AmeriCorps Connections

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Sana Shaike

Sana shared her journey from discovering AmeriCorps through recruitment officers at Berkeley to teaching in Baltimore City as part of her service. She was drawn to AmeriCorps' mission of helping others with limited opportunities and resources. Sana also worked for Teach for America (TFA), where she was a coach supporting other teachers. She highlighted the robust alumni network and support system in place for TFA members, which helped her transition to a career in policy and eventually a Ph.D. Sana and host, Nicki, discussed imposter syndrome, the influence of supportive educators, and the importance of authentic self-expression. Sana emphasized the role of relationships in creating a sense of belonging and the importance of feeling valued in order for talent to thrive in a company. She also focused on organizational change and transformation driven by the needs of the people, and her current efforts in talent retention. In the end, they discussed the importance of not allowing work to define one's identity, the need to prioritize personal relationships and self-care, and the challenges people face in navigating complex systems.

• Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:
  • DEI Work Involves:
        1. Identifying the Root Issues
        2. Defining the Purpose: What Impact Do You Aim to Achieve? What's the Driving Force Behind         
            Your Program or Initiative in addressing these issues?
        3. Identifying Key Advocates: Who Needs to Be Engaged? Who Are the Crucial Stakeholders?.
        4. Crafting an Effective Strategy for Implementation
        5. Establishing Evaluation Mechanisms

Sana's Reflections: The realm of DEI encompasses recruitment, retention, and combatting attrition. DEI offices serve as subject matter experts, collaborating across various facets of an organization to tackle the complex challenge of cultivating and maintaining diversity, thus amplifying the voices we seek to empower.

The Core Tenet of AmeriCorps Programs and Teach For America is to Provide Individuals with Opportunities for Growth and Development. "Give people a chance!"

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1.  Sana expressed hope for the community, emphasizing the importance of amplifying voices and experiences, not being cynical, and continuing to make an impact. 
2. Give people a chance!

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - 
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni Network with Service Year - 
• AmeriCorps Opportunities 
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award - 
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring - 

Shout out!

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni) 

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Listen to this podcast here - AmeriCorps Connections

Today we talk with Dr. Jena Pugh
Connect with Dr. Jena on LinkedIn (say hi and mention you’re an AmeriCorps alum!)
Dr. Jena Website (sign up for her newsletter if you’re thinking about graduate school)
Dr. Jena on Medium
Dr. Jena on Pinterest

Dr. Jena, a first-generation college student, shares her experience with City Year in Columbus, Ohio which started her career trajectory into education. She then served with Ohio Campus Compact as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) at the start of a three-year program aimed at improving college access efforts for adults and increasing college and financial literacy for elementary and middle school students. The program was a collaboration of three VISTAs serving at a local technical college, a public university, and a private college. She went to graduate school and started a career in higher education after her two years of service.

After working at The Ohio State University for 12 years where she read thousands of applications, Dr. Jena now helps working professionals on their journey to graduate school.

 
AmeriCorps alumni considering graduate school or preparing their applications can follow and connect with Dr. Jena for advice on the process.

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

• Dr. Jena is Ohio born-and-raised, she now calls Columbus home
• After College - at Denison University, she served with City Year Columbus OH (because just wanted to help people) -
  • Her big takeaway from City Year was: "You never know what someone is going through"
• She applied to graduate school and DIDN’T GET IN the first time! (because she had no idea how to put together a good application)
• That led her to serve with Ohio Campus Compact at technical college
• Dr. Jena's master's and doctorate (EdD) degrees are in Higher Education & Student Affairs from The Ohio State University 
• She underscores the importance of data collection in education and service-based work, "If you want to ask for something you need to have data to back it up".

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1.  National Day of Service where AmeriCorps Alumni Volunteer in their local community

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - 
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni Network with Service Year - 
• AmeriCorps Opportunities 
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award - 
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring - 

Shout out!

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni) 

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Chad Driscoll
Connect with Chad on LinkedIn
Chad on Twitter X

Nicki and Chad Driscoll discussed their experiences in AmeriCorps on the podcast 'AmeriCorps Connections'. Chad contributes the importance of community involvement and shared his journey from observing his parents' community involvement to becoming an AmeriCorps member. They also discussed their respective career paths in the national service world and the value of the AmeriCorps experience. Chad highlighted the need for individuals with a background in financial and grant management, while Nicki emphasized the importance of support from America's Service Commissions for AmeriCorps members. They also discussed disaster management and response, emphasizing the importance of researching opportunities and affiliating with organizations like VOADs. Chad and Nicki discussed strategies for dealing with different scenarios of individuals in difficult situations, and they emphasized the importance of understanding the situation before taking action. They also discussed opportunities for engagement with the America's Service Commission and its public policy arm, the States for Service Coalition.

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

• Iowa is home for Chad!
• Served as an AmeriCorps member with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Davenport, IA
• After service year, became program director of the program
• National Service can be and is a career path. 
• AmeriCorps Program Officer, along with Disaster lead at the Iowa Commission 
  • AmeriCorps in a disaster!!!! 
  • Want to participate during a disaster, find your local VOAD 
    • DO NOT JUST SHOW UP, DO NOT SEND blankets, pillows, teddy bears....
    • Cash is king immediately after a disaster
• Volunteer Iowa for 10 years! Then moved on to America's Service Commissions (ASC)
• ASC memberships 
• States for Service  
• Chad is City Council Member for Bondurant, Iowa Vote for CHAD if you live in the city! 

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1.  Reach out to your local commission! How can you help! 
2.  AmeriCorps 30 years strong - people serving in their communities addressing the needs on the ground.
3.  Where are all the AmeriBabies! Share your stories!

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group
• Alumni Network with Service Year
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service
• Employers of National Service 

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni) Check him out on IG

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Lowell Butler
Connect with Lowell on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowellbutler/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

• "AmeriCorps has always been there when I needed it."
• Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT)
• Texas Impact  
• Used Business degree to frame outreach - "complementary goods"
• Good Will Industries 
• Current Role with Up Partners -  Systems Change & Collective Impact
• Strong partnership with Trinity Advisory Corps
• If you are in the service industry and you want to do something different, AmeriCorps can get you there! PSA from LOWELL!!!! 

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
EASY CALL TO ACTION! 

1. If you are an alumni of a higher education institute get them signed up for Schools for National Service.
2. If you can influence your company, organization or state/county to become an employer of National Service! 
3. Alumni - go to career days in High School and College students

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group
• Alumni Network with Service Year
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service
• Employers of National Service 

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni) Check him out on IG

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Rita Pratte
Connect with Rita on LinkedIn
Learn more about the AmeriCorps Disaster Services Unit:

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:
- Alternative Spring break with SBP
- SBP in New Orleans -
- Chose to do AmeriCorps because of domestic issues
- Federally declared disasters - AmeriCorps can set up independent operations
- AmeriCorps fills the gap and the need in a disaster
- Crisis Clean Up lists after a disaster
- Free time is regulating and getting outside!
- I love NEBRASKA!
- The Women's National Soccer Team - we love you
- The Orange Theory - helps regulate
- I love my team, they care about diversity and & equity!
- Also ....what about P!NK

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1.  Community Building across the country
2. Take the leap of faith and know people are there to catch you
3. Build community and have fun!

**Alumni Connections**

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group 
• Alumni Network with Service Year 
• AmeriCorps Opportunities 
• Schools of National Service 
• Employers of National Service 

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni) Check him out on IG

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Tray T.S. Deadwyler, CVM, CLC, CBC
Connect with Tray on LinkedIn
Learn more about Tray on here: Think for Good  Service Nerd or search #servicenerd
Social Media - Twitter (X)
Upcoming Training National service - 9/23 - 9/25 Living and leading intentionally

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

• NCCC Class 11'  "Red Hot Oven" 2004 - 2005
• Working at a charter school in Tucson Arizona teaching poetry - realized he loved teaching!
•  Tamale Festival in Coachella California! https://www.indiotamalefestival.com/
• A NCCC experience helped Tray understand that we are living from the inside out.  Everyone is experiencing the same moment very differently. 
• "We live lead and experience life from the inside out"
• Moved to managing the National Preparedness Response Corps with Red Cross (National Direct)
• Hands on Atlanta - https://www.handsonatlanta.org/
• Two sides of Think for Good - Leadership Development space - whole life coaching, " You can't just turn on leadership" 
• "Pin point some of those pain points, we can usually create transformation everywhere"
• Supplant or replace - the limiting beliefs and practice's we have that is keeping us from thriving.
•  As leaders - are you creating time to "wander"?
  • Who are you right now
  • Who do you want to become
  • What do you want to do
  • How do you want to do it?

Pulling it toward you as apposed to chasing after it - becoming that person NOW!
I am not a volunteer - I am a volunteer! 

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?

• Public Service Academy!  
• Where are you on the Civic Engagement Continuum (CEC)  
  • Cristina Flores https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b5f1d2b

**Alumni Connections**
* AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
* Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni Network with Service Year - https://serviceyear.org/alums/#:~:tex...
* * AmeriCorps Opportunities - https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?
Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award - https://americorps.gov/partner/partne...
* Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring - https://americorps.gov/partner/partne...

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni) Check him out on IG

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Craig C. Wiroll, MPA
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Learn more about Craig on here

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:
AmeriCorps NCCC "Took my weaknesses and made them my strengths"
"Sell out - realize you are not a sell out and move to an organic hippie farm"

• First year generation college student 
•  VISTA wasn't the best fit but found NCCC and that was a game changer!
•  Intentionally decided to be a Corps member and not an Leader during NCCC year
• Visit Silver Falls State Park | Craig was a waterfall repair man you can see his handy work if you walk behind the falls!  
• The Way Out Formally incarcerated individuals finding higher paying jobs to improve their lives  
• "My goal is to do no harm" President Barack Obama's advise while Craig was working for him was "Be Useful"    Be Kind, Be Useful, Be Fearless!
• Bucket List - Peace Corps - February 2020 turned into a 17,000 mile road trip turned into an introspective journey that brought me closer to my values.
•  Travel Twerps! - Love of travel and love of discomfort | capturing stories for future child  to take risks and live cheaply and dangerously sometimes to get what you really want out of life

TravelTwerps:  Episode 1 

Youtube: http://youtube.com/@TravelTwerps

Instagram: http://instagram.com/TravelTwerps

Medium Blog: http://TravelTwerps.medium.com

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?

• Get the word out there! 
• Storytelling, the more stories people tell about the amazing experiences the better we will be.

Biggest advice  

1. Do AmeriCorps
2. Take an improve class
3. AmeriCorps Alumni Conference! 

Alumni Connections
AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group -
Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni Network with Service Year
AmeriCorps Opportunities
Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award 
Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring 

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni) Check him out on IG 

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Paul Nolan
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn He will be offended if you don't ;)
Listen to Paul during his time as class president at North Carolina State - LINK

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:
The biggest opportunity for the country is to unlock the talent and heart of the AmeriCorps Alumni! (this made me cry!)

1. Paul had an opportunity to step into a Washington Consulting job - and chose service, because values were more important. 
2. Service Year Alliance - 2023 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Leadership Award 
   1.  AmeriCorps Agency - Eli Segal Leadership Fellows Comin soon! 
3. Fulbright Fellows! Cousin to Peace Corps! Education and cultural exchange. 
4. Listen to the birthday wish to get to the Lofoten Islands in Norway during the onset of COVIC19!

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?

1. Join AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group 
2. Advocate "educate" about the need for the education award to no be taxable income.
3. Tell a friend! Talk about your service year and encourage people to serve!
   1. 65+ Join AmeriCorps Seniors! 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group 
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni network with Service Year by registering here as an alum & stay connected through the quarterly newsletter, The Alums Corner: The Scoop After Service.
• AmeriCorps Opportunities: Learn More! 
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award  
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring 
• America's Service Commissions

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)
Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Robert Godfried
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-godfried-7b063bbb/
Checkout his national service reports and commentaries here  - https://thenext100.org/entrepreneur/robert-godfried/

• Served in Washington Heights New York in a State/National program - https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-state-national

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. His service consisted of helping folks fight against eviction and displacement. Helping folks fight for heat, water and housing and court problems.
2. His experience exposed some of the barriers and problems with an AmeriCorps service year.
   1. Low living wage.
   2. Lack of workforce development training and connection to post-service opportunities. 
3. Report and Recommendations | How Embracing Workforce Development Can Set Up AmeriCorps Members for Post-Service Success
4. The Bill: How Legislation Really Becomes Law: A Case Study of the National Service Bill 
5. Learn more about Jerome Tennille https://www.jerometennille.com/ Buy his book! Transforming Disruption to Impact 
6. Realized Worth Employee Volunteering https://www.realizedworth.com/
7. CEO Michael Smith - Is committed to improve Alumni work at the agency, updates coming out this summer or fall! 
8. Democracy & Bridge Building 
   1. Convergence - https://convergencepolicy.org/who-we-are/
   2. John Gomperts - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gomperts-dc/
   3. David Eisner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-eisner-convergence/
   4. Jennifer Leshnower - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferleshnower/
9. How State Service Commissions Can Advance Equity in AmeriCorps | read it here! 
10. Joint presentation on workforce development best practices - 
    1. ASC Regional Conferences 
    2. John Kelly - Serve Colorado
    3. Lyndie Kenlon- Trailhead Institute  
    4. Yasmine Shaheen-McConnell - AmeriCorps
    5. Climate Corps Volunteer California 
    6. Serve Washington Climate Corps Network
    7. Advancing Pre-Apprenticeship Programming Through National Service 
    8. The Washington Monthly AmeriCorps Must Embrace Workforce Development
    9. Public Health AmeriCorps 

How can AmeriCorps Alumni get involved?

1. Service Year Alliance
2. Americas Service Commissions 
3. CorpsNetwork
4. Voices for National Service 
5. Reach out to Robert- [email protected]

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?

1. Rule Change Comment - public comment
2. Talk about your experience
3. Find a chapter! 
4. Reach out to your member of congress, senator or state service commission.
   1. Let them know this program is very important to you! 
5. Follow Nicki! [email protected]

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group 
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni network with Service Year by registering here as an alum & stay connected through the quarterly newsletter, The Alums Corner: The Scoop After Service.
• AmeriCorps Opportunities: Learn More! 
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award  
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring 
• America's Service Commissions

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)
Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s, he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)

1.2  Million AmeriCorps Alumni STRONG!  We are a voice for national and community service.  We have all served in one way or another - let's engage, learn and connect with each other!  Let's Serve Life After AmeriCorps!

Today we talk with Rachel Dubois
Connect with Rachel LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldubois/

• AmeriCorps NCCC - https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-nccc
• AmeriCorps VISTA - https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista
• NYU Wagner School of Public Service - LINK 
• Jump Start - https://www.jstart.org/

Big ideas and takeaways from our conversation:

1. NCCC - Life changing experience! 
2. VISTA - how do organizations allocate resources and make decisions? 
   1. During SY learned by observation- 
      1. How to have difficult conversations
      2. Lead and facilitate trainings 
      3. How to effectively manage and give feedback
3. AmeriCorps - build up your network - " You never know how people are going to show up or re-show up in your life"
4. AmeriCorps gives you an opportunity to try new things! 
5. VALUE - Knowing what you don't want! 
6. New York University Robert F Wagner School of Public Services https://wagner.nyu.edu/
7. Possibly lean into an Encore Career! - What is your next chapter??? 
8. Add AmeriCorps to your resume! 
9. Let's keep connecting! 
10. Think about prioritizing AmeriCorps members and Schools for National Service! 

Alumni Connections -

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/105198/
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni network with City Year by registering here as an alum & stay connected through the quarterly newsletter, The Alums Corner: The Scoop After Service.
• AmeriCorps Opportunities https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=CPC&campaign=19915328818&adgroupid=147663549757&keyword=americorps%20public%20health&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjw__ihBhADEiwAXEazJmhpniJo61EAnlT6iWMoZII8rPJeNxtMl92iv7CQu4pwdg6WoGIgDRoCj_oQAvD_BwE
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award  https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/schools-national-service-search
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring 
•  https://americorps.gov/partner/partnerships/employers-national-service

Shout out!
Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan of Time or Money Production.  Thank you Dan! (p.s., he's an AmeriCorps Alumni)
Check him out on IG - https://instagram.com/producrdan?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=