting a non-profit for battered women to building homes for struggling families. I met people who mentored troubled youths, contributed to Teach for America and volunteered their time to Habitat for Humanity.

Every person I spoke with was the living embodiment of Chicken Soup for the Soul. They were making a difference in the lives of others in important ways.

Inspired to Serve

As I left Washington D.C., I thought about my own AmeriCorps experience. I realized that AmeriCorps was not just the most important period in my life, but in the lives of all the alumni I met. When I enlisted in 2003, I thought it was for 10 months. I’d get to volunteer, meet interesting people, travel the country and learn something about myself.

I didn’t realize it would be a life-changing experience, one I continue to learn from to this day. I would never have been inspired to become a wildland firefighter, attend law school, pass the bar or chase my Olympic dreams were it not for my AmeriCorps service. As I train for the 2014 Winter Olympics, the 175 AmeriCorps alumni I met, who continue making a difference, will be my inspiration.

Morgan Tracey
Attorney at Law
United States Skeleton

Note: To learn more about Morgan and the other AmeriCorps Alums honored as Champions of Change, click here.

 

Reflecting on 9/11: A Call to Serve

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The National 9/11 Flag (Image: www.911Memorial.org)

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

Want to get things done for America? Serve with AmeriCorps. (Image credit: www.AmeriCorps.gov)

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.

Former Client Shares Her Story with Video Testimonial

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Over the past couple of days, one of my jobs as a VISTA has been to shoot some video testimonials of a few of Cornerstone’s former clients who have moved on and made productive lives for themselves.

In the coming days, I will be working with other Cornerstone VISTAs to turn the footage in to promotional material for Cornerstone’s various programs, but I thought I would share the story of one of our clients with you in advance.

Anita Morgan

Anita was formerly incarcerated. Caught up in a life of drugs, she came to Cornerstone for help and went through the Christian Women’s Job Corps program.

Designed to connect women to jobs and teach life skills about how to succeed in the workplace, Christian Women’s Job Corps exists to help women like Anita improve themselves so they can get a job or go to school upon graduation.

And that’s just what Anita has done.

After graduating from the CWJC, Anita enrolled in Tarrant County Junior College and started taking classes. With plans to graduate soon, she has confidence in herself that the she didn’t have prior to coming to Cornerstone.

Anita is a Powerful Witness

Anita’s story is like many who come to Cornerstone. I am blessed to work at Cornerstone, even it is just for a year. I work to help people see the potential within themselves. Anita’s story is a powerful witness for the healing power of Jesus Christ. Like many of Cornerstone’s clients, Anita wanted to change. God surrounded her with a new support system she uses daily to recover and set her on the right path.

Cornerstone Expands Social Presence with Idealist

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Idealist is the social network for people with a passion for service. Image Credit: www.idealist.org

One of my duties as a VISTA for Cornerstone is to establish an online presence for them. I’ve set up profiles on various social media websites, established a blog and yesterday established a profile for them on Idealist, a social network for people with a passion for service.

I’ve volunteered since I was in high school, but this was my first exposure to Idealist.

What is Idealist?

Idealist serves several functions for both organizations and individuals. Mainly, it is a resource that connects people with a passion for service. Below I’ll detail some of the benefits Idealist provides, both for individuals and non-profits alike.

For Individuals:

  • It is a social network. Idealist gives people with a passion for service a place to connect and exchange ideas.
  • Find volunteer opportunities. Do you have a cause you care about? Do you love volunteering? Idealist can help you connect with organizations looking for volunteers with your specific talents.
  • Find job opportunities. This is perhaps my favorite part of Idealist. If you have a passion you can turn it in to a career. You don’t have to spend your life working at a job you hate!

For Companies/Organizations/Non-Profits:

  • Post volunteer/job opportunities. By being a member of Idealist non-profits can post their job openings and volunteer opportunities. Because everyone on Idealist has a passion for service, this is as targeted as advertising gets.
  • Advertise your organization’s events. Do you have an upcoming event or fundraiser? By being a member of Idealist, you can get exposure for your organization and increase your chances of success.

Final Thoughts:

I think I am going to enjoy my Idealist membership and I know Cornerstone will benefit. If you are interested in joining Idealist, view this video below to learn more.