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.

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.

Treating the Whole Person

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A few Tarrant County non-profits work to improve the lives of the homeless.
A few Tarrant County non-profits work to improve the lives of the homeless.

Recently I had an opportunity to visit two local non-profits, Mission Arlington and Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.

The goal of the visits was to learn more about their volunteer programs so that Cornerstone can develop a comprehensive volunteer management document.

Union Gospel Mission, founded in 1988, serves the homeless through daily chapel services, community meal and assistance programs, food and shelter for homeless men, women and children, as well as spiritual development for all their residents.

Like Cornerstone, Union Gospel Mission is a holistic ministry, working to treat the whole person, not just immediate physical needs.

Mission Arlington was founded on the idea that we should treat the areas we live just like the international mission field. They have set up bible studies in local communities all over Arlington. In addition to meeting the spiritual needs, they also meet physical needs as well. Their services include a dental clinic, food pantry, educational classes, job and transportation assistance. The goal is to meet immediate needs and plant seeds for Christ.

Mission Arlington has developed a large “word-of-mouth” following among Arlington residents, so they don’t do any active recruiting or advertising for their volunteers, instead relying on God to bring volunteers to them.

I enjoyed experiencing both ministries. It is nice to learn from ministries with like-minded missions. Cornerstone’s goal is to have a comprehensive volunteer program, so working with other non-profits only makes that process easier.

Back From Training, First Day as a VISTA!

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I recently started serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Cornerstone Assistance Network, a faith-based non-profit organization that serves people below the poverty line.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with AmeriCorps VISTA, it is a national service organization founded by President Kennedy with the specific mission to fight poverty. AmeriCorps VISTAs live and work in communities all over the United States, building the capacities of the cities they serve.

I spent last week in Albuquerque, NM for “PSO” training, the training given to all VISTAs before being sworn in and officially going to their sites. The experience only affirmed that I have made the right decision for myself in becoming a VISTA. I met VISTAs from all over the country, many of whom I did not look like or agree with on a range of issues.

The only thing that mattered was that we all had a common purpose, a dedication to improving our communities and the lives of the people we would come in contact with, and a larger goal of lessening the effect poverty has on America today.

Lofty goals to be sure.

However, in my book, if one homeless person gets his GED or becomes self-sufficient because of what Cornerstone does, it’s a success. Over the next few weeks I’m going to make the effort to visit with as many CAN employees as possible, that way I can learn the organization and better convey to volunteers the reasons why everyone here is so passionate about what they do.

Until next time,

Ryan