Last week, Mary was excited about the health benefits of Kale Cupcakes, and Ben was ready to win at Pac Man in Google Maps. So… while we may have been hoodwinked by these amazing April Fool’s hijinks, we still say we’re no fools! Rather, we’ve been on the road, alongside some of the most passionate national service champions. Together, we’re working to ensure everyone has a chance to serve and to be connected to what they need to live a life of service.
We were proud to partner with Chelsea Clinton & Jimmy Kimmel’s launch of the#NationalNinjaWarriorSquad (no joke!) and then share the big announcement thatthe first university has joined Employers of National Service. We’ve also been speaking directly to the talent that’s ready to step in and lead, AmeriCorps members and alums. Mary was in rural Maryland speaking to Corps members and staff with Volunteer Maryland about “Life after AmeriCorps.” That same week, Ben talked with the Points of Light’s Corporate Service Council about why the 21st century skills built in AmeriCorps are exactly what their companies are looking for.
Coming up in the next few weeks, there are two opportunities to connect with us to support your life after service. Join us for our upcoming Financial Coaching webinarand Virtual Grad School Fair. Keep reading for other so-great-it-seems-like-a-trick-but-it’s-not-because-Alums-are-just-that-cool news below.
In Service,
Ben & Mary
P.S. BREAKING - Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2015 Conference onVolunteering and Service! View and build your itinerary, see the schedule at a glance and more! The road to Houston starts here --> http://bit.ly/POLConference #ServiceUnites
“I started my service with City Year full of excitement and motivation,” says AmeriCorps member Amanda Salapong. “I was ready to change the world in just 10 months. When I got to the midpoint of my service, however, I realized I had been sprinting to the finish line of a marathon. By mile thirteen, I was ready for a new pair of shoes and a Powerbar.” Read moreabout how Amanda got her motivation back.
When you can’t find the road you’re looking for on a map, where do you turn? St. Louis alum and Chapter Leader Mandy Zoelzer turned to AmeriCorps. Mandy shares, “I had just come back to the states after living in Australia for a year and had one wish – grow up and have a boring career job. I loved school, but I was graduating soon without a clue where to head next. My brother suggested AmeriCorps, a program I’d never heard of.” Read howMandy traded in the idea of a dead-end job for a more exciting and fulfilling life of service instead.
CHANGING THE ODDS FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
AmeriCorps service connects many of us to vulnerable communities. That experience changes us, and for some, inspires a lifetime commitment to tackling inequality. Meet three alums serving as advocates for underserved children, youth, and families (Kenneth Kirton pictured at left). Read more about key insights they shared from their work and find a link to our webinar roundtable conversation.
