VIP Leader Reflections, Part II

2012-2013 VIP Leaders share reflections of their AmeriCorps service, including what they've learned, successes and accomplishments, challenges overcome, and advice to the next group of AmeriCorps members.

When I started as the Lead here at Jewish Family Service, I was literally wide-eyed and fresh-faced. Right out of college, I was given real and tangible responsibility, a position of great potential growth, and a chance to understand the nonprofit world from within. I cannot express my gratitude enough not only to the AmeriCorps program, but also to JFS for taking a chance on me. My responsibilities ranged from volunteer interviewing, placement, and screening. Meanwhile my professional development expanded in leaps and bounds (almost unbeknownst to me!). I got to offer support to my VIP team, participate in JFS events, and get to know my own leadership style and strengths. I have the utmost respect for my coworkers and the fellows of the VIP program here in San Diego.

If you are considering applying to this wonderful program, I would like to take a moment to encourage you to do so. If you are looking for work experience, the VIP program offers its members a chance to get nonprofit experience, work on a team, develop some serious people skills, and provide an invaluable service to the San Diego community. If you are looking to utilize your creativity and ingenuity, the VIP program provides a space for members to build infrastructure—sometimes out of nothing! If you are interested in networking in the field, VIPs not only work side-by-side with the other staff members of their host organization, but also with the many partner organizations within the VIP program. Being an AmeriCorps alum is a prestigious title, but being a VIP alum is a designation I carry closer to my heart and wear with pride.

Margot Schein, VIP Leader at Jewish Family Service of San Diego

This past year as a VIP Leader has been a gift, both personally and professionally.  Professionally, I have honed my experience in leading and facilitating meetings and trainings, learning strategies to engage both fellow VIPs and volunteers alike.  Personally, I overcame the challenge of being both a role model and a friend, learning how to create a balance between the two.  In my second year with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, I was excited to be the lead on KOREH L.A.’s library restocking event this year, working with the administration of a partner school to manage the donation of over 1,000 brand new books to their school library.  My advice for future VIP Leaders would be just to relax and enjoy your time, because the friendships you make in AmeriCorps will be some you will treasure forever!

Kelsey Larsen, VIP Leader at the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles

Top 5 Things You Should Know About Being in AmeriCorps

5. Do not procrastinate. Even though you have 12-months, do not wait until the end of your term to finish any sustainability projects because anything and everything will come up to distract you.

4. You will have busy and slow days. You should take initiative in different projects in your organization and/or find new volunteer opportunities in the community.

3. Member Development can be fun! This is a chance for you to learn new things as well as have some fun with other AmeriCorps members. 

2. Your cohort can be a great support system. The other AmeriCorps members are probably the only people where you do not have to explain your circumstances (ex. we are the “domestic” Peace Corps).

1. You made a commitment to serve as an AmeriCorps member, and you will get things done for America and your community. There are days that might feel less eventful or meaningful, but remember that each day that you serve is a day that you made a difference.

Jobelle Duka, VIP Leader at HandsOn Central California

As I reflect on my year of service, I can't believe that a year has already come and gone. When I decided to take on the position as the VIP State Leader I immediately felt honored. Having not only the opportunity to be in AmeriCorps, but to also lead, mentor, and coach a coalition of volunteer coordinators seemed both exciting and daunting. 

The one thing I learned from this year of service is that in order to grow, either professionally or personally, individuals must be willing to push themself out of their comfort zone.  Try new things. Take risks. Accept more responsibility. Engage and listen to individuals whom you know nothing about.  These can create profound impacts in not only yourself, but also within the communities you serve.

I want to thank CalSERVES, Lauren and Sara for believing in me and allowing me the chance to take part in the VIP program. This organization will continue to do amazing work throughout California and I’m excited to see the results. 

Lastly, to the next cohort of VIP Fellows I hope your AmeriCorps year pushes you out of your comfort zone, produces positive change, conveys pride, and that you continue to uphold the ideals of service with you for a lifetime. 

Cody Cibart, VIP State Leader at CalSERVES

VIP Leader Reflections, Part I

2012-2013 VIP Leaders share reflections of their AmeriCorps service, including what they've learned, successes and accomplishments, challenges overcome, and advice to the next group of AmeriCorps members.

I think that one of the things I am most proud of from my year as a VIP Leader is the strength and camaraderie of our AmeriCorps team. I have worked hard to provide fun activities for each meeting, celebrate birthdays, plan get-togethers outside of work, and to create a sense of comfort and support. Each AmeriCorps knows that they can talk about their issues, whether it is work related or personal, to both me and their team. I think this has created a strong bond amongst our members, but it has also allowed us to catch and solve issues as they arise and before they are too late. This is the first year that HandsOn Inland Empire has had, that we have not lost a single VIP. While I can’t take all of the credit for that, I do think that the safe haven and open door policy I have created has definitely helped some of the AmeriCorps through their year. My suggestion to future VIP Leaders is to ensure that you are not only managing the AmeriCorps, but that you are also supporting them. This year is not easy. For many it can be a first real job. And with the low pay and stress of the job, it can be tough. But working through it as a team, can give them the support they need to continue their year successfully. 

Erin Weaver, VIP Leader at Inland Empire United Way

As I finish my third term with AmeriCorps and get ready to move onto other areas of life, I am proud of having accomplished many things I set out to do this year, not only professionally, but personally. I wanted to take on the role as leader of a crew to challenge myself to be able to meet deadlines, encourage others and tackle my arch-nemesis: Paperwork.  I can successfully say I have not only accomplished these goals, but have also grown in my abilities to communicate and interact in many challenging situations. If I could impart any advice to an AmeriCorps member, no matter if you are brand-spanking new or an old hand at this: remember to approach every situation with an open heart and a mirror. The open heart allows you to be impacted by those around you, not just impart “wisdom” to those whom you think need to hear it; and the mirror allows for you to see yourself and the ways in which you can grow and change. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of AmeriCorps and this year’s Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County AmeriCorps crew. 

Jennifer Harman, VIP Leader at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center

HARD WORK!!! Is the first thing I think of when it comes to being a VIP lead. It has been a very fast, busy year for me! I truly have loved every minute of the experience, every conversation filled with laughter and love I’ve been able to give and receive. I’ve made friends in my fellow VIP members that will last me a lifetime of memories. I’ve learned to trust myself more than I ever have before. I’ve learned that it really is the smaller things in life that keep your heart whole. My advice to anyone coming in would be stay committed to the journey you are about to go on, enjoy the relationships you will build in the process, and allow your heart to grow with every experience! Best of Wishes!

Airika Narcisse, VIP Leader at City of Duarte

Today is my last day, and looking back over all of the challenges, successes, failures, relationships, volunteers, team meetings, and everything else that has happened throughout the course of the year, knocks me off my feet a little bit. To see the growth of all of the VIP Fellows serving with CalSERVES, and those serving around the state, is something we should all take a moment to reflect on and be proud of. 

Together we have achieved the goals set out for us at the beginning of the year. We have recruited thousands of volunteers, who have served hundreds of thousands of hours, to support the communities we serve. But perhaps more importantly is the intangible achievement that we see everyday as volunteer managers. We got our organizations to improve their services at the giving hands of volunteers. We got things done for America in the truest sense of the phrase. 

I'm thankful to Sara Sitch and Lauren Serpa  for achieving a vision they had for VIP that provided all of us the opportunity to serve communities throughout California this year. their tireless leadership is an inspiration, and shows how much positive change can happen if you have a vision, determination, and are willing to put in extraordinary effort. 

Alex Rowan, VIP Leader at CalSERVES

Pledge to serve on MLK Day: Monday 1/21/13

Last week we featured a blog article to get you inspired to serve on MLK Day.  Have you made the commitment to serve yet?

 In the words of MLK,

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

Take a step towards living and serve the community this Monday.  Join us and other citizens around the country, and make a pledge to make a difference.

Inspiration Friday: Senior Tech Day in Santa Cruz

Check out this video about one of the great projects involving volunteers from YouthSERVE, a VIP Partner Site in Santa Cruz.  What a great way to bring the new generation of skilled young volunteers into a valuable service opportunity!

Inspriation Friday - from a KidWorks volunteer

Need a little motivation to volunteer? Here is some inspiration from the experience of Jessi Kraai, volunteer at VIP partner site KidWorks:

"I volunteer with the hope of making a small difference in the life of one of my students.  I understand the many influences that play a role in shaping the characters of each of my students; I hope that I can be a positive influence and role model for them.  Developing and maintaining a relationship with each student is one of the best parts of volunteering.  As the months and years pass I am privileged to see my students grow and mature academically, socially, and spiritually.  I treasure the moments I spend with my students.  For the past few years I have volunteered with KidWorks, I have learned more from my students than I had ever imagined."

Ever wonder who volunteers?

Check out this great infographic put together by the Corporation for National and Community Service:

Welcome to the Volunteer Infrastructure Project, 2011-2012

Written by Patrick Link, CalSERVES Local VIP Leader

Those of us at the CalSERVES VIP office would like to extend a warm welcome to all the VIP Fellows, Leaders, and Site Staff beginning, or returning to, their service this year! Although the project is a mere two years old, each year it grows in its success and endeavors.  We wish you all the best as you begin over these next few months, and we extend our support for any bumps you encounter along your journey.

The impact we have on the communities we serve across the state is astounding! To give you some perspective, from 2010-2011, VIP participants across California at 140 different partner organizations recruited around 27,000 short-term and 12,000 long-term volunteers; those numbers continue to swell as we receive the final numbers from organizations.

However, it is impossible to determine the effect of those volunteers by their count alone. Imagine how many more children had a safe place to go after school; how many more hungry people were given a warm, nutritious meal; and how many more people received help they needed. During the year, it might be easy to become lost in the numbers and planning. If you encounter this, we encourage you to peer beyond all the paperwork, and realize the purpose behind your position: to serve your community. With the constant fluctuations of stocks and budgets, organizations require people like you to build and develop their volunteer infrastructure. Without your presence, many would be struggling to find support to stay afloat.

On that note, we would like to express our gratitude for your future service and hard work this year. Set your goals, formulate your plans, and go for it! You’ll be amazed at all you can accomplish in just one year.

Let us leave you with a few last words of encouragement based upon the CalSERVES vision of “Passion, Potential, Power”: we believe and remain amazed by your passion to make a difference, your potential to accomplish your dreams, and your power, individually and as a whole, to change the world.

Cheers,

The CalSERVES AmeriCorps VIP Office

Leaving our Legacy

As our AmeriCorps term is wrapping up, we’ve been talking a lot about the legacy we are leaving to our organizations, and it makes me incredibly happy to think about everything we’ve given to our partner organizations this year.

As the Statewide Leader, I have had insight into the work of all VIP Fellows across California over the last year, and every day I have heard something new that put me in awe of the great things happening at our partner organizations:  A huge event staffed totally by volunteers; a new project put into motion by a VIP and kept in motion by dedicated volunteers; new tracking systems put in place; new ways of recruiting; and new positions created for volunteers that allow our organizations to serve more clients – this is the kind of news we get every day.  With 140 dedicated members working hard at as many different partner organizations, progress is made constantly.

I feel so privileged to be a part of a group whose passion and dedication will be sustained in the organizations they have served for years to come.  As a program, we’ve done something so much larger than the services provided this year.   We’ve created the systems that will allow that service to continue for years to come.  We’ve created the structures that will allow organizations get more support, allow volunteers to contribute to the well-being of their community and to develop their own skills, and provide more services to clients in need of a helping hand. 

We have stepped out into our communities and led our neighbors towards service.  We grew as individuals and came alongside volunteers as they did the same.  I’m so thankful for this program, and incredibly happy to be a part of this great legacy we are leaving behind.

THANK  YOU to all of our hardworking VIP Fellows finishing up their terms in the next couple of days.  It's been a great year and we've done great work - let's be proud of what we've accomplished!  It's been a fantastic term of service.