Memorial Day of Service

To kick off the summer right, a dozen alums gathered at Food for All DC to get our service on.

 We spent the beautiful Saturday morning at Food for All DC.  Food for All is a local non-profit that delivers food to DC residents who suffer from physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to go grocery shopping. Fortified by donuts and bagels, we worked to assemble the boxes and deliver them to those in need.  

 

As we left, the volunteer coordinator thanked us for our service. As the summer months start, he said, their volunteer supply grows thin. If you’re interested in volunteering with Food For All, they need volunteers every Saturday from 9 am to noon. They pack boxes for the first hour and do deliveries for the next two hours. Those with cars are especially appreciated. But, even if you don’t have a car, navigators are needed to help drivers. Click here for more information.

Their food supply is also dwindling. Usually they pack different boxes for diabetics and those on dialysis, but due to food shortages that Saturday, they simply packed the same boxes for everyone. If you are interested in donating non-perishable food items, you can bring items to any Alums event and we will deliver them for you. Stay tuned for more details!

It was wonderful to gather with other Alums and serve our local community. With work and life, it can be tough to find the time to serve – or to know where to serve. I can remember waking up a few months after my term of service ending and realizing that I hadn’t done any service in three months!                               

Here at Americorps Alums, DC Chapter, we’re hoping to organize service projects every other month. We hope you’ll join us when you can – to give back to our community, to connect with other Alums, and enjoy a morning (or afternoon) of service. It was a fantastic way to start off my Memorial Day Weekend.

 If you’re interested in helping plan future service events or have a great idea for a project, the Service Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, June 5 from 5:30-6:00 pm at the Farragut North Starbucks (1001 Connecticut Avenue). All alums are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about the DC Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums, visit our Facebook Page, Follow us on twitter @acalumsdc, or e-mail americorpsalumsdc@gmail.com.

Building a Community with Alums in Government

One of the first jokes I heard after moving to DC a few months ago was “Do you know who is never unemployed in DC? – government workers and metro escalator repairman.” I quickly learned that yes, the metro escalators are perpetually being fixed and DC is home to a large number of government workers.

The latter was the inspiration for hosting a networking event for DC Alums that work in government on May 16^th. The event was organized by the DC Chapter Leadership Board and sponsored by Points of Light, which is AmeriCorps Alums umbrella organization. The event was a huge success and over 40 alums from a variety of government agencies from the Department of Defense to Peace Corp attended. We ate delicious food, enjoyed each other’s company, and got some AmeriCorps Alums swag. People stayed an hour after the event laughing and getting to know one another.

We were also lucky enough to have two guest speakers. First was Kate Roetzer, Senior Legislative Assistant to Congressman David Price (NC) who is the Co-Chair of the House of Representative National Service Caucus. She gave us an update on the current state of AmeriCorps and the National Service Caucus.  

The second was Ben Duda, executive Director of AmeriCorps alums who gave a snapshot of his vision for the future of the organization. Ben also facilitated an open forum where we talked about what we were looking for out of AmeriCorps Alums and the DC Chapter. We concluded the discussion with updates on upcoming events – service event anyone? Our next service event is this Saturday! Register here – http://mayservice.eventbrite.com

However, for me, the most valuable part of the evening was the sense of community we started to build. I had some great conversations and went home with several business cards of people I am going to follow up with. When I moved to DC eight months ago I only knew one person, so events like these help me make connections and build relationships. Getting together with fellow Alums is so great because we all share a common experience and outlook towards service.

This was the first time the chapter organized an event specifically for alums that work in government and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The group expressed interest in meeting quarterly and organizing other events geared towards alums who work in government – something the chapter is going to work on doing.

If you are interested in being involved in future events go to AmeriCorps Alums at www.americorpsalums.org and login or register. Then check out our chapter page and receive updates on what’s happening both locally and nationally with AC Alums.

 If you are interested in joining our board or a committee to help put together events or program email our Board Presidents, Corey and Stefanie at dc@americorpsalums.org.

Meet Your Local Leadership!

Name: Stefanie Vestal
AmeriCorps Service: City Year Rhode Island 2005-2006; City Year Washington, DC 2006-2007
Current Job: Assistant Field Hockey and Basketball coach at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and a professional
tour guide in Washington, DC.  I am currently in the process of
earning a teaching certificate and hope to be working as a teacher in
the fall.

Meet Stefanie Vestal – Chapter Leader

After college I joined City Year Rhode Island and served as the
Project Leader for Community Events where I organized events and
service projects around the state for between 40 – 400 volunteers, as
well as worked in a middle school as a tutor and running an
after-school and Saturday service program.  Because I enjoyed my
service so much and felt like there was much more work to be done, I
decided to continue my AmeriCorps service with City Year Washington,
DC as the Senior Corps Member for Young Heroes.  During that year I
was an assistant teacher in a DC 3rd grade classroom and led a team of
corps members to plan and execute a Saturday Service-Learning program
for 75 middle school students and 25 high school students called Young
Heroes.  For four years after that I remained on staff with City Year
Washington, DC as a program manager, overseeing more than 50
AmeriCorps members during their service years.

How Has Your Service Impacted You?

My AmeriCorps experience is an integral part of my life and my service
has affected nearly every decision I have made as well as helped me to
get additional opportunities since then.  I received an undergraduate
business degree, but after my time in AmeriCorps I reevaluated and
refocused my career path.  I worked for the Girl Scout Council of the
Nation’s Capital during which my AmeriCorps experience not only helped
me get the job, but helped me during my time there.  I work as a high
school field hockey and basketball coach and my experience in City
Year has given me valuable skills that have helped me be successful.

Tell us about your current job/career?

Currently I am a field hockey and basketball coach for Thomas
Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and a professional
tour guide in Washington, DC.  I am currently in the process of
earning a teaching certificate and hope to be working as a teacher in
the fall.

A Little Advice for Alums?

Enjoy the time you have left as an AmeriCorps member and make sure to
highlight all that you did as an AmeriCorps member in your job search
and future steps.  Make sure to evaluate your service to help direct
you to what you do or do not want to do.

Ask me about?

Coaching, sports, community service, planning events and anything
touristy or DC.

Meet Your Local Leadership!

AmeriCorps Alums DC is back! For the next few weeks, we’re introducing you to your local leadership. These dedicated Alums are leading the charge for AmeriCorps Alums in DC.

Name: Corey Jannicelli
Service location/program/year: AmeriCorps National/Direct with Habitat for Humanity 08/09
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, NY
Current occupation: Field Director, Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital

Meet Corey Jannicelli – Chapter Leader

I served a year of AmeriCorps with Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County. As their Volunteer Coordinator, I was in charge of volunteer recruitment along with coordinating over 2,625 volunteers over the course of a year. These volunteers came through church groups, high school and college groups, corporate groups and as individuals. In addition, I greeted volunteers at their arrival and spoke to them about the mission of the organization and the impact their time made on the families they served. Further office tasks included maintaining the affiliates’ volunteer database and website.

How Has Your Service Impacted You?
After graduating college I was interested in perusing a career in the nonprofit sector as a volunteer coordinator. AmeriCorps gave me the perfect experience to test out my career choice and build some actual work experience in the field. I was able to strengthen both my organizational and communication skills while also building up my resume. My AmeriCorps experience also helped me secure a place in the MPA program at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. My AmeriCorps experience spoke highly of my commitment to public service and helped me secure my current position at the Girl Scout Council.

Tell us about your current job/career?
I am currently working as a Field Director for the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. As a Field Director, serve roughly 2200 Girls Scouts and 1200 adult volunteers in the area of Chantilly, Centerville, and Fairfax VA. As part of the membership team I am in charge of recruiting troop leaders and administrative volunteers for the area I serve. I support these volunteers through monthly meetings, contact via phone and internet and fill the role as liaison between the volunteers and the organization. My position also includes building relationships with local schools, churches and other community organizations, in addition to, researching demographic factors.

A Little Advice for Alums?
Often times volunteering does not feel like “work” but as a volunteer you are completing necessary tasks for an organization that would be fulfilled by a paid employee otherwise. Give yourself credit for the hours donated and list service on your resume. Many of the skills used during service (organizing, public speaking, coordinating) are the same skills your future employer is looking for.

Ask me about?
Choosing a graduate program, volunteer coordinating and great hiking opportunities in Northern Virginia.

AmeriCorps Week in Washington, DC

The relaunch of the DC chapter of AmeriCorps Alums continued in March in celebration of AmeriCorps Week, March 10-18.  On March 14 we hosted more than 45 Alums and current members at the Corporation for National and Community Serivce’s office in downtown DC.  The event was a highly interactive workshop on Making an Impact: Career and Professional Development for National Service Alumni led by Denise Riebman, Life After AmeriCorps Trainer and ’94 VISTA Alum.

Using the lens of the shared national service experience, the workshop engaged participants to think proactively about their careers and how to make a larger, lasting impact.   Hands-on activities focused on shifting perspectives about what making an impact means and how to navigate the rapidly changing world, with ever expanding opportunities just waiting around the corner!  Guests came from the Greater DC area including as far out as Leesburg and Baltimore to take part in this exciting opportunity.

The event started with a networking activity and then transitioned into a workshop on Making an Impact.  After that the group broke out into small groups sessions according to the following topics:

Using Your Education Award
Understand How Non-Competitive Eligibility Can Help You Obtain Federal Employment
What AmeriCorps Alums Can Do for You
Graduate School Options
Being an NCCC Team Leader and the Benefits
Translating your Experience, Service and Education into a Resume that Gets Noticed

A survey of the attendees indicated very positive feedback for this session, as well as strong interest in future professional development events so stayed tuned for other  programs coming soon!

AmeriCorps Week Opportunity!

In celebration of AmeriCorps Week 2012 (March 10-18), please join us for a highly interactive workshop on Making an Impact: Career and Professional Development for National Service Alumni conducted by Denise Riebman, (AC*VISTA ’95) National Training Development Manager with Cooking Matters, Share Our Strength.Open to all programs – VISTA, NCCC, and AmeriCorps State/National, this workshop is designed to give you tools, resources and strategies for maximizing your service experience, professional background and education to make an impact. There will also be an opportunity for those who want to learn more about using the Ed Award and taking advantage of Non-Competitive Eligibility (for VISTAs only). Whether you’re currently in AmeriCorps, recent alum or finished service years ago, this workshop is for you!
AmeriCorps Works! Where: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
1201 New York Avenue – 8th Floor When: Wednesday, March 14th
5:30PM Check-in and Networking Activity
6:00 – 8:00PM

Workshop RSVP: VISTAOutreach@cns.gov

How are you spending your Leap Year?

Credit to the AmeriCorps Alums blog for writing the story, but we want to share with our DC chapter too!

29 Things to Do On An Extra Day of Service

February 29, 2012

tags: feb 29, leap year

by Ken Tran

Leap year happens once every four years, which means there’s a whole 24 extra hours for you to do the things you’ve wanted to do during your Lifetime of Service!

Got that to-do list from 2009 that you never got a chance to finish? Wish you had more time to commit to service? Drawing a blank on what you can do first? No worries! We got the ideas for you.

Take advantage of February 29^th by doing these 29 AmeriCorps Alums-related things while you have the extra time!

1. Apply for the Eli Segal Entrepreneurship Award (Today’s the last day!)
2. Register as an AmeriCorps Alum
3. Join your local Alums chapter
4. Write a Blog Post
5. Register  or Join an AmeriCorps Week Events
6. Take a photo for AmeriCorps Works Here
7. Join the AmeriCorps Week Career Panel Webinar
8. File your taxes for free
9. Become a Chapter Leader
10. Upload your Resume to the Career Center
11. Volunteer… duh!
12. Sign Up for Early Bird Alums Registration for NCVS
13. Pick up some great Alums gear to show your service pride!
14. Catch up on all the Linsanity
15. Read a book (or two)!
16. If you’re in DC, join us for a Happy Hour for Good!
17. Develop your  leadership
18. Predict Nicki Minaj’s next wig color
19. Update your LinkedIn Profile
20. Join Alums LinkedIn Group
21. Listen to our February Professional Development Webinar with Paul Schmitz
22. Nominate a youth for the Hasbro Community Action Hero Award
23. Celebrate through Service for Black History Month
24. Get your Right Leg trending like Angelina Jolie
25. Go on a date!
26. Read up on the Life After AmeriCorps Times
27. Submit your BIG Idea for Scholastic’s Be Big Contest
28. Reflect on your AMAZING AmeriCorps Service

And most importantly….  29. BE MORE AWESOME

 

Which of the 29 will you do today? Did we miss something you’ll be doing? Let us know in the comments!

Check out these links

This Friday, February 24 Serve DC is hosting their annual ‘Life After AmeriCorps’ Conference.  At that time we will begin to welcome a new class of AmeriCorps members to our alumni community.  They will all have the opportunity to register for the alumni website, and now is the perfect time for you to register or update your information if you have not done so already:

http://www.americorpsalums.org/

While we are preparing for AmeriCorps week March 10-17 check out some of these links about things going on in other AmeriCorps networks, and also about organizations that are looking to hire qualified AmeriCorps Alums.

http://americorpsalums.wordpress.com/

http://acalumsboston.wordpress.com/

http://urbanteachercenter.org/

And if you know of an AmeriCorps Alum who should be nominated for the prestigious Eli Segal Fellowship, nominations are due on February 29th and can be found here:

http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=2068#CNCS

Looking back on a weekend of Service

The DC Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums kicked off our relaunch over the 2012 MLK Weekend with two very successful events.

First on the 15th, our Sunday Supper event held at the MLK Library brought together 25 AmeriCorps Alums, current AmeriCorps Members, and representatives from a variety of organizations including DC Central Kitchen, Capital Area Food Bank and Share our Strength.  It was an afternoon of connecting with each other and discussing the state of hunger and poverty in our city and country.  We also collected can and non-perishable food items to donate to a local shelter.

On Monday the 16th we arrived early at Dunbar Senior High School to volunteer at City Year Washington, DC’s service day.  Over 115 AmeriCorps Alums were a part of the 900+ volunteers that day serving at Dunbar, Community Academy Public Charter School (CAPCS), the Boys and Girls Club and So Others Might Eat.  We helped to beautify CAPCS with murals and inspirational quotes.  After painting we gathered the Alums for pizza and a great discussion about the state of AmeriCorps, National Service and the funding battle.  Zach Maurin and Morgan St. Jean of ServeNext led a great conversation and answered questions about how Alums can be involved in advocacy.  They also talked about the joining of ServeNext and Service Nation in order to increase our effectiveness and impact.

Thank you to everyone who came out last weekend and we look forward to seeing lots of you at our next Chapter event; a Happy Hour on Thursday, February 29 from 6-9pm at La Tasca in Gallery Place/Chinatown.

Happy New Year and MLK Weekend Activities

Happy New Year Metro DC Alums,

We hope you had a fantastic holiday season and are now looking forward to a bright new year! In that spirit, we wanted to share a couple opportunities we have been working on to bring alums and friends throughout Metro DC together to recognize and serve for MLK Day 2012. Our signature event, The Sunday Supper, will take place on Sunday, Jan. 15, so even if you have to work on MLK Day you can still participate! Learn more and sign up below.

Don’t forget to join and share our FB page and twitter handle so that we can continue to spread the word.
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/dcamericorpsnetwork
Twitter – http://twitter.com/acalumsdc

Please also share our new blog with other local and DC AmeriCorps alums:                        http://americorpsalumsdc.wordpress.com/

We hope to see you next weekend!

- The Metro DC Chapter Team
___________________________________________________________

Signature Event:  Metro DC “Sunday Supper” – Sunday, Jan. 15

What: Join local advocates, concerned citizens, alums and current AmeriCorps members as we gather for meaningful dialogue, connection and reflection about hunger in our our city and region. We’ll hear from folks at DC Central Kitchen and other organizations and individuals tackling food issues and discuss how to make people more aware and how to take effective action. As well, we’ll be collecting canned and boxed food items to donate locally. Join us and bring your family/friends!

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – Room: MLK Room A-10 – 901 G St. NW, Washington DC 20001 (Gallery Place/Chinatown or Metro Center Metro stops)

When: Sunday, January 15, 2012 – 2 PM to 4 PM

RSVP here:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dExnUGJiRGQzM01GQWM2Ri03eW1qUlE6MQ

Questions or suggestions? Email Corey: cjannicelli@gmail.com

Note: We won’t actually be providing supper, but if you’re interested in continuing the conversation after the event, a few folks will be gathering at a restaurant nearby to eat!
___________________________________________________________

MLK Day of Service at Dunbar High School – Monday, Jan. 16

What: AmeriCorps Alums will be joining City Year Washington DC for their annual MLK Service Day. It will include revitalizing Dunbar High School, the oldest Boys and Girls Club in the District, Community Academy Public Charter School, and So Others Might Eat. Many projects include painting and light construction and comfortable clothing is recommended! In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, we hope this service event will be an opportunity for volunteers to help the community.

When: Monday, January 16, 2012; 8:30am – 2:00pm; this includes service and a luncheon about the future of AmeriCorps and National Service

Where: Dunbar High School – 1301 New Jersey Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20001 Closest Metro Stops:New York Ave (Red)Mt. Vernon Square (Green & Yellow)

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dExnUGJiRGQzM01GQWM2Ri03eW1qUlE6MQ

E-mail Stefanie at stef.vestal@gmail.com with any questions.