Volume 3, Issue 3 June 2012
AMERICORPS NCCC
Escape the Ordinary INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Getting Things Done: Catching up with Earth Five
2
Benefits of Service
4
NCCC Unit Names
4
Where Are We Now?
5
An Inside Look: North Central Region
6
The Application Process
7
Oak 7, an AmeriCorps NCCC North Central Region team, taking service to new heights in Custer State Park.
All About Us
Special points of interest: Find out what Earth 5,
from the Southwest Region, has been up to The benefits of serving
with AmeriCorps NCCC A look at where our teams
are currently serving An Inside Look at the
North Central Region campus.
AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18-24. NCCC members are assigned to one of five campuses and organized into teams of 10-12 members. Campuses are located in Perry Point, MD; Vinton, IA; Denver, CO; Vicksburg, MS; and Sacramento, CA. NCCC teams serve approximately 4-6 projects throughout their ten months of service. NCCC serves every state, responding to pressing local needs that are identified by organizations in the community. Projects are focused on the following five categories – Natural and Other Disasters, Infrastructure Improvement, Environmental Stewardship and Conservation, Energy Conservation, and Urban and Rural Development. 100 percent of members are certified in CPR, first aid, and disaster response; approximately 9% are firefighter trained by the National Park and U.S. Forest Services. NCCC teams also support local disaster relief organizations to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural or man-made disasters. Since September 2005, NCCC members from all campuses have served more than 9.6 million hours on 5,035 projects.
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Getting Things Done: Catching up with Earth Five. By: Kevin Jones This round, Earth 5 is working in Little Rock, Arkansas with the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Specifically, they are working with the Delta Garden Study, which is a study that is focused on preventing childhood obesity, decreasing social risk behaviors in youth, and providing fresh organic produce to students through building and maintaining middle school gardens throughout the state of Arkansas. The team has spent this round getting an intensive training on gardening techniques and has helped many community gardens in the Little Rock area with weeding, planting, mulching, harvesting, and building. Also, the team just began building a new garden site at Cloverdale Magnet Middle School, which will have thirty-two sixty foot beds, a greenhouse, a chicken coop, vermiculture bins, a three-bin compost, and a goat pen. I spoke with Team Leader Rebeccah Lanni and Corps Members Arun Inbavazhvu and Ariana Arancibia about their experience and lots more. What were your team’s thoughts as you arrived at your spike location for your 4th round project? Rebeccah Lanni: Our team was really looking forward to the project because it involves working outside in gardens. We were also really excited to be living in a city during the summer and were eager to explore Little Rock. Our housing is wonderful and spacious, too, as we are sharing three apartments between the ten of us. So overall, our team was really excited to arrive in Little Rock this round and it’s been amazing! Arun Inbavazhvu: We were excited to find out what our sponsors would be like and our housing, and we were not disappointed. Emily English was very welcoming and understanding and the housing is amazing, some of the best in AmeriCorps NCCC. Ariana Arancibia: I was super excited for the project, although I was not too sure what to expect. The hospital is welcoming and the accommodations are amazing, three apartments! What has been the most surprising moment of your project thus far? RL: One thing that I was really surprised about was how much my team and I have learned about gardening and how we’ve all seemed to really find a passion in what we’re doing now. Most of us had no previous experience with gardening, but all of us have found that we really enjoy learning the skills involved in maintaining a garden and are looking forward to starting our own garden someday. I guess I was surprised about
how much we’ve all been able to get out of this project already and how much there is to learn about gardening techniques. AI: The most surprising moment has been realizing how many people in the Little Rock area are active in community gardening. I think I see or hear of at least one new garden every single week. There is a lot of enthusiasm here for locally grown, natural food. AA: Learning all the things it takes to begin an organic garden. I had no idea it would take so much planning, organizing, materials and manpower. What was the most trying moment? RL: I think each afternoon that we work when it’s incredibly hot in the Arkansas humidity is a really trying moment. It really forces you to find ways to fight through it and it helps that the work we are doing is really meaningful and enjoyable. Many of us have never worked outside in this extreme of heat and humidity, so it’s certainly something that challenges us. AI: The most trying moments have been the times when we have worked thru the incredible Arkansas heat. We have to constantly remind ourselves to stay hydrated and take adequate breaks, but it is manageable. AA: Having to push through the Arkansas heat and humidity! Looking back on your ten months of service, what has been your favorite project thus far? And why?
RL: I don’t know if I could choose just one project; I would definitely say that it’s a tie between the Delta Garden Study project that we’re working at right now and working with the Crown King Fire District in Crown King, Arizona, where we worked on a fuels reduction crew in a tiny mountain town. I love this project because we’re in a city so there’s so much to do and it’s been a really inspiring project where I’ve learned so many useful skills that I know I will use in the future. Crown King was the most unique experience I’ve ever had and it was great to get the opportunity to live in a tiny mountain town of 100 people, two hours from a paved road. The service we were doing for the fire department was absolutely essential for the safety of the town and townspeople. The fire department invested so much into educating the team on all things firefighter related and it was another project where I gained such a wealth of knowledge. I know that I never would have had the opportunities to learn those types of skills if it wasn’t for being in NCCC. AI: My favorite project over the past ten months was during the shuffle 3rd round when I had a split project in Texas. The first part was in San Antonio, Texas, working with a self-described “living land museum” called the Land Heritage Institute. Our team lived in a bunkhouse on site and was tasked with building both hiking and mountain biking trails all over the 1200 acre property. We also assisted in catching feral hogs that are an invasive species. The second part was in Austin, Texas, working with a non-profit that specializes in green building a sustainable design called the
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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3
Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems. We lived on site again and our team was tasked with building a portable housing module that could be sent to Haiti to be used as emergency housing in the aftermath of the earthquake they had 2 years ago. These projects were my favorite because I had never been to Texas before and the diversity of tasks were really challenging. I learned so much that round and both San Antonio and Austin were a lot of fun. AA: The one I am currently on. The project has everything to do with my passion to be outdoors and serve a community/s in need. It is also the project that I have learned the most in and I am engaging myself and new skills everyday. Our sponsor and site supervisor are amazing and make every day count. In what ways has your team grown over the past ten months? RL: I think that our team has become much more aware and mindful over the
past ten months. We’ve become so much more conscientious of the people and communities around us and it began during our first project in Joplin, Missouri working with disaster relief and has held true since. We have become much more cognizant of the struggles and strengths in people and communities and the effect that community service has on a community as well as an organization. It is evident that NCCC teams truly do make a difference and it’s more than just the work hours that we put in – it’s becoming a part of the community in which we are serving and I think that our team has grown to see things differently and much more empathically and from a new perspective through what this program has taught us.
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AI: I think our team has really learned how to focus to get tasks done on the work site in the most efficient way, no matter the project. We have had our ups and downs together but we have always delivered consistent job performance.
different parts of the country as well as learn a variety of skills that you can use in the future. I also met people in this program that have been such an inspiration to me and I will carry those inspirations with me for the rest of my life.
Why did you choose to join AmeriCorps NCCC?
AI: I would absolutely promote NCCC to other young people, and I do. I think it’s a program that does not get enough recognition or exposure considering the amount of time its been around and amount of work it has completed.
RL: I joined AmeriCorps NCCC because I wanted to challenge myself. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy eleven months, but I wanted to push myself completely. I really wanted to continue serving others – my team as well as the communities that we’re working in – and I wanted to travel and learn great skills while doing it. It was the perfect opportunity to grow, learn, serve, and travel.
AA: Of course! It’s a great opportunity to learn a lot about yourself and about communities that you may never have a chance to explore. It will allow you to open your eyes to new experiences and great lasting relationships with people from all over the country.
AI: Four years ago, during the 2008 campaign season, I worked for a nonprofit called ServeNext, which is a nonpartisan political advocacy group that specializes in generating grassroots support for all types of AmeriCorps programs, plus for the Peace Corps and Teach for America. This was my first exposure to all of the different kinds of AmeriCorps programs that exist and I remember AmeriCorps NCCC sticking out to me because of the chance to travel all over the country. After I graduated college, I was looking for a unique opportunity and AmeriCorps NCCC fit perfectly. AA: After graduating from college in 2010, I looked for a job for an entire year and had no luck. I found out about AmeriCorps NCCC through internet research and decided to apply, what did I have to lose? I didn’t hear about my acceptance until a week before I had to be in Denver, so I hopped on the opportunity and haven’t looked back since. I guess to answer the question; I didn’t really have a reason for joining. But I have learned so much about myself since and have discovered a strong love for non-profit work and serving my country. I have found my career path through this program and probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t joined. Would you promote this opportunity to other young people? Why? RL: I would absolutely encourage others to join NCCC. No matter where you are in your life, you can and will learn so much from this program, about yourself, about others, about service, and about life. It offers you the opportunity to see
And finally, what is one piece of advice you would give to prospective Corps Members? RL: Go into it without expectations. Just keep an open-mind and go with the flow and you’ll seldom be disappointed! AI: Come in with an open mind, do not take things personally, look on the bright side of everything, and keep a positive attitude! AA: Even though on your toughest day, it may seem that you are going to want to leave and not come back… DON’T! You will regret your decision. Press on and fight through the emotions, tomorrow will be another day, a fresh start.
Earth Five will finish out their project in Arkansas before returning to Denver next month for their final transition before GRADUATION! The Southwest Region’s Class XVIII graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012.
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AmeriCorps NCCC: Benefits of Service
Uniform—includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, BDU pants, shorts, steel-toed boots, fleece vest, coveralls and more
Housing—campus residences are co-ed floors with same gender roommates; spike housing is provided by the project sponsor
Health Care—limited coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care. However, these benefits may be affected by restrictions on payment for pre-existing conditions as well as other exclusions.
Child Care—up to $400 per month may be available for a custodial parent of a minor child
Personal Days—Corps Members are entitled to 3 paid personal days off from service, as well as 2 paid Life After AmeriCorps days (subject to approval).
Transportation—NCCC will cover the cost of a Corps Member’s travel to a campus at the start of a service year and back home at the end of a service year.
Training/Skills—CPR/First Aid and Disaster Relief certification training from the Red Cross, leadership skills, conflict management, team-building and lots more Education Award—Once a Corps Member has completed 1700 hours of service and successfully completed the program, they are eligible for the Education Award. Currently, the award is $5,550. Loan Forbearance—If Corps Members have Federal Education loans (Perkins, Stafford, or Direct Loans) they may be placed in forbearance. Once a Member earns an Ed. Award, NCCC will pay the interest accrued on these loans while the Member was in service.
College Credit—We currently offer, through the American Council of Education, undergraduate credit for the following three-credit-hour courses: Introduction to Service Learning and Diversity in Service (available to both Team Leaders and Corps Members); and Supervisory Skills (available only to Team Leaders).
Certification from American Humanics in Non Profit Employment and Management—NCCC alumni may enroll in this online program offered by the University of Montana and LSU-Shreveport.
Living Allowance—approximately $4,000 per year (or $200 every two weeks) before taxes
For more detailed information about benefits, please click here. If you have any further questions, please contact us at (800) 942-2677 or anccc@cns.gov
NCCC Unit Names Listed below are the unit names for each campus! Which one will you be in? Atlantic Region
North Central Region
Buffalo
Cedar
Moose
Maple
Raven
Oak Southern Region Delta River
Pacific Region
Southwest Region
Blue
Earth
Gold
Fire
Green
Sun
Silver
Water
Note: With FEMA Corps starting soon, all campuses will have additional unit names. Stay Tuned!
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3
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Where Are We Now?
Click these links to visit each campuses’ Facebook page. Note: You will have to be logged in to access each page.
Atlantic Region Perry Point, MD North Central Region Vinton, IA Pacific Region Sacramento, CA Southern Region Vicksburg, MS Southwest Region Denver, CO
Minneapolis, MN—Cedar 4, from the North Central region is currently working with One Heartland. They are assisting with summer camp programming for youth with HIV/AIDS. They are also working on facility upgrade projects. Helena, MT—The Pacific Region’s Gold 1 is currently working with the City of Helena Parks & Recreation Department. The team is performing fuel reduction and mitigation on pine beetle infested open spaces, including thinning, bucking, limbing, and chipping removed fuels; trail construction and rehabilitation; fence construction. Baton Rouge, LA—Delta 8, representing the Southern Region, is working with Habitat for Humanity - Greater Baton Rouge. They are leading volunteers in new home construction in the Hurricane Katrina affected community. Poteau, OK—Fire 5, from the Southwest Region is currently working with the Boys and Girls Club of Leflore County. The team will provide supervision of the club members and implementation of activities offered by the summer program. The team will also conduct maintenance and repair service activities at the Heavener Runestone State Park. Fawnskin, CA—Green 7, from the Pacific Region is working with the YMCA - Metropolitan Los Angeles. The team is assisting with fuel reduction and camp improvement projects. Fairfield, AL—The Southern Region’s River 11 is currently working with Habitat for Humanity - Birmingham. The team is leading volunteers in constructing all aspects of houses including roofing, drywall, installation and flooring. **Note** No projects are listed for the Atlantic Region as teams have completed their 2nd round projects and are on transition before their summer break.
Want to Serve for a Day?
Serve with a current team of NCCC members at a project in your area! Contact ANCCC@cns.gov for more information.
**Please note, we may be unable to accommodate all “Serve for a Day” requests due to sponsor restrictions.**
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An Inside Look: North Central Region
About the Vinton Campus
Continuing with our “Inside Look” series, this issue of Escape the Ordinary will highlight the North Central Region, located in Vinton, Iowa.
The North Central Region campus is located in Vinton, Iowa, about 30 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. The NCCC campus is housed on the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School (IBSSS) facility and AmeriCorps NCCC shares space with IBSSS. Though you most likely only spend about 10-25% of your time as a Corps Member on campus (the balance of your time is spent on projects at other locations throughout our 10-state region), you will certainly never mind "coming home" to Vinton. It is a charming small town with specialty shops, theater, activity centers and outdoor recreation opportunities. The North Central Region campus consists of four buildings: the Supply Building and three residence halls: Rice Hall, Palmer Hall and the Cottage. The administrative offices are open from 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and housed in the basement and first floor of Palmer Hall. To meet with staff outside of these hours you need to make an appointment with them.
Lounge Area Computer Lab—Palmer Hall
Front view of Palmer Hall
Laundry Room
Palmer Hall, Rice Hall and the Cottage each have three floors. The basement in Palmer is reserved for the Administrative offices of staff. In Rice Hall the basement consists of training rooms, kitchens, laundry room and dining areas. The first and second floors in the residence halls consist of
Inside a dormitory room
– a total of 10 computers in the lab with Internet access – washers/dryers (free)
Two to ten Corps Members are assigned to a room. The number of Corps Members is based on room size. Room amenities include single beds, wardrobes, chairs, a desk and trash can. Roommates are same-sex. Lounge amenities include couches, TV, DVD player, tables, books, games and trash/recycling containers.
A kitchen located in one of the halls
Kitchen amenities include ovens/convection ovens, sinks, microwaves and refrigerators. Each team is assigned a kitchen where they store food and prepare meals. Each team is also assigned their own refrigerator to store food.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3
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AMERICORPS NCCC What does my NCCC status mean? After talking with your family and friends, you’ve decided that you want to become an AmeriCorps NCCC member. What do those pesky application statuses mean? Well, we’re going to break it down for you right here.
1201 New York Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20525 Phone: 800-942-2677 Fax: 202-606-3459 Email: anccc@cns.gov http://www.americorps.gov/nccc http://my.americorps.gov Follow NCCC Online:
How does placement work in NCCC? NCCC employs a “rolling admissions” process, similar to many colleges. We have a few rounds of placements during the application period and additional rounds of placements once our application period closes. We continue to fill slots as they become available, including up to the day before a campus opens. All selections and placements are RANDOM. We have far more qualified applicants than positions available, and unfortunately cannot guarantee a position to all qualified applicants. Notes From the Author
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected to serve in Class 19 of AmeriCorps NCCC this fall and our inaugural FEMA Corps class this summer! You’re going to have one amazing journey and I wish you all the best during your year of service. Additional invitations for Class 19 are coming soon!
Special thanks to Heather Dirck and the amazing Earth 5 for taking time out of their busy schedule to let me spotlight them for this edition of “Escape the Ordinary”.
If you have any suggestions on other topics that you would like to see covered in this newsletter, let us know by emailing us at NCCC.
Yours in Service, Kevin