The AmeriCorps Experience: Exploring Your New Community
Posted on: August 22, 2014Florida
There will be so much going on this year, with direct service, outside service, committee's, trainings, and AmeriCorps member meetings. It will be important to make time to relax and explore your new community. Below is some advice from last years AmeriCorps members.
Get Involved In Jacksonville
"As for my experience in the larger NFHC program, I can say that I was motivated to integrate myself into this city. And to get involved in what I felt was an authentic community. As soon as I moved here, I joined a West Coast Swing dance class at Club Savoy, I began participating in a running club at Dahlia’s Pour House on King St, and I began doing political organizing through the Jacksonville Progressive Coalition (a grassroots membership-based group that organizes for social, racial, economic, and gender justice). The connections I have made through my political organizing have been positive and enduring. I feel like I’ve made a home for myself in Jacksonville, and I am excited to continue my life here." - Rachel Picher
"My other advice to you is to take the time to do things that will help you relax and get in touch with your inner self. There are times when you will feel burned out, discouraged, and maybe even wanting to give up. But don’t give up because even though you may not see right away the results of what you’re doing, you are making a difference."-Winnie Brutus
"Finally, Juggling a social life with your host site as well as outside service responsibilities while stayin gin an AmeriCorps budget can be a challenge but it is possible! Take advantage of free things like River City Arts Markets, OneSpark, the Art Walks and other community events that can be easily found in the monthly paper called the Folio." - Michael Romanelli
It's Your Time to Give Back and Grow
"Apart from getting the opportunity to give back and help others, I joined AmeriCorps to get experience and learn more about the public health field. I’ve loved the opportunity. Aside from the service related trainings, I’ve been able to learn about how committees. Task forces, and coalitions work. I’ve also learned about people and personalities. All of my clients are different, and all of them need me to be flexible and accepting. I’ve been able to hone my skills as a provider and empower people rather than just help. Taking the good with the bad, I feel that I’ve grown as a professional and a person." -Britteny Johnson
"People actually think that I am inspiring. Sometimes I forget what I signed up to do and it seems like I am just signing pregnant women up for Medicaid or healthy start. However, when I take a step back and think of all the women I met with, I know that I have made a difference in their lives, even if it is difficult to see right in that moment when I am with them. Whether they call me to update me about their Medicaid application or email me telling me they bought baby clothes, they are thankful that I took the time out to meet with them. I am going to be honest, when I applied for the NFHC I was just looking for something to do between undergrad and grad school. However, this year has been so much more and I have grown more personally and professionally more than I could have ever imagined back when I started this program." -Katie Grand
"You are about to embark on an incredible journey, please take advantage of it! I grew so much as a person, made professional and personal connections that I hope to keep for life and gained an entirely new appreciation for medicine. What you get out of this program is directly proportional to what you put in it." - Michael Romanelli