non-profit

Why AmeriCorps is Worth It

October 8, 2012 by Ryan Wilcox Leave a Comment

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.

3 Reasons Working With Youth Improves My Communication Skills

May 7, 2012 by Ryan Wilcox Leave a Comment

I have several years experience working with youth.

I have a passion for impacting the lives of youth. I’ve worked or volunteered for several organizations, including the Epilepsy Foundation and Fort Worth Zoo. But at first glance, you might think this experience has nothing to do with a professional career promoting non-profits.

In fact, I have found that these experiences have helped me be a better communicator.

I believe there are three reasons for this:

1. Patience, Patience, Patience….

Do you have a colleague that frustrates you? Staying patient isn’t easy when we are working with difficult colleagues or trying to meet deadlines. But, if you are working as part of a team, it’s an important skill. When working with youth, staying patient was important so that I didn’t overreact to any one situation.

2. Go Team!

Teamwork is essential to the success of any non-profit, and this is especially true for anyone working in child-care. I’ve worked in classrooms of 35-40 children, so having the support of the other instructors was essential. I learned how to delegate responsibility and carry out tasks assigned for the success of the team.

3. Lessons in Crisis Management

Let’s face it, sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Your brand, business or non-profit won’t always get positive press. My experience working directly with youth has taught me to react quickly, whether the situation called for me to discipline a child or bandage a skinned knee.

As communicators, we have to be ready for whatever is around the corner.

Working with youth is a great way to make a difference and improve your communication skills. The next time you need a lesson in crisis management, just volunteer.

Back From Training, First Day as a VISTA!

August 5, 2009 by Ryan Wilcox Leave a Comment

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