The Waiting Game - Part 1

June 2, 2014, 10:26 am

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This month, we'll hear from NCCC and FEMA Corps currently serving members and incoming candidates about their time waiting to start their service term. Will is currently serving with FEMA Green 3 out of the Pacific Region, and shares his waiting story below.

Will of FEMA Green 3 waited a few months before arriving to serve in Sacramento.

The most nerve wracking part about anything in life is waiting. You wait for a college to accept you, you wait by the phone to hear if you are hired for a job, and you wait to find that special someone to be with for the rest of your life. My wait to hear from AmeriCorps was a mix of anticipation and anxiety. 

Having just graduated college, I wanted to celebrate my four years of sleepless nights, studying, and paper writing. When the green summer trees turned to an autumn orange and red, I began searching for a job, hopeful I would get hired soon. Luckily I was able to get a job at the local YMCA as a lifeguard as a means to have money until I could find a permanent job.

Then one day after a Columbus Day weekend in Vermont, my mom approached me with something called AmeriCorps. I had no idea what it was, but I gave it a shot and did some research. I thought to myself, "I have a great life, and that is because I live in a great country. I love to help people and it’s time for me to give back to the nation I love so much." After all my applications were sent in, I began to feel happy. That happiness turned into anxiety as weeks went by, but finally the day came; I was accepted into the AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps program in Sacramento, California. I was so happy; my future was opening up. I was excited to tell my folks and friends about what I was going to do in 2014. I had about three months to get ready to pack up and fly away across the country.

So, I had to do more waiting until I left for my term to begin. This moment in time became very important to me. This was a time of reflection. Prior to joining, I was depressed because I felt like a failure for not getting a job and moving out of my parents’ house, or for not going into graduate school like the majority of my friends. AmeriCorps was the thing that made me feel like I was doing something good and noble in my life.

One of my friends from Manhattan, New York wanted me to come up to see her so that we could have our day in the city before I left for a year. We had it all planed out, we would first go to the Museum of Natural History, then for dinner we would go to the world famous Sadri’s. When we arrived at the museum there was something special waiting for me.

When I walked through the doors there were all of my friends, both from college and from home, waiting me. It turned out this was all a set up for a surprise birthday/growing away party, all because I meant something to them.  It was without a doubt one of the best days of my life, and my eyes even got a little bit watery at times.

The reason why I am telling you this is because I learned a very important lesson during my time while waiting to be shipped off: you can’t define success by the amount of money you make, but by the lives that you touched.

The night before I left for California, my best friend wanted to hang out. Since I had an early flight I didn’t want to stay up too late. We chilled and watched Animal House as our last 'bro-time' before my flight. It was a bittersweet moment. Then we said our good byes and I prepared for the trip. While getting on the plane, I was both exited to start a great adventure and prepared to accept the fact that I would not see my friends and family for a long time. I put on my favorite the song “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake, all those worries disappeared; an incredible adventure waited for me.

If you would like more information about AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps, or are interested in applying, please visit: www.nationalservice.gov/nccc.

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Oso Strong

June 4, 2014, 12:43 pm

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Tyler currently serves as a FEMA Corps team leader with the Pacific Region. His FEMA Corps team responded to the Oso, WA landslide that occurred in March 2014.

FEMA Corps team leader Tyler serving in Oso, WA with fellow FEMA Corps members and FEMA staff

The day of April 22, 2014 will always stand as an unforgettable memory to me. It was a very somber day being that it had been exactly one month since the tragic landslide of State Route 530 in Oso, Washington. For the previous weeks I had been registering applicants for federal aid and offering referrals to other organizations in all three disaster recovery centers located around Oso. I had met many of the families and heard their heart wrenching stories.

Meeting the President in Oso, WA

I could not understand the pain they were going through, but I was a witness to their strength, compassion for each other, and their sense of pride. I became attached to this community. I admired them. When I became emotionally exhausted and worn down, I looked to these wonderful people and first responders and it motivated me to continue. I had never before felt such satisfaction in a job as I did in the Oso area knowing that I was truly helping these families.

When the President arrived, there was a lot of preparation. I was anxious having never seen a president in person before. We were ushered into the Oso fire station where we waited eagerly for the Presidential motorcade. Finally, a side door opened and the President emerged. His entrance was very swift and smooth, launching into a well-spoken and touching speech. President Obama spoke of the nation’s support of Oso, how amazingly strong and selfless the community continues to be, and reassured the crowd that we would continue to be there as long the people needed us. The President concluded with a powerful “God bless you. God bless America.” He then began to shake the hands of those sitting.

After seeing the immense amount of hard work my team had been putting into this deployment, I could not have been happier to see one of my teammates shake the President’s hand. As he exited, a DSA advisor I had been working alongside, Sampson, made eye contact with the President who then signaled for us to come down. I stood in line between some of the firefighters and a law enforcement officer, realizing the incredible men and women I was surrounded by. I felt honored to be inside that fire station and in the presence of such amazing people. When I approached the President, we shook hands, and then to my surprise he said “Thank you for your service.” I had never in my life expected to be thanked by a President, especially at 23 years old.

President Barack Obama speaking in Oso, WA  after the tragic landslide that occurred in March 2014

I will always be honored and thankful for the opportunity I have been given as a member of AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps. While shaking hands with the President of the United States was a very memorable moment of my life, it was only a perk in light of being able to truly help the people of the Snohomish County. The relationships I’ve formed with applicants, stories of strength I’ve heard that have truly touched my heart to the point of tears, and the differences my incredible teammates and I have been able to make here will always be what I remember most from this experience.

If you are interested in learning more about FEMA Corps, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc, or email anccc@cns.gov.

The Life of a CAPper

June 5, 2014, 8:00 am

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Every Wednesday in June we're talking about how members are recruited for NCCC. This week, CAPpers from Coast 3 in the Southern Region share their recruitment techniques.

A day in the life of a CAPper (Corps Ambassador Program) is both rewarding and inspiring. Getting a chance to go into the communities we are serving to help the public better understand who we are and what we do, helps to create a better relationship with the people. 

Members Lindsey and Breanna helping hand out  information during a CAPping event.

A CAPping event starts with your willingness and passion for the program to go into a crowd of people and speak about your current and/or past experiences. When arriving at an event with our suitcase full of information packets, signup sheets, and an AmeriCorps inspired tablecloth, we begin our setup. A CAPping event is normally set in a place we can reach out to young adults between the ages of 18-24 such as, high schools, local recreation centers, colleges and public libraries.

Once set up, we begin our work. We decide amongst each other which role we would prefer. Because someone needs to be manning the table at all times, it’s best to have as many team mates attend the event as possible. In a recent event at a local high school we had a total of three members, including a corps member from another team. While someone sits at the table helping hand out information, the others take it upon themselves to walk into the crowd and speak with people walking by. With the cooperation of the team we are able to meet our goals with the feeling of accomplishment.

How were you recruited for AmeriCorps NCCC or FEMA Corps? Let us know on Facebook or by sending an email to anccc@cns.gov! 

The Waiting Game Part 2 - A Summer of Anticipation

June 6, 2014, 8:00 am

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Jake working on a gardening project in his backyard.

My name is Jake and I currently live in Maryland. I was invited to serve with the AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region in Denver, Colorado. I recently graduated from Arcadia University (Glenside, PA) with a degree in psychology, and I have one more course I’m partaking in from May 25 to June 05, where I will be traveling to Sierra Leone in Western Africa to investigate some of the issues the youth there are facing in the post-conflict life.

I started thinking about AmeriCorps about two years ago, when I was abroad in Dunedin, NZ after spending some time volunteering at a plant nursery and taking a Human Geography course. These experiences made me think more about how I could give back to local communities in need. It’s important to me to be able to take some of the skills I’ve learned through my time abroad and at Arcadia University and use them to help others in need.

I’m pretty keen about beginning the upcoming service term, and perhaps a little anxious about it, with not knowing a lot of the information of where we’ll go and work. I think that is part of the excitement though, and not knowing will make it that much more fun. What I’m looking forward to the most is the training and meeting a group of people that come from different backgrounds, but have similar goals who will work together as a unit to help communities. I reckon I’ll gain a better sense of what sector of public health I would like to focus on in graduate school. I’m interested in epidemiology and global public health and I think this could help funnel down what I am more interested in. I should have a better idea of what communities in the Southwest of the United States are in need of as well through serving. I’ve never been to the area that we are serving, which will allow me to compare similarities and differences to other areas that I’ve lived. I can adapt some of those differences into my lifestyle to make me a better person.

The plan for the months before travelling to Colorado in October were set originally for me to travel to Sierra Leone and then return to Maryland, where I work at a local restaurant and frequently mountain bike and kayak. However this changed on May 2^nd when I was biking and broke my scaphoid bone in my right wrist. I had surgery on May 15th, which was the day before I graduated from Arcadia University. I’m seeing this as a minor challenge to overcome and trying to find new things to do around my area. I’ve been spending a lot of time catching up on reading. Currently I am reading “The Cobra Event” by Richard Preston. I plan on reading as many of Michael Crichton and Richard Preston’s books as I can, now that I have time to read books other than textbooks after graduating. I’ve been enjoying gardening at home and walking to the park near my house. When my wrist has recovered more I want to help with trail maintenance at a park near Baltimore, MD called “Patapsco State Park”, where I frequently hike and bike.

If you would like more information about AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps, or are interested in applying, please visit: www.nationalservice.gov/nccc or email anccc@cns.gov.

The Waiting Game Part 3 - An Engagement to Remember

June 9, 2014, 7:15 am

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Devon is currently serving in the Southwest Region with AmeriCorps NCCC. She'll graduate this July, and plans to marry her fiance soon after. 

Devon and her fiance before leaving for NCCC.

When I applied to AmeriCorps NCCC, I told myself not to let it be a big deal; there was probably a good chance I wouldn't get in anyway, and I couldn't put my life on hold for a maybe. That mostly worked until I got the email telling me that I'd been waitlisted. For weeks I checked my email constantly, put my "better job" search on hold, and stubbornly refused to make anything that might resemble long-term plans. My fiance wanted to go ahead and start planning our wedding and I said, over and over, "No way; what if I get into AmeriCorps?"

As time went on (and on... and on...) I slowly phased out of that and sort of convinced myself I wasn't going to be accepted. I started looking for a more stable, well-paying job, and began making wedding plans. I didn't forget about NCCC, but I convinced myself that if I was on a waitlist for months, things probably weren't looking too good for me. Eight weeks out from the wedding, I printed invitations and got ready to run to the post office and send them. "Hold on," I told my guy as he started to walk out the door. "I'm just gonna check my email." Lo and behold, a shiny invitation to join NCCC was waiting right on top of my inbox. I screamed in a really embarrassing way and started bouncing around.

Then I remembered the stack of invitations sitting on my nightstand. "I don't think I'm gonna go," I decided there and then, my heart sinking at the missed opportunity. "We've already spent some money on this thing and we're about to start our lives together, right?" I'm so, so glad that my fiance convinced me otherwise. He pointed out that if I didn't join, I'd probably end up resenting it (and maybe him) later. We could get married any time; when was a life-changing opportunity like this going to arise again? I talked to my mom and other loved ones about it, and the consensus was reached; I began preparing for an adventure.

Over the next couple of months I went crazy reading NCCC blogs, making and remaking packing lists, buying things that would somehow "help me pack light." It was more or less all I talked about. One of my favorite hobbies became talking to other incoming members through the Facebook page. "What are you packing?" I asked, over and over. "What do you want to do in Denver? I read about this really cool park/event/coffee shop/restaurant; do you want to check it out sometime? What made you decide to do this?" This really helped me to make friends before I arrived, and several of these people turned into my best friends once we finally got to campus. The common ground we'd already established made a great foundation, and it was a bonus that we really "clicked" when we met in person.

I put in my two weeks' notice at work, giving myself a little over week to say goodbye to friends and pack. Then, just a few days after I quit, my stomach sank as I read the news about the lapse in federal government funding last October. The exhilarated feeling that had been bouncing around in my chest for days flattened. The excited chatter between my new AmeriCorps friends and me took a different turn: "When do you think we'll get to go? What if they push us to the next class, or a different campus? Can you believe that this would happen RIGHT before we were set to start?" And there was one more, hugely looming question I asked myself: How do I support myself for the next who-knows-how-long?

I was very fortunate: my boss was understanding of the situation and bent over backwards to make sure I didn't sink while I was waiting for news. I was able to work on a day-to-day basis, and it was understood that I probably wouldn't have time to put in much notice before I left. Each time I took a break at work, I checked my phone for any news. I was constantly online digging for any information that might give me a clue as to when I could start the next phase of my life.

When the news finally arrived, I was in a frenzy. I had to see EVERYBODY RIGHT NOW to say goodbye (hopefully for real this time), repack what I had unpacked, find a ride to the airport. It felt almost unreal for me, the way it feels when you're waiting for something really good but just know it's not going to work out. What-ifs played through my head over the next few days; I was almost sure that there would be another government issue that would ruin it for good, or my flight would get cancelled, or... something. I was in denial all the way up until I stepped on the plane... and then, my life changed for the better.

My advice for applicants is just not to give up hope. I was on the waiting list until August; then my start date of October 7 was delayed. But it happened. And now that it's almost over – we’ll graduate on July 29 - I don't want to leave. It's such an amazing program, and I've truly transformed as a person in the best way, being pushed from my comfort zone and seeing and doing things I'd never imagined. I sometimes felt as though the long wait time was a way to "weed out" people who weren't committed to getting there, and it helped prepare me for the ever-changing nature of the program. If it seems as though you've been waiting forever and NCCC isn't in the cards for you, don't take it to heart--you've still got a good chance. Put the job search on hold, postpone the wedding or whatever else. Put your all into this, because it's so, so worth it.

Are you interested in serving with AmeriCorps NCCC? Have questions about the program? Check out www.nationalservice.gov/nccc, or send an email to anccc@cns.gov for more information!

The Waiting Game Part 4 - Catching Up on Entertainment

June 11, 2014, 6:34 am

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Jonathon is an incoming member, waiting to begin serving with AmeriCorps NCCC this October.

My name is Jonathon. In the days leading up to October I’m mainly doing lazy stuff, such as binge watching TV shows. In addition I’m also trying to get a little more in shape.

There are a lot of TV shows I've wanted to watch and am in the process of watching.  As October is coming up, I might as well finish what I started. The TV show I’m watching the most right now is Hannibal. I've always been a fan of the books and movies; I loved season 1, but as season 2 started I got occupied with other things.

Next is Once Upon a Time. My friend told me about it one day, and I was addicted from episode 3 or so. I ended up binge watching seasons 1 and 2, but again fell behind when season 3 started. It’s a drawback of always getting interested in other series.

There are many shows on Netflix I’d like to binge watch such as American Horror Story, season 3 of Sherlock, Jekyll, Bates Motel, so many others I’m hoping to at least knock 2 or 3 out of way before October.

In addition to binge watching, I’m hoping to get in shape before leaving, I haven’t exactly been active since graduating high school a few years back, and figured now’s a good of time as any. Biking, walking, jogging - I don’t know many exercise routines, but I do what I can.  I’m pretty excited about the required exercise when I get to campus.

That about sums up what I’m doing outside my part time job before leaving in October. Now I’d like to talk about why and what I’m excited for about AmeriCorps.

I decided to join AmeriCorps NCCC for several reasons. I always wanted to help the community in some way, but never really found a way in the place I live. After hearing about AmeriCorps, I decided to sign up. 

I’m hoping AmeriCorps will also help me develop some skills to succeed in the world.  With the education award after finishing my service, I’d like to go to college to help work towards a dream of getting into zoology. I’m a bit nervous as the days go by before AmeriCorps starts, but I’m excited as well.

If you are interested in learning more about AmeriCorps NCCC, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc or email anccc@cns.gov.

The Waiting Game Part 4 - From CM to TL

June 13, 2014, 5:43 am

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This month we're talking to members about their experiences while waiting to begin serving with AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps. Kristina, a team leader at the North Central Region, shares her waiting story with us today.

Kristina, a team leader at the North Central Region

I began the application process for AmeriCorps NCCC while I was a senior at SUNY Fredonia,  a modest-sized public university in Western New York. In between finals and soaking up every fleeting minute of college life, I made time to complete portions of the application each day. Finally, after multiple revisions and second-guessing whether or not the program was for me, it was ready to be submitted. I don’t know what I expected the moments directly following the submission of my application. I felt as though it deserved a little more of a celebratory conclusion, like a pop-up that said “Congratulations on making the best decision of your life!”, followed by those poorly designed fireworks that litter the screen after finishing a game of virtual solitaire on an old Windows computer.

Months passed without hearing anything about my application (yes, I sent in my application pretty early.) In that time, I had graduated college and moved back home to New York City. I checked my email daily, waiting for the day that I would receive an inkling of information as to what the next few months may have in store.

As the warmer summer months approached, I began my 3rd year as a lifeguard/counselor at a Girl Scout camp along the New York/Pennsylvania  border. After a total of eight summers as either a camp counselor or camp lifeguard, I was mentally preparing myself for this to be the last. Although being in the woods is not conducive to checking my email daily, I kept a positive attitude about my prospective acceptance into the NCCC program.

Combined with the income from my summer counseling, I saved enough money throughout my four years working in college to have the funds necessary to travel and visit friends. I felt it was important to see all the people that I loved, and that helped mold me into the person that I was at that point. If I were to be away from them for an entire service term, I wanted to absorb every moment of free time that they had (they didn't mind, I promise!). Throughout these travels, I would receive emails regarding my application being reviewed, etc. Each email gave me more and more hope that there indeed was an end to this seemingly boundless waiting game.

One morning, I woke up to an email notification on my phone. I shut my door, sat down on my bed, and slowly opened my computer. I knew this was it. I finally received that momentous report that I was accepted to the Atlantic Region as a corps member for the upcoming fall term!   

The first thing I did, which I am sure many do, was look at the campus on Google Maps. I took the time to use street view to essentially “walk” the roads that I would be roaming in just a few short months. This was soon followed by reading tons of blogs from past Atlantic Region members, and going through every picture they had to offer. The blogs I was most interested in usually touched on specifics about projects, as well as what/how to pack. I was also fond of blogs that discussed the training they received, the relationships they built, and what they had learned about themselves in such a short period of time. The descriptions of Physical Training made me slightly nauseous, so I decided to be proactive and begin running. Needless to say, that only lasted a few days, who was I kidding?

About two months before I would leave for the term, I was shopping with my mom at an outlet center in Long Island. It was something we did together a little too often, but like I said before, I was in quality-time absorption mode. Upon browsing, I received an email on my phone from an NCCC domain. The email asked if I was interested in applying to be a team leader for the Vinton, Iowa campus, even though I was already accepted as a corps member for the Atlantic Region. It listed the campus’ perks (yes, Iowa has it’s perks!), as well as a few benefits that go along with being a team leader. The thought of being a TL had never crossed my mind before reading that email, I assumed that previous NCCC experience was necessary. However, after reading it over a few times in the dressing room at the Columbia outlet store, I recognized the overwhelming excitement that came with each perusal. Just from that, I knew I had no doubt that I wanted to apply for the team leader position at the Vinton, Iowa campus. Despite the fact that I would have to leave an entire month earlier than expected, I went home and applied for the opening. After a lot of pacing, a phone interview, and a background check, I was accepted as a team leader!

I only had a few weeks to prepare. As a chronic procrastinator, I knew that this really boiled down to a few days. I spent this time slowly gathering the necessities that would fit strategically into that notorious green duffel. I made time to visit friends after accepting the fact that I would not see the majority of them for the next 11 months. Before I knew it, I was at the airport, through the gate, and waving “See ya later!” to my family.

If I could offer any advice to those in the NCCC “waiting game,” I would start with thinking positively. Why use up neurons focusing on negative things when you can fill all that brain space with the positive? Get excited. You’re about to begin the most fast-paced, unique, and valuable time of your life! Do research. I found that all that stalking I did on members’ blogs really helped answer questions that the website couldn’t, which ultimately eased my mind. Take time to pack, but pack lightly! You really don’t need that extra pair of jeans and sneakers. Next, relax. It is imperative that you take time before leaving for your term to chill out, however you see fit. Not only do I mean to relax physically, but mentally as well. Realize that the majority of the people in your class are first time NCCC members too, so you are all in the same boat. It is likely that you share similar fears and reservations about those first few days on campus as hundreds of others do! Finally, make friends. When (or if) you're at the airport, look around for someone else that looks like they may be in the program (or a familiar face from the Facebook group), chances are that there are multiple NCCC members on the same flight as you. Simply having that acquaintance during the first few hours of check-in day will make it a much more enjoyable experience than if your were flying solo. Good luck!

 

 Are you interested in serving with AmeriCorps NCCC or FEMA Corps? Have questions about the program? Visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc, or email us at anccc@cns.gov!

      

The Waiting Game Part 5 - South by Southwest

June 24, 2014, 1:28 pm

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Zlata will be serving with NCCC at the Southwest Region this fall. What is she doing in the meantime? Find out below!

Zlata and her fiancé, Justin

Since I graduated high school in 2010, my highest ambition has been to join and serve in the Peace Corps. I started my first year of college in 2013, and have had some trouble deciding what education I'd like to pursue long term, although I know I want to help people. Social work, the medical field, community development - these are all options I want to pursue, but have no hands on experience. A friend of mine suggested I look into the AmeriCorps NCCC program, and after reading every scrap of information I could find, I fell in love with the idea. After applying to serve in October, I found out in February that I had been invited to Denver, Colorado for the fall term! I could/can barely contain my excitement. I thought that the next 8 months would drag on; I just wanted to pack up and jump right in! I was caught off guard by a series of events that have given me plenty of excitement to last until the big move.

I planned a trip to California in May with my best friend Jesse, my first visit to the west coast, expecting it to be my "big bang" before I left this fall. 8 days before I was to leave, life threw me a curve ball and I got into my first car accident ever. The cause? If you've ever been to South Carolina, you know it's not exactly heavily populated, so the interstates can be pitch black on some roads. I was going 5 miles under the speed limit, and I realized about 5 seconds too late that someone must have been pretty careless that night, because there was a full size mattress in the middle of the road! I know, who does that? Luckily, no permanent damage was done, although I did get 30 stitches in my face and ear. I walked away with my life, my limbs, and a Disney villain's scar by my left eye. Despite this, I took the trip to California the next week, and saw San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and my favorite, Sacramento. The best part was seeing one of my best friends, Ronald, after he had been gone serving with the Air Force for 4 years. It was a blessing to be with two of my best friends at once after so many years.

Zlata, her fiancé, and his son

After the trip, my plan was to kick back, spend time with my friends, maybe save up some money from my job at Tokyo Grill, a Japanese restaurant in our area. I figured the excitement was over for the most part. The biggest thing on my mind was spending as much time with my boyfriend Justin as possible. Justin stole my heart long before we started dating 3 years ago, and until August 2013, we had been living in Florida where he was attending school. Justin was the first to know about my Peace Corps dream, and has done nothing but support me and help me work toward achieving it. He constantly tells me how proud he is of me for joining AmeriCorps, but, as you can imagine, that makes the idea of leaving him terrifying and painful. It was a decision I had to make: take a step for my future, or stay in SC with the one I love. He assured me, and keeps assuring me, that I have made the right decision. Even though 10 months is a long time to be separated, I know that Justin loves and cares about me and will wait, and that this is a golden opportunity that won't be available later.

Needless to say, that thought didn't make the idea of leaving any easier, and I had the same worries that many people have leaving their loved ones for programs like this. Were we going to grow apart? Was he going to get tired of waiting? Was he still going to love me after almost a year of me being gone? On May 21st, 2014, all these thoughts evaporated from my head. My Prince Charming asked me if he could make me his wife before I leave for Colorado! There is no question in my mind that I have found the person that I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. He has comforted me through the most difficult times, and celebrated with me through the best. I've been waiting for this day since the moment I met him.

Zlata and her brother, mother, and stepfather

So, during the next 4 months I'm going to be planning a small wedding ceremony with the man I love and those closest to me, followed by a big wedding with all of our family and friends upon my return in July 2015. In addition to that, I'll be working to save money to replace my car, enjoying the 90 degree weather, and spending as much time with my friends, family, and Justin as possible.

To any prospective members who are scared of leaving their significant others, especially since we are all so young, I hope you will make the right decision for yourselves by joining this program. Ten months is a blink of an eye when you're spending the rest of your life with someone; but you only have the chance to be young once! The person who loves you will support you and wait for you; this upcoming experience is a once in a lifetime chance. Not only to contribute service to our country and the people who need it, but to grow! To travel! To adventure!  And most importantly, to find out who you are, because let's be honest, none of us really know that yet. And if you ever have any doubts about whether or not to take the leap, remember that you can always come back to where you came from, but once you settle down, you may not have the opportunity to leave again.

What are you doing while you wait to begin your service term? Are you interested in serving with NCCC, but haven't yet applied? Let us know what you've got going on this summer, or if you have any questions, at anccc@cns.gov. Apply to serve with NCCC and FEMA Corps at www.nationalservice.gov/nccc!

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The Waiting Game Part 6 - The Journey Begins

June 27, 2014, 11:47 am

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This month we're talking to members about what they're doing with their time while waiting to begin serving with AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps. Jacklyn will arrive at the Pacific Region this October to serve as a corps member with NCCC.

Jacklyn after graduating from USF this past spring

Hey everyone! My name is Jacklyn. I was born and raised in central Florida and I was selected to serve in AmeriCorps NCCC with the Pacific Region in Sacramento, California. I will be traveling across the country in order to gain the experience of a lifetime. I recently graduated from the University of South Florida with my bachelor of arts in anthropology.

So why AmeriCorps NCCC? After graduating I was not really sure what I wanted to do. I thought about doing many things, and all I knew is that I wanted to be able to help others. I gained my passion for service while working alongside the organization Camp Fire USA. I have been volunteering with them since I was in middle school, and they really helped to inspire me to give back to the community. I participated in 7 week long service learning road trips where I actually had the privilege of working with an NCCC team and a variety of different non-profit organizations. This is where I discovered the program and figured that I would want to be a part of it someday. Now is the perfect time for me to be a part of such an incredible organization because I have graduated college and have time to figure out just what I want to do for the rest of my life. AmeriCorps NCCC can help in laying the foundation for this.

Camp Fire USA members in Monterey, California at the National Youth Forum

So what exactly am I going to do while I am waiting to serve America? I plan on spending a lot of quality time with my family and friends, doing things like playing darts and cornhole with my parents, or going to the beach, movies, or theme parks with my friends. I am also going on a week-long cruise right before I leave for AmeriCorps NCCC. I want to have many adventures while I still can, discovering the world, creating new experiences, and making memories for a lifetime.

Jacklyn and her family on vacation

I am so honored and excited to have the opportunity to be a part of AmeriCorps NCCC. I cannot wait to have the experience of helping those in need while making new memories, friends, and experiences along the way. I love that I am going to have the chance to travel our country and make connections with organizations that are doing such great things for it. See you soon sunny California and fellow corps members! 

Are you interested in serving with NCCC, but haven't yet applied? Apply for NCCC and FEMA Corps at  www.nationalservice.gov/nccc! Let us know if you have any questions by emailing anccc@cns.gov. 

Why Do You Serve?

June 30, 2014, 4:11 pm

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AmeriCorps NCCC members from the Pacific Region share their service stories. 

NCCC Destiny - Kathleen

Gold 6 teammates pose for a photo while doing habitat restoration work at the Presidio of San Francisco.

The first time I heard about AmeriCorps NCCC I was in middle school.  As a 14 year old trying to complete an assignment on college searches, I had no idea what I was looking for.  Maybe it was fate, but that day I learned about an organization whose sole purpose it was to help people in need. I remember the feeling I had at the time as I skimmed the webpage – pure adrenaline and unbridled optimism.  This is it, I thought, this is what I need to do with my life…as soon as I’m old enough, that is.

By the time I was old enough, 18 years old, graduating at the top of my high school class, and college bound, AmeriCorps had completely dropped off my radar.  I was off to do great things.  I was going to study hard and become the greatest psychologist, or maybe neuroscientist, or maybe engineer, or maybe social worker.  After four years, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience, with honors, Magna Cum Laude, etc.  I was very proud of myself, but as I looked toward graduate school, I realized that even though I had a degree, I still had no idea what I wanted to do.  I knew that I wanted to make a difference, but I didn’t know how.  The last 16 years of education had shown me that I was a phenomenal student, but I wanted to know if there was anything else I could be good at.  Also, I was kind of tired of thinking about myself.  Planning every aspect of my life and constantly judging my worth based on test scores was getting really old.  I wanted to learn to see myself as an extension of the effect I had on others.

So, while I halfheartedly searched for graduate school programs, somehow, miraculously, AmeriCorps NCCC reappeared in my search results.  As I browsed the recruitment materials, the same feelings of excitement and purpose that I had experienced in middle school all came rushing back.  The time wasn’t right when I was 14, but at 22 just finishing college and unsure what my next step should be, the timing was perfect.  I was always passionate about helping people. I thought that if service was everyone’s ultimate goal in life, then the world would be a much better place. 

Being a corps member in AmeriCorps NCCC has been an immensely valuable experience for me because it has expanded my perspective on what it means to serve.  Sometimes service is distributing food to the homeless, and sometimes service is helping an understaffed non-profit accomplish their mission and goals – whether that’s feeding or housing people in need, repairing a hiking trail, or planting grass.  Regardless of the form of service, one thing that is consistently true is that it always matters to the people who need it most. 

I applied for AmeriCorps NCCC because I wanted to make a connection to the people around me and in doing so, maybe learn a thing or two about the world beyond my classroom walls and textbooks.  NCCC has not let me down.  I know that service is something I can continue throughout my life, no matter where I am, as long as I am paying attention to the needs of those around me.  I look forward to carrying my commitment to service with me, this year and beyond because I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done!

Summer of Service - Cymone

Left - Cymone in AmeriCorps NCCC  Summer of Service 2007 Right- in AmeriCorps NCCC Class XX

The first time I heard about NCCC was at the age of fifteen. My mom came home one day and told me about this program recruiting teenagers to do community service during the summer in my hometown of New Orleans. She told me that it was called AmeriCorps NCCC Summer of Service, and that I'd receive a small stipend for my work if I decided to join. I had never been to a summer camp before so I thought it would be something like that. I'd get to live in a college dorm and work with others my age for a month; "Why not?" I thought. Little did I know that summer would change my life and introduce me to people and concepts that I'd never experienced before.

I was assigned to a group of 7 others my age to team Jazz 2. We wore bright yellow AmeriCorps shirts, khaki BDUs, and what I remember thinking as really hard core work boots. We had two team leaders (NCCC corps members) and my team and I did a variety of projects ranging from park clean ups, to painting over graffiti, to landscape work at a local nonprofit. It was the hardest I'd ever worked in my life doing something that wasn't household chores. My team leaders told us about NCCC and the work that they did as adults in the Corps. I admired how dedicated they were to service and their genuine interest in helping communities. At the end of our term we all received the president’s community service award and said our goodbyes at graduation.

Although the program was only a few short weeks I had learned how to work with others and the importance of having a positive attitude no matter what job we were assigned to do. I remember promising myself that I would continue to be a community servant wherever I went and that I would join NCCC again when I was of age.

Six years later, I am now a corps member at the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region. I decided to join this program not only because of my history with NCCC, but because I knew that I wanted to dedicate myself fully to service after my college graduation. I wanted to experience working on service projects for longer than a weekend here or there and seeing the fruits of my labor that would continue for years to follow. NCCC has definitely been all that I hoped it would be and more. It has challenged me more than anything ever has and the growth that I've experienced this year has already given me the courage to be the community leader I have always wanted to be. I will always be thankful to AmeriCorps NCCC for introducing me to service all those years ago and teaching me more about service than I could ever learn in a classroom.

My NCCC Story - Keshia

Keshia at the Fresno River Trail

Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” While applying for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), I knew I wanted to make a difference through volunteering and community service. I have always had the motivation to help those who are less fortunate than me or to do service on a project that could bring out a positive light to the community and continue them to grow as one. I knew this program would be a good opportunity for me to immerse myself into the community service world, to gain new skills and abilities that I thought I could never achieve and to develop new relationships within the program. During this journey, I have experienced a lot of new things and seen many new places. There are definitely going to be some fond memories that I will have for the rest of my life.

Silver 4 (awesome team members)  at Yosemite!

It was my very first time traveling to California and experiencing my first airplane ride, which wasn't too bad; I just had a little earache for a week. In California, I served on two projects in Santa Clara and Auberry. I had the chance to work at different parks with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation during round one, and worked on about four trails with the San Joaquin River Gorge-Bureau of Land Management in Auberry during round two. I learned how to use new tools while working on the trails, such as the Pulaski and a McLeod.

With the Mono Tribe, finish construction  of the Nobi (tepee)

At the San Joaquin River Gorge, there was also a chance for my team to learn about the history of the Native Americans there, especially the Mono Tribe. We had the chance to meet Keith Turner and other members of the tribe during a construction of a Nobi. That was the best experience I had throughout my time of service. It was interesting to learn more about the Mono people and to actually build a Nobi from scratch. Round two was a personal growth experience for me and a challenge, but I persevered. Through my specialty roles, Life after AmeriCorps Representative and lead Media Representative, I have accomplished my goals and developed new skills in journalism and mentoring. I am so proud of myself and happy that I can use these skills for my life after AmeriCorps.

Keshia using the skill saw, sawing wood for the boat house to stack canoes

AmeriCorps NCCC has provided me with so many new opportunities and new experiences that I am able to carry on with me for the rest of my life. This program has made me want to continue my service in helping others. I might consider serving another year of AmeriCorps or join the Peace Corps, a program that I always wanted to join along with AmeriCorps NCCC. My mission in life is to help others, travel the world, and continue to experience different ethnic backgrounds and cultures in the world. I also want to Witness how the other half lives and continue to be open-minded about everything. Volunteerism and service work are important to do; you really do find yourself while serving others, and you can take what you learn to other places or organizations. I want to thank AmeriCorps NCCC for giving me the chance and opportunity to be part of this growing organization.

Are you interested in serving with NCCC, but haven't yet applied? Apply for NCCC and FEMA Corps at  www.nationalservice.gov/nccc! Let us know if you 

                                                     have any questions by emailing anccc@cns.gov.  

From Air Force to AmeriCorps

July 3, 2014, 6:56 am

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Throughout July, AmeriCorps is honoring veterans and active military personnel. Vaughn Cottman is a veteran of the United States Air Force and Army, and currently serves as a Unit Leader with the AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region.

AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region Unit Leader Vaughn Cottman

In AmeriCorps NCCC’s 20 year history, change has been nothing short of the norm, but a few

things manage to stay the same. One of those is Sun Unit Leader Vaughn Cottman. To those at the Southwest Region campus in Denver, Colorado, Vaughn is an institution. Corps members, team leaders, and staff alike all know when they hear “How y’all doin’?” that Vaughn can’t be far away.  But what they might not know is the extensive background this veteran has, both as a part of NCCC and the United States Military.

Growing up in North Carolina, with a father who served 26 years in the military, Vaughn followed his friends and family members before him and joined the US Air Force in 1971.

“Being raised in a military town, joining is what you did.  The culture of the military is so ingrained in you that it’s the natural next step after high school,” Vaughn said.

After jumping out of planes at military bases in South Carolina, Guam, and Florida for four years, Vaughn took a break from the military in 1976.  In 1978 Vaughn re-enlisted, this time with the US Army as a nurse.  For the next 15 years, Vaughn served in Greece, Korea, and the states teaching nursing before retiring from the Army in 1993.

At this point, Vaughn had started hearing about AmeriCorps and National Service.  He remembers, “As someone who did a lot of service when I was younger, and was interested in government, and anything community oriented, it seemed like I would have a natural fit with service.”

When Vaughn heard about an AmeriCorps NCCC campus opening in the Denver area, he jumped at the opportunity to join this new program. “Those first few years, we were building the bike while riding it.  It was beneficial to have a military background for me, to be able to give directives and organize groups of young people. There was a real military foundation here; the way the program is organized and founded on is very reminiscent of the military." Back then many staff members, including the National Director, were ex-military, and Vaughn says that really helped mold each campus and the corps into the program we have today, which aims to join the best of the military with the best of civilian life.

Vaughn with Sun Unit team leaders

Twenty years later Vaughn has seen the Southwest Campus change locations, a handful of new National and Regional Directors come and go, and thousands of corps members and team leaders serve communities and develop as leaders through AmeriCorps NCCC. As new classes come in Vaughn laughs and says, “It’s always interesting to see new faces, but I’m starting to feel my age!... But I’ve always felt my experience in this program has been a benefit to the program and this campus. Being here since the beginning, I can offer what’s been done in the past, and try to come up with solutions going forward." 

As Class 20A traditional corps nears graduation, Vaughn remarks, “I’m still here because I love working with young people, and having service be a part of it all is just a bonus. This is the age group that I worked with in the military, and this is the age group I continue to enjoy working with."

For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC's support of veterans and military families, or to apply to serve with AmeriCorps NCCC or FEMA Corps, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc. 

Finding A Way to Serve Others

July 9, 2014, 11:56 am

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This month, we are honoring veterans and current military personnel. Bryan is an AmeriCorps NCCC corps member from the Pacific Region, and is also a veteran of the Army National Guard. 

Bryan's unit at Forward Operating Base training

As a young kid, I always admired the way soldiers were respected and had a sense of nobility about them.  Some of my family members served in the Armed Forces back in Ecuador, and as little kid I would always look at their pictures and imagine myself in their uniforms.  As I got older my ambition to join grew stronger by the year.

At the beginning of my junior year in high school, a military school contacted me and accepted my registration. On April 21, 2010, I began military school for 6 months. During that time I was trained physically and mentally while also going to school to get my GED. After I graduated from military school, I waited 2 months until I turned 17 and was able to enlist in the Armed Forces.

 

I enlisted on April 21, 2011 under the U.S. Army/National Guard branch. I joined with an E2 (PVT. 2^nd class) and was one of the youngest soldiers in my battalion.  I went to basic training for 2 months in Oklahoma, and did AIT (Advanced Individual Training) which was 91C (HVAC training) for 3 months in Virginia.  After that, I joined my unit, and about 3 months later, I was shipped off to Kuwait for 4 months working at the FOB (Forward Operating Base).

My experience there was eye-opening for me.  It was great meeting new battle buddies (a term we use to call other fellow soldiers), but it wasn't easy.  I lost close friends, and saw how hard war and conflict could be.  My experience in the Army was so influential to me that even after I left I still wanted to serve and help those in need.

Bryan's team, Silver 3

Through AmeriCorps NCCC, I am able to accomplish that goal.  In my position as a VST (Vehicle, Safety & Tools), I am able to use my prior military experience and skills whenever needed.  Because of this, my service as a corps member and VST are of extra value and I feel comfortable contributing in these ways. 

What's Going On At NCCC?

July 18, 2014, 1:28 pm

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AmeriCorps NCCC's new National Director, José Phillips

Great things are happening at AmeriCorps NCCC!  This week was busy with activity as we welcomed the new National Director of NCCC, José Phillips and hosted a meeting of the AmeriCorps NCCC Advisory Board.  It was a great opportunity for existing and new board members to meet our leadership and chart a course for AmeriCorps NCCC moving forward.

Our new National Director, José Phillips, was most recently the Region Director of the Pacific Region Campus in Sacramento, California since 2010.  His campus experience will be a great asset as he takes the helm of the national AmeriCorps NCCC program.  Prior to his work with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), he spent 24 years with the California Conservation Corps, a program dedicated to youth development in academic education, environmental resource conservation, and community enhancement through volunteerism.   We welcome José to Washington, DC as he takes the reins to AmeriCorps NCCC, a program that “gets things done” for communities across the country.   

The AmeriCorps NCCC Advisory Board, with CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer, former National Director Kate Raftery, and current National Director José Phillips

The AmeriCorps NCCC Advisory Board was engaged in lively discussion at its summer meeting and welcomed new board members including Richard Serino, retired Deputy Administrator for FEMA.  The Board was pleased to have former Senator Harris Wofford (PA) present the President’s Lifetime Service Award to former National AmeriCorps NCCC Director Kate Raftery and former Board Member Martin Rogers.  These two individuals were honored for their involvement in advancing the AmeriCorps NCCC program and supporting service members throughout the country. 

As AmeriCorps NCCC prepares to celebrate its 20^thAnniversary in September, two campuses will be graduating Class 20 this month.  On July 24, the Pacific Region will host its graduating class in Sacramento, California.  On July 29, the Southwest Region will host its graduating class at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado.  We congratulate these members on their accomplishments as they embark on carrying their commitment of service this year and beyond.

Are you interested in serving with NCCC, but haven't yet applied? Apply for NCCC and FEMA Corps at www.nationalservice.gov/nccc! Let us know if you have any questions by emailing anccc@cns.gov.  

A Dedication to Service

July 23, 2014, 7:12 am

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AmeriCorps is honoring active duty military personnel and veterans throughout July. Daniel is an AmeriCorps NCCC team leader and a veteran of the United States Navy. 

Dan while serving in the U.S. Navy

When I was 17 I decided to graduate high school early for no other reason than to get the heck out. The idea of joining the military was always on my mind, but I had trouble making the commitment. With only weeks left before graduating one year early, I joined the United States Navy. I told myself it was to gain discipline, I told myself it was to find responsibility, but the truth was that it just made sense. In October 2004, just 5 months after graduating high school I left home and began my dedication in service to others. I went on to serve in Japan on the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63, then on to Washington to finish up on-board the USS Abraham Lincoln CNV-72.

Dan and the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63

My experiences while in the Navy were unlike anything else I had ever known in my life. I met men and women who would become my family. The bond between two veterans or active duty military personnel is unlike anything that could ever be explained in words. It’s a feeling of pride and thankfulness. It’s a feeling of joy and community. It’s a feeling that someone else gets what you are going through or what you have gone through unlike any person back home. It’s a bond so immense and strong that no amount of brute force or herculean strength could tear it apart. It is a bond so emotional that without a second thought, you would throw yourself into the grips of certain death if it meant you could save your brothers and sisters from harm or worse. 

When a regular, everyday person watches a war movie and the men dying in each scene they say “Wow, what a wonderful movie. What bravery those men had.” When I watch the same movie I can feel the bullets, smell the blood, and soon I can feel the very real tears behind my eyes. Serving is not just a portion of a persons life, it very much becomes who they are. You do not choose to serve, service chooses you because it is you, and it will always be you. Once it is you, then soon it is all that ever makes you happy. I joined the US Navy because I love to serve. It is the only thing that makes sense to me or ever has made sense to me. Service makes me happy and fulfilled, joyful and vibrant.

Dan and his team member on an environmental restoration project

It was my time in the Navy being a part of something much larger than me that led me to AmeriCorps. I separated from the Navy on October 24, 2010 and I began to work as a commercial HVAC technician. It was fun and interesting for a while, but it did not make me happy. Soon I began to explore what possibilities were open for me and I discovered college. I quit my job and my profession and went on to become a full time college student at 25 years old. I continued to search out areas in which I could continue to serve, one of those being the President of the Student Veteran Organization at University of Cincinnati-Clermont. I found anything I could do to serve and eventually even found myself knocking on doors as a campaigner in the 2012 presidential election. 

Dan and his team, Delta 7

Shortly after, by accident I discovered AmeriCorps NCCC through a friend who had served in Class 18B. He filled me in on the details and what it was, what he had done and how I could join. It didn't take much convincing; in fact it took no convincing at all. The moment I realized what it was, I had created an application online and applied to two positions. After one wait list I received a call and was soon thereafter offered a position as a team leader in Class 20 NCCC in the Southern Region. I was proud and excited. I was also pompous and thought it would be a cake walk. This couldn't be further from the truth. I quickly discovered you cannot order 18-24 year-olds like they are in the military, and you must adapt your leadership style to the people of your team. I was so used to the very direct way of speaking and way of life that I had quite a few rude awakenings as to how to become a successful leader. So I am now six months in and I am still learning, but I am so very happy with what I have done. I have made my mistakes and corrected my leadership styles. Here I sit tired as I have ever been and worked to the bone, but I am happy and I am serving. 

The military prepared me for my service to others, and AmeriCorps has prepared me in my service to myself, my community and my team. AmeriCorps has led me to make a difference in my country and the opportunity give back so much more. It has developed me exponentially both mentally and physically. This program has opened my eyes and my heart to a whole other era of service.  

For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC's support of veterans and military families, or to apply to serve with AmeriCorps NCCC or FEMA Corps, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc. 

Six Things I’ve Learned as a FEMA Corps Team Leader

July 28, 2014, 11:18 am

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Nicole served as a FEMA Corps team leader at the AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region campus. She shares her thoughts on team leading, service, and what it means to give back in today's post.

This year I started reading Thought Catalog, and many of their articles are titled things like, “47 Things You Must Do Before You Turn 24.” Some of them are about college and jobs, while others are personal reflections on life experiences that have impacted a person for the better or worse. I started to think on my own personal reflection in the style of Thought Catalog. So here is, “Six Things I've Learned as a FEMA Corps Team Leader.”

Nicole clearing debris after a disaster

1. In the words of one of my corps members, Don’t Just Hear, Listen. My corps members told me this all the time. It became a running joke, but the more I was reminded of it, the more I was inclined to listen rather than just hear my team. I needed to learn to take in everything they said, and everything that they did while they said it. Listening implies that you have sought meaning and understanding. Hearing is when you choose to repeat something back to someone and are not truly getting any information. I choose to seek understanding.

2. Give yourself credit. Even on your toughest days, you've accomplished far more than you think. Each day as a team leader can be an uphill battle. From the moment you wake up and kick over the cup of water you left on the floor, to the time you go to bed at night and realize you submitted an important piece of paperwork and didn't actually fill out the most important part. In service, as in life, sometimes it can feel like you aren't always winning. The fact is, we can’t always win. But it’s the investment you make in the small things that makes every moment worthwhile. It’s the moment when a disaster survivor says ‘thank you for all you do. We’re glad you’re here.’ It’s when your team sees a movie and you all laugh at the same parts. It’s when you plan a surprise party, when you’re not even a little bit sneaky, and it's still a surprise. Those are the times when you win.

Ocean 6 taking a break from a weekend service project

3. Roll with it. Not everything can be covered in training. It’s funny. If it’s not funny, give it a week, if it’s still not funny, I hope you called your Unit Leader a week ago.

 4. This year will stay with you for your entire life. These memories are what you make of them.Your team will become your family, and the way that you treat them will always matter. I've told my team this more than once - everyone is important, treat them as such. All people are worth the investment.

5. Embrace the change. Reject stagnancy. We have all made positive change over the course of our service term. We all walked onto our campus as very different people. Nicole from ten months ago and the woman writing this are two very different people. I hope that a year from now I have continued this forward momentum and grown even more. I hope that each member of the corps seeks out adventures of the highest caliber. You deserve nothing less than the best.

6. Service really is what life is all about. It is the question and the answer we can all hope to give. At points throughout the year, I remembered one of the first things I heard from my Unit Leader Justin. He asked, “What is your definition of service?” I've reflected many times on this question, and I always come back to Justin's answer, “Service is when you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” 

Nicole and her team, Ocean 6 at FEMA Corps graduation

I have found myself reflecting on this statement often throughout the year. Each day, I urge you to reflect on this. When was the last time you truly served? When was the last time you genuinely gave, be it your time, your strength, or anything else, selflessly to someone who could never repay you? On the days you cannot answer this question, I urge you even more to find a way to serve, to continue what you have started. Don’t stop trying to make this world a better place. I urge you to see the positive changes you have made in yourself, love the person you have become, recognize your successes. You are more than enough. Keep these bonds you have created. Continue to grow and move forward. 

One of my favorite poets, Andrea Gibson, writes, “Become the door that opens, that keeps the people hoping, and don’t just point the way, become the path that leads them there, because if you’re gonna change the world, you've got to start with you.”

Nicole graduated from FEMA Corps this summer and has started working at a summer camp in Holmes, New York.  After finishing up her time there, she will be heading off to Sacramento to complete a year of service as a traditional NCCC Team Leader. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps, please visit: www.nationalservice.gov/nccc.

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Responding to Disasters

August 4, 2014, 8:33 am

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AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary August theme is Disaster Services. During this month, AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps members are reflecting on their disaster services projects. 

An American flag flying in Wessington Springs, SD

My name is Kristina, and I am the proud team leader for Oak 1, a team of 10 from the North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa. Only a few short days before our scheduled departure for our round 3 project, we were chosen to respond to an EF2 Tornado that touched ground in the small, yet resilient town of Wessington Springs, SD. We worked alongside the Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, an organization that not only responds to disasters, but tends to other social affairs like refugee/immigration counseling, credit/finance counseling, and adoption/foster placement.

Pulling in to Wessington Springs for the first time was like an earthly encompassment of a movie from the 1950s. Everything seemed to have its place; people waved and smiled as we drove by, yards were trimmed and utilized by little ones basking in their fresh summer freedom, and the small strip of store fronts were closed long before twilight. The clean calmness of the town wasn't what the team expected when asked to dedicate a month’s time to disaster response. From the surface, it lacked chaos, emotion, and visible destruction.

It didn't take long to figure out that the lack of the aforementioned wasn't something that was absent at all; it was only masked by the sheer emotional strength, dedication, and love that the people of Wessington Springs had in their hearts and hands.

Destruction caused by a tornado in Wessington Springs, SD. Kristina's team responded to the city and assisted the residents in recovering from  the disaster.

Although we arrived only ten short days after the tornado claimed its path through the town, thousands of volunteers from surrounding communities, including the National Guard, gifted their time and heavy machinery to conduct a timely cleanup of homes and trees that succumbed to the storm. The team realized that there was beauty behind this all; the leftover destruction wasn't what we expected because this town wasn't the norm. Although multiple homes were flattened by the tornado or condemned, the townspeople didn't focus on what they had lost. They chose to be thankful for their lives, for what possessions they had left, and began moving forward immediately.

Personally, the most challenging part of this project was not the work itself. The long hours moving heavy debris in 90 degree weather, raking for small pieces of glass, roofing, and insulation, battling ticks and chiggers while searching through tall grass for all things inorganic; these were not the challenges. The real challenge was becoming acquainted with the people whose property we worked on. Having them tell their story while picking up fragments of sheetrock that was painted in shades of pink and purple that obviously once made up the walls of their little girl’s room. Seeing how tired they were, but how much drive and hope they had to become settled again. Watching a family as they stood across the street from the excavator that was busy tearing down their damaged home, room by room.  Meeting kids that have become afraid of the siren that wailed daily to signify noon. Accepting food and kind words from people who amongst the misery and disarray of losing their home, vehicles, and everything besides their foundation, managed to find the time and energy to ensure that we were comfortable and welcomed in their town. That was the challenge. I couldn't help but wish I could spend more time there attempting to right every woe that these amazing people had faced.

This type of work can really cause one’s equilibrium to dance like an EKG reading; there were so many ups and downs. The team took time every day to collect themselves however they chose. Some cooked, while others watched movies, drew, or took a nap. Whatever outlet they opted for, we all acknowledged the importance of having that time to disconnect. Personally, I decompressed by going for evening walks or morning runs; there was something about the town at these two times that really eased my mind.

Kristina, team leader of Oak 1 from the North Central Region

I am proud to say that we left this town with more friends than we arrived with, and that our sweat, cuts, bruises, and sore muscles were the result of some of the hardest and most rewarding work that we had encountered. It is impossible to summarize my disaster project in just one simple sentence, but I can say that it has opened my eyes to the endless potential that is derived through the human desire to care, love, and serve; something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 

For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps disaster services efforts, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc or email anccc@cns.gov. 

A First Impression in Disaster

August 7, 2014, 10:40 am

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During their first round, FEMA Corps Blue 5 served on DR-4168, the Washington Flooding and Mudslides, which occurred in Oso, Washington on March 22, 2014.

Driving for two days in a 15-passenger van (aptly named Purgatory), we REALLY just wanted to get there and begin work. We also knew that a disaster had just occurred while we were in our initial training, so we hoped that we would get to be a part of the response efforts.

Debris from the landslide in Oso, WA

Nothing about our first day of work was what we had remotely thought would happen. For starters, we arrived at an underground bunker surrounded with barbed wire fences, concrete barricades, and a security checkpoint. That should have been our first clue right there that we were in for an atypical situation for a freshly-deployed FEMA Corps team. So we jumped right in and got to work…for the next 12 hours, another surprise that we weren't anticipating. The work was sporadic, but monumentally interesting and fast-paced. Since the disaster itself was just ramping up, our jobs hadn’t fully formed yet, adding to our challenge of figuring out what we were supposed to be doing. Blue 5, we’re not in Kansas anymore.

FEMA Corps Blue 5

Working 12 hours days, six days a week, commuting at least two hours a day, physical training three times a week (we didn’t realize PT is suspended if you’re working disaster hours), making food at 10:30 at night, going to sleep at 11:30 p.m., waking up at 5 a.m. the next day was extremely intense living. FEMA staff would ask us how living in the Girl Scout Camp was and our reply was always, “We’re not sure, we haven’t seen in it in daylight.” Those first two weeks were easily the most challenging part of working on an active disaster.

FEMA Corps Blue 5 members working on a project

Despite the adversity, our team remained strong. Learning quickly, we integrated ourselves completely into FEMA External Affairs for the SR530 Slide. So much so that it took everyone around us by surprise. Our efficiency, precision, products, rapid adaption, versatility, drive, and enthusiastic attitudes was far beyond even what we realized we could accomplish under those less than ideal circumstances. Overall, our team considers ourselves to be one of the luckiest.  We not only worked with great people, but we felt that we helped, saw our products within the community, and witnessed first-hand how much FEMA really helps disaster survivors, which, at the end of the day, is what it’s all about. 

If you are interested in learning more about FEMA Corps, or applying to serve, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/femacorps, or contact anccc@cns.gov with questions.

Stories From the Field

August 13, 2014, 8:53 am

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Throughout August, AmeriCorps is reflecting on disaster service. These FEMA Corps members responded to the Arkansas tornadoes earlier this year.

Cassandra Ly

FEMA Corps member Cassandra Ly is interviewed by a local TV station

Intimidating, rewarding, fast, and exciting. Those are the four most accurate words that can be used to describe my first round in FEMA Corps. Coming into this round I was not sure what to expect, especially after finding out that we would be working on a pilot project (Ready Steady Strong). Before we even began our project, we were already faced with how quickly things can change in FEMA Corps. Rather than heading to Oklahoma City as planned, we had last minute changes that sent us to Denton, TX instead. Although it was our first experience with being “FEMA flexible”, a mere change of location was only the beginning. It was not until our last few weeks of the round that we were truly faced with what it meant to be “FEMA flexible”.

On April 27, 2014, Arkansas was hit with a tornado that required FEMA’s assistance. On April 28, 2014 Alpine Two was requested in Little Rock, AR. Originally we thought we would be heading out the next morning, but within an hour of finding out that we were requested, word was received that plans had changed and we were expected that very night. Within the next three hours we packed up our office, closed out our work and packed up our belongings at the lodging site. It was a fast paced morning and afternoon, but we did manage to be on the road on time. Within the course of a few hours our mission project changed drastically. We would now be doing what we were trained for.

Despite our six days of Disaster Survivor Assistance training, no training could have prepared me for what being in the field was like. Our days were long and tiring, but being able to help out first hand was incredible. The survivors we worked with amazed me with their smiles, patience, resiliency and kindness despite what they had just been put through. The majority of my work consisted of registration intake, updates and inquiries, but I also did some canvassing – providing information door-to-door to disaster survivors. It was through some of FEMA and FEMA Corps’ canvassing efforts that a FEMA staff member and I were presented the opportunity to be shadowed by a local news crew. All in all this was a round to remember. We were moved to three different states, had two project missions, and got an opportunity to work in our FEMA Corps specific role. These last few months are not some that I will be forgetting anytime soon, and I look forward to the upcoming projects and opportunities that I will be presented.

Shardai Perry

FEMA Corps member Shardai Perry

Beginning our first round working from the Region 6 bungalow was quite a way to kick off the first project. Starting with the building itself that we worked from, which was submerged over several feet underground, and then being introduced to FEMA Connect, which later became Ready, Steady, Strong.

I assumed automatically being placed on a Disaster 

Survivor Assistance Team we would be in the field immediately, but DSAT work comes in all colors, shapes and sizes, one of those being disaster preparedness. That’s where Ready, Steady Strong comes in. My teammates and I, as well as our sister team Tundra 3, composed a 45 minute presentation on disaster preparedness that we would later present to the youth of Oklahoma. After much work, it became a huge success amongst FEMA officials; the staff was very pleased with our final product.

The highlight of my time spent in Texas was at the end of a 

presentation, when I and a few other presenters were given a token from Region 6 as appreciation for our dedication and commitment to Ready, Steady Strong.

Damage caused by the 2014 Arkansas tornadoes

We carried that commitment to Oklahoma where we were able to present to different forms of youth. Just weeks after being in Oklahoma, Arkansas was declared for Federal Assistance and we were on our way. Nothing could have prepared me for the things I would encounter in Arkansas - the amount of damage and devastation was unbelievable. At the same time, the spirit of the people and the town was infectious. I learned what community was working in Vilonia, Arkansas. I also saw the work we did and the impact we had. We registered over 70% of registrants, which was a first ever for DSA team. I couldn’t have been more proud of my team, or to have been a part of my team. Overall, I’d say our first spike was quite the adventure, and it only fed my desire to serve even more. I couldn't be more pumped for our second round!  

Zach Trenz

This photo was taken by our team leader Mario, in the Black Oak community in Arkansas where we were working during the tornado relief efforts.  We went out to this community twice to see the damage and register people for federal assistance.  I heard a lot of their stories, and while working in the Multi-Agency Resource Center, I got to know them even more.  Their entire community was destroyed, swept away by the tornado, and the same thing happened to them 3 years before.

Working with the families that had been affected by the disaster was very rewarding.  I felt like I was really helping them out, and they were all very grateful for the assistance we were providing.  It was amazing to see how the community came together to recover and rebuild after the tornado.  Everyone helped one another, and they were all very grateful for the assistance that we could give them through FEMA.  This experience has really changed me for the better, and has shown me how resilient people can be in the face of a disaster.

If you would like to learn more about FEMA Corps, please visit www.nationalservice.gov/femacorps, or email anccc@cns.gov. 

Fighting Fire With Fire

August 20, 2014, 1:50 pm

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Today's Disaster Services post comes from Rachel in the Southwest Region. Her team is a fire managementteam, assisting with prescribed burns and responding towildfires throughout their service term.

Rachel's fire management team

I had the privilege of being part of the Sun Unit fire management team, we were based out of Fort Collins, Colorado from mid March to late July.  We were working with the USDA Forest Service doing fire mitigation and suppression. My team spent our first 2 weeks in a classroom so we could get our Type II Firefighter certifications and red cards. We learned a lot, and had hands on training so we knew how to operate a fire engine and dig a fire line. We learned how to fight fire aggressively, while simultaneously keeping in mind the necessity for safety and communication out in the field. 

Rachel working a prescribed burn

Our team had been warned months before that our time with the Forest Service would be mentally and physically exhausting, and the people who told us that certainly weren't lying. Each work day brought along new challenges, but being surrounded by such a supportive team definitely helped me get through those longer days. Usually we had to hike long distances to get to our work site, which was then followed by hours of physical labor and then an equally long hike out. Every time we did this we had our fire packs on which can weigh anywhere from 30-45 pounds. They have important things like water, food, a fire shelter, and extra PPE. We also carried our tools and other supplies we might need for any given project.

The first two months we were able to go out on a lot of prescribed burns. These burn projects help get rid of trees that could make fire behavior more extreme.  The days we lit the burn piles were a lot of fun, but they were usually followed by days of "mop up." Essentially mop up required our team to go back to the burn area and check piles to make sure they were no longer hot. The first two months we were with the Forest Service we had burned and secured approximately 100 acres.

When the weather got warmer, we worked on a thinning and clearing project up in the mountains. It was an interesting role reversal, because our time was then spent creating burn piles that the firefighters will light this upcoming winter. A lot of chain sawing was done to cut down dead trees in the area, and this will provide protection to nearby homes and towns in the event that there is a fire.

One major theme throughout the entire experience was the need to be "fire ready" at all times. We were warned early on that we could be called to respond to a fire at any given moment. Every day when we went to our worksite, we always packed like we would not be back to our housing for 2 weeks. Overall though, the fire season was pretty uneventful because of all the snow and rainfall. Once we were called to an unattended campfire, and there were a couple of times we were sent out on a fire only to find out on our way there that it was a false alarm. It’s crazy how much our adrenaline would start pumping whenever we heard word that there was a smoke report or potential fire in the area.

There was only one fire in our area throughout the 4 months we

Rachel's team hiking out to their work site

were near Fort Collins. It was close to 4 acres in size, and it had been caused by a lightning strike. Thanks to the help of other firefighting crews in the area it was quickly contained, and our team helped with mop up on the following days to make sure it was completely cold. It was also fairly close to a residential area, so it was really rewarding for our team to know that we played a part in protecting a community from immediate danger. The 12-16 hour days were definitely difficult, and I can only imagine how exhausting it must be when there are larger fires that require weeks of constant work.

Overall, my time with the Forest Service was one of the most challenging and exhausting experiences I could have imagined. I had no idea that I would try out for the firefighter team when I signed up for AmeriCorps NCCC, but I’m so glad that I did. I had the chance to learn a lot, and I pushed myself physically and mentally every day. Even though we had no idea what each day would bring, we stayed positive and kept our focus on the impact we were making. My team worked hard to help protect the communities in and around the national forests. I am so proud of us for what we managed to accomplish.

Are you interested in serving on a fire management team? Want to learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC? Visit www.nationalservice.gov/nccc or email us at anccc@cns.gov!

AmeriCorps and the American Red Cross: 20-Year Partners in Disaster Response

August 26, 2014, 11:59 am

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This post originally appeared on the Corporation for National and Community Service blog: http://bit.ly/1tFJ8wF

By Gail McGovern


Red Cross CEO says national service members are among the most enthusiastic and capable community responders 


Over the past 20 years, the American Red Cross has been proud to work with hundreds of AmeriCorps members across the country in responding to disasters large and small, helping people prepare for emergencies, supporting disaster recovery programs and teaching life-saving skills.

Since its founding in 1881, the American Red Cross has been preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and turning compassion into meaningful action. AmeriCorps, which was founded 20 years ago, shares this commitment to mobilize people into extraordinary action and has been an important partner.

Hundreds of members have served in AmeriCorps programs at Red Cross locations throughout the country in the past 20 years, presenting disaster preparedness education at schools, community groups, and local events. Citizens learn how to prepare for disasters with the proper supplies and emergency kits, how to practice a family emergency plan, and train in life-saving skills such as CPR and First Aid.

The relationship between the Red Cross and AmeriCorps has served to strengthen the Red Cross, providing both meaningful service for AmeriCorps members as well as hope and comfort in times of crisis to thousands.

Kaleena Wright, who served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Red Cross in Quincy, IL, from 2007-2008 to build community disaster preparedness, remembers the impact of her work: “One of the greatest moments in my time with the Red Cross was that moment directly after a presentation to a community partner and you see the glimmer of new knowledge in the crowd. Knowing that the information I shared was important and would continue to be important no matter where they lived, where they were in their lives, made the moment all the better.”

In addition, more than 1,500 AmeriCorps members have deployed with us on disasters large and small across our nation since 1994. Whether it’s a single-family disaster in a local community or a major national disaster such as Superstorm Sandy, tornadoes, floods or wildfires, AmeriCorps members have worked with us to bring help and hope to people in need.

When it comes to disaster response, Red Cross AmeriCorps members are among the most enthusiastic and capable community responders on an assignment. All members serving with the Red Cross start their program year in training to assist with Disaster Response, and they put that training to use helping people. Members deploy in under 24 hours and arrive to the disaster areas ready to serve in a variety of roles – including shelter operations, disaster assessment, mobile feeding units, and client casework – always willing to serve where the need is greatest.

In meeting the needs of others in preparedness, response and recovery, AmeriCorps members have proven to be so valuable that many have been asked to remain a part of the American Red Cross in full time capacities. One of the most rewarding aspects of our partnership is to see firsthand how an AmeriCorps experience prepares members for a lifetime of service. Throughout the country, AmeriCorps alums work in a variety of Red Cross staff roles, and often, a staff member’s Red Cross story is inseparable from their AmeriCorps service.

Take for example Harley Jones, AmeriCorps alum and Regional Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. When asked what impact AmeriCorps service had on his career, Harley responded, “The biggest impact I felt was my work in providing disaster relief directly to people in need. At both local fires and in disasters around the country I will never forget the faces of the people we assisted when they needed us. Spending a year of my life focusing on something other than myself was the most rewarding of all.”

The relationship between the Red Cross and AmeriCorps has served to strengthen the Red Cross, providing both meaningful service for AmeriCorps members as well as hope and comfort in times of crisis to thousands.

The 20th anniversary of the founding of AmeriCorps is a time to offer congratulations to a vital partner and a heartfelt thanks to every AmeriCorps member, current or past, who has worked with us. Your service has made this nation a better place.

In times of emergency, people across our nation turn to the Red Cross, and the Red Cross depends on the important service of AmeriCorps members. I very much look forward to seeing what the next 20 years of partnership will hold.

Gail McGovern is President and CEO of the American Red Cross.