AmeriCorps Alum Feature: Meet Julie

by Meghan Oakley

category: Featured Alum

Published July 31, 2009 @ 07:37AM PT

Name: Julie Balasalle
Program Served In: Massachusetts Promise Fellowship
Years Served: 2005-2006
Location Served: Dorchester, MA (Boston)

What made you want to join AmeriCorps?

When I was in high school I joined an after school program that was supported by Mass. Promise Fellows. This opportunity literally changed my life because before this point I was not academically engaged and did not really see college as an option for me. The fellows really helped me see that it was an option for me and helped me through the entire process of applying and making the decision, which was not a part of our program. They believed in me and saw that I had potential, and went out of their way to help me see that in myself. They pushed me to look outside the box and look at schools outside of Boston, which most kids in BPS don't do. I went to a great school in North Carolina, Guilford College, that was exactly what I needed. Without the support, mentorship, and commitment, of the Mass. Promise Fellows (who I still keep in touch with)I really don't know where I would be today.
When I was graduating in 2005, I knew I wanted to give back to the program that had opened the door to my amazing college experience. Serving as a fellow was the best way for me to pass on what other's had given to me.

What your experience serving like?

My service year was challenging and rewarding. I worked with a group of youth in Dorchester where I grew up, and its pretty safe to say that I learned more than the youth did! At first I was nervous and focused on building rapport with the group, but eventually I learned how to relax and really support them in their goals. The model was about youth leadership, and learning how to foster that while doing it was challenging but so rewarding.
I was lucky to have phenomenal support from the staff at the Mass. Promise Fellowship who trained on everything you could ever think of in supporting youth development. That high level of support and the camaraderie of the other Promise Fellows was priceless during my year.

How did your experience in AmeriCorps relate to your career path?

Being on the other side of program planning and implementation was an eye opening experience for me, and one that has definitely changed the way I think about my career. My service year helped me recognize my passion for youth development and supporting youth to recognize and build on their potential. I worked in youth supporting non profits following my year, but then saw that I needed more clinical skills to be able to really understand what services are best and most effective for positive youth support, particularly for at risk youth. That led me to where I am now, which is pursuing a MSW degree at Tulane University in New Orleans. Eventually I would like to use all my experience to effective change on a macro policy level, but only after experiencing what is happening and effective and not effective on the ground.

What advice would you give to people considering or going into AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps will change your life. Its a challenging and demanding experience, but one that will help you grow in ways you wouldn't have expected. I would recommend thinking strategically about your AmeriCorps service not as just a resume builder, but one that has the potential to expose you to great personal and professional opportunities. Using your AmeriCorps experience as a holistic way of thinking of personal and career development is strategic, smart, and useful. Even if a field is not what you eventually may want to go into, what skills will this service year give you? If you are working with youth, how will that experience help you in management skills? Organization? Think about your strengths and weaknesses, and what service position will give you an opportunity to strengthen what you excel at and work on the things you feel you need to. Although the monetary issue is not ideal, the investment in your growth is worth it.

I would also recommend people evaluate the specific AmeriCorps program they are thinking of doing. They are definitely all not the same, and offer different perks and benefits. One key thing is to see how much support the staff of the actual AmeriCorps program gives to its members. Do they have monthly trainings? I would also recommend asking to speak to alums of the program to get a different perspective as well. Its a year of your life, so you want to make sure you get what you need and know what to expect (as much as possible) going in.

Picture provide by Julie.

Be The Early-Bird, Get The Worm

by Meghan Oakley

category: Tips for Applicants

Published July 29, 2009 @ 12:57PM PT

Plan to start early, and then start two months earlier.

One of the things that I have noticed throughout my time overseeing an AmeriCorps program is that recruitment and placement of members usually starts MUCH earlier than the actual start of service date. For example, the members through my program start in mid-August, but are recruited as early as February.

At a time when AmeriCorps is receiving far more applicants than they have service opportunities, it is more important than ever that you get in tune with application timelines.

Want a position that starts in January 2010? Start applying now. Thinking about doing AmeriCorps after you graduate? Consider starting research and applications at the beginning of the next semester.

Even if an organization does not have any AmeriCorps positions open, it never hurts to research positions to make contact with the program officer. I already have a list of people who I will be sending our 2010-2011 position openings to... just because they sent me any email.

You know how they say that in some ways, you are "always" looking for your next job? The same can be said for AmeriCorps positions.

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Worm

PS Second day in a row that the pic I pick is food... I feel a theme coming on. :)

It's Not Just For "Kids"

by Meghan Oakley

category: Tips for Applicants

Published July 28, 2009 @ 05:07PM PT

Unlike your favorite sugary cereal, AmeriCorps is not just for kids. It's a common misconception. I'm not sure if is because there is a small number of AmeriCorps programs that do have age requirements (i.e. AmeriCorps*NCCC is specifically for 18-24-year-olds), or if it is because so many people choose to serve right after high school or college, but AmeriCorps has consistently been misunderstood by the general public to be just a program for young people.

Not only are AmeriCorps programs for people of all ages, but there are three great ways that people who have been out of school for a while or have already established their careers can use AmeriCorps to set themselves on a new path:

1. To switch from another sector into the nonprofit sector. If you have a lot of experience in the for-profit sector, but feel like you need some volunteer or public service experience under your belt and get a foot-in the door at a nonprofit organization, an AmeriCorps position might be for you.
2. To return to the job market after a long time of not working. An AmeriCorps position can help you update your skills and re-expose you to the professional world.
3. To give back to your community after retirement from another job or sector.

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=trix%20cereal&w=all

Why Your Application Might Be Turning People Off

by Meghan Oakley

category: Tips for Applicants

Published July 27, 2009 @ 02:47PM PT

It happens more than you think... a hiring supervisor is looking through a batch of AmeriCorps applications and because there are far more applications than time to read them, she has to make a quick judgement by the look of the application on whether is it in the peverbial garbage, or if it is going to get read.

Just like a resume (which we often write, proof, proof, and proof again), an application for AmeriCorps needs to be flawless in a lot of ways to even get to the point where someone is going to sit and hear what you are going to say.

Here are a few of the easiest ways that your AmeriCorps application will never get read:

1. Your personal information (i.e. name, address, etc) has typos, incorrect capitalization, or generally looks like you rushed through it
2. Parts of your application are incomplete, like your "Interests" section, or dates or information in parts of the main sections
3. In the "Skills" section, you indicate that you have a skill, but do not elaborate on it or how you developed it
4. When writing about previous volunteer or work experiences, you fail to include important information like dates, why you stopped, and your main responsibilities
5. Your Motivational Statement is too short (1 sentence) or too long (1,000 words) and doesn't seem to be well-written with a coherent theme
6. Your references aren't appropriate for the application (i.e. your mom... yes, I have seen that).

The most important thing to remember when you are completing your application is that it is just like a resume.... the way that it is presented tells the reader a lot about you. Invest time into your application, proof it, and have others look at it too.

Treat it as seriously as you would a cover letter or resume, and you won't have worry about being sent to the "don't bother reading me" pile.

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=women++turned+off&m=text

AmeriCorps Alum Profile: Meet Bernadette

by Meghan Oakley

category: Featured Alum

Published July 23, 2009 @ 05:00AM PT

Name: Bernadette Smith
Program Served In:  EcoWatch AmeriCorps through the Atlanta Outward Bound Center
Years Served: 1998-1999
Location Served: Atlanta, GA

What made you want to join AmeriCorps?

I have a serious idealistic streak and as a college student, found that some of my greatest lessons came through service to others.  I had no idea what to do with my undergraduate film degree and AmeriCorps seemed like a great extension of the service I'd been active with as a student.

What your experience serving like?

I learned a lot.  My program had a youth development component and we served in teams.  Prior to AmeriCorps, I'd served in many high-functioning teams, and my experience with EcoWatch taught me great skills related to problem solving, conflict resolution, patience and discipline.  Some of my former team members are coming to my wedding in three weeks, fantastic lifelong friends.  Additionally, my AmeriCorps program brought us on a few Outward Bound expeditions, so I learned about leadership in the wilderness and how to live outside my comfort zone.  It was phenemonal exploring the Southeastern US through backpacking trips and learning through experiential education.

How did your experience in AmeriCorps relate to your career path?

My former Program Director took a position with a burgeoning nonprofit, and hired me after I graduated from EcoWatch.  My position there had lots of projects but one of the biggest things I did was plan a large annual conference.  I learned about event planning, learned I was very good at it, and excellent at remaining calm.  In 2004, I started my own wedding and event planning firm at the age of 27.

What advice would you give to people considering or going into AmeriCorps?

Take it seriously but have fun.  Don't look at it as way to delay the real world, because when AmeriCorps is over, the real world will still be waiting.  If you are looking at a program with teams, keep your head clear, stay out of drama and stay true to yourself!

How You Can Advocate For AmeriCorps... RIGHT NOW

by Meghan Oakley

category: AmeriCorps in the News

Published July 22, 2009 @ 09:36AM PT

So at this point, the fact that the Obama Administration is a fan of public service (i.e. Serve America Act, etc) is old news. But now that the photo opps are over, the real work begins. Now we get to see who will come through on their promises and who just jumped in the picture for the publicity.

President Obama has proposed $1.149 billion for the Corporation for National Service (which runs AmeriCorps, Learn & Serve America, and Senior Corps). This is actually a lot less than folks in the field of civic engagement had expected.

Once the President proposed his budget, the House of Representatives’ Labor, Health, and Human Services Committee recommended a bill that gave almost $100 million less than Obama recommended. And now that the House is about to mark-up the bill, there are amendments being put forth by Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Dennis Rehberg (R-MT) (at least!) to decrease funding further.

This is your chance to be an advocate for AmeriCorps. Call your Congressmen and Congresswomen and ask them to fund Obama’s budget for the Corporation for National Service at its full amount.

Don’t know who your rep is? Go to: www.house.gov.

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=fist&m=text

Why You Don't Have to be a Saint to Join AmeriCorps

by Meghan Oakley

Published July 21, 2009 @ 09:42AM PT

A common misconception out there is that there is that you need to have a lot of previous volunteer or community service experience to be a good candidate for AmeriCorps. I’m here to tell you that is simply not the case.

Although prior volunteer experience might be a requirement for an AmeriCorps position, this is not always the case. A lot of projects are looking for applicants with skills that can be developed in a myriad of areas. Let’s look at AmeriCorps*NCCC for an example:

When applying to NCCC, you want to focus on your experiences working with a team, adapting to or traveling to new places, and being flexible. Since NCCC members work, travel, and live together, the program is not necessarily just looking for people with volunteer experience & skills, but people with the leadership potential to work well on a team.

Teamwork, flexibility, and adaptability are three of the main things that they are looking for in an applicant. You can use the experiences that you have had in leadership situations to illustrate your capacity in those areas.

So, if you find yourself passionate about AmeriCorps, but with not a lot of previous volunteer experience, this is the best way to market yourself as a candidate:

• Figure out the specific skills that the project or program is looking for
• Show how your other (i.e. not necessarily volunteer) experiences have developed your skills in this area
• Connect how a year of service will help you improve these skills, learn more, and become a more engaged citizen

Also, don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t have a lot of community service experience. We aren’t all the Blessed Mother Teresa, but we do all need to start somewhere.

Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=blessed+mother+teresa&m=text