Shayna Canty didn't know what she was doing with her life — and then AmeriCorps happened. Now she's a two-time state service commissioner, a national Youth 250 representative, and one of the most energetic advocates for young people in community engagement you'll ever hear.

Based in the Pocono Mountains and working as communications coordinator for her local Meals on Wheels, Shayna talks about what it really looks like to grow a life of service from a single volunteer coordinator role. From career fairs to Girl Scout events to statewide forums on youth civic engagement — she's building the pipeline, one conversation at a time.

Her big idea: service is an "open definition." You don't need a formal structure. Knock on your neighbor's door. Walk a kid to school. Share a skill. Show up. Self-activation is a superpower.

For Gen Z and younger — feeling like the world is too big to change? Shayna's got something to say about that. 👊
"You never know where volunteerism is going to take you." — Shayna Canty
#StillGettingThingsDone

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 🤝 This episode is part of a special series produced in partnership with 250&Beyond: Our American Story and our partners:

The National Museum and Center for Service — A national organization developing a truly national museum and center dedicated to honoring and inspiring service in ALL its forms.

Independent Sector — The only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive.

WETA — Founded in 1961, WETA is the leading public broadcasting station in the nation's capital, serving their community with educational, cultural, news, and public affairs programs and services. 
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AmeriCorps Connections lifts up real stories of AmeriCorps alumni — 100+ featured! Honest, unfiltered truth about national service. These alums aren't just reflecting — they're still getting things done! We believe these voices deserve to be heard, and we're just getting started!