Special Edition: Life After AmeriCorps March 22, 2007 Volume VI Issue III From the Editor: AmeriCorps Alums Conference This is an excerpt of Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) speech to By Jenna Rosengren the Senate on May 2, 2006 discussing the Ameri- Corps*NCCC program and making supplemental ap- The AmeriCorps Alums propriations for last year’s budget (www.thomas.loc.gov). Even though this is from last Conference was held in the year, we are still a hot debate within the government, Sheraton Hotel of New which seems to be the case every year. Orleans from Tuesday, March 13 through Satur- “The idea behind (AmeriCorps*NCCC) is fine. They have done a great deal of work on the Gulf coast. How- day, March 17, in conjunc- ever, there are some real problems with this program. tion with the Hands On The House also has significant problems with this Network’s 2007 Leader- program. ship Conference. The event kicked off with a Here is the key point: It has never had a comprehen- sive evaluation in 13 years to see if it accomplishes service day on Tuesday, anything of importance. Compared to all the other followed by three days of AmeriCorps service programs, this one is about 50 seminars, meetings and percent more costly per person. This one costs $28,000 presentations, ending with per volunteer for 10 months. That annualized out to another service day and $34,000 per person per year. closing celebrations on Photo: J.Rosengren People will oppose this. I have no lack of reality in Saturday. Panelists in discussion at the Hands On Leadership lunch. knowing we do not have an opportunity to eliminate The seminar covered a this money. However, contrast what actually happened was a large degree of media exposure and on the gulf coast with this AmeriCorps. We had people vast array of topics and included people from all over this country go down and help. We didn't from all over the world, presenting and at- many chances to connect with other organiza- pay them a penny. We had college students from all tending intimate small group meetings. It tions around the country. This year, the con- across this country spend their spring breaks, their was an energetic and inspiring five days, with ference offered a luncheon discussion, at- Christmas breaks, their Thanksgiving breaks on the gulf many opportunities for discussion and the tended by David Eisner, CEO of the Corpora- coast volunteering. We had churches, civic organiza- exchange of ideas. Topics ranged from disas- tion for National and Community Service, tions, local charities, we did not pay them a penny. They who encouraged the audience that “we need to all came because there was a need. ter relief to community cinema, and every- thing in between. Even though many of the increase the funding for AmeriCorps… but we topics were centered around the progression can’t do it alone, we need the rest of America There is something very wrong behind the idea that we to help.” The conference was also visited by have to pay people to be volunteers. As a matter of fact, of the Alums group, there was ample infor- mation that was pertinent to current Corps Kristin McSwain, the Director of AmeriCorps it is an oxymoron. You cannot have a paid volunteer State/National. because they are not volunteering if they are getting Members. Much of the information dis- paid. The motivation and commitment shown by true cussed during the week will be used to im- The week was a positive infusion of informa- volunteers is unmatched by any congressional appro- prove the services offered by tion and ideas, ending with a celebration and priation. The Nation is answering the call to be Good www.lifetimeofservice.org, the Alum web- Samaritans and treat others the way they want to be performance by the Rebirth Brass Band at treated.” site, and to reach out to current Corps Mem- Tipitina’s of New Orleans. The location for bers as well as Alums. the Hands On Leadership Conference of On the other hand, we are lucky to have a lot of really 2008, San Francisco, was festively announced great people backing our program. David Eisner, CEO Each year there are two conferences held by of the Corporation for National and Community Ser- the Alum association. In March, the na- with singing, dancing and plenty of applause. vice, discussed AmeriCorps at the 2007 Hands on Lead- tional conference takes place, in a location Awards were presented, including the Eli Segal ership Conference: “If we had a political system that that changes every year. In the fall, regional Award to Chris Myers Asch, and the celebra- wanted to get things done to better our communities...I gatherings are held across the country. tion played into the night. think we would be in a different place. If you have AmeriCorps continually focusing on a community, you These meetings are a chance for alums and have the capacity to lift past success in to future suc- partnering organizations to get together and Please Note: cess.” work on growth of their chapters and reach- ing out to the ever increasing web of Ameri- Opinions or points of view expressed in I hope this will inspire you to become passionate about Corps members across the country. this document are those of the authors NCCC while you are serving, and continue to identify Because of the integration of the Hands On and do not necessarily reflect the offi- with and advocate for the program in your life after AmeriCorps. conference and the AmeriCorps Alums con- cial opinions of the Corporation for Na- ference, the Alums were able to take advan- tional and Community Service or tage of the opportunities that the world-wide Jenna Rosengren, GNE AmeriCorps*NCCC. networking giant brought to the table. There 2 Contact Information AmeriCorps Alums Service Days Gulf Liaison Team Andrew Houle, GUDA [email protected] (843) 513-4078 Chalee Madden, GPL [email protected] (843) 513-4076 Tiffany Zapico, GPL [email protected] (843) 513-4079 Genevieve Rosengren, GNE Paint rollers lined up and ready to go [email protected] (843) 513-4081 Normalisia Zorilla, GCRL [email protected] (843) 513-4077 Brian Alexander, GCRL and GNE [email protected] (843) 513– 4080 Gulf Recovery Team Staff Eli Segal Fellow John Enterline (back) and Ameri- Corps Director Kristin McSwain working up a sweat. Jules Hampton, Project Director [email protected] (202) 355-2198 Floyd Gummersall and Veronica Kirin of Sacramento Red 4 lookin’ good in their PPE. Vaughn Cottman, Unit Leader—Denver [email protected] (303) 775-5061 Creative Leadership 101 By Jenna Rosengren Chris Quaka, Unit Leader—Perry Point [email protected] (443) 758-4571 Based on the Creative Lead- very adaptable and have a the Creative Leadership ership 101 seminar at the good sense of balance. Process, which is helpful to AmeriCorps Alums Confer- They know when to follow keep in mind when taking Michelle Royall, Deputy Director ence this past week, leaders and when to lead, are will- on large projects. It is as [email protected] (202) 528-3855 are everywhere! There are ing to serve and listen and follows: many myths associated with believe in positive progres- a stereotypical leader, and sion. A good leader will 1. Assessment: what is the Eric Anderson, GLT POC some people may not even cultivate a sustainable envi- situation? 2. Formulation: dream big [email protected] (843) 513-4083 realize that they are or could ronment in his or her ab- be great leaders. There are a sence. As you can see, being 3. Transformation: new million different ways to a leader does not fall under questions and answers Joe Cook, DPT lead, all of which are impor- one definition, and it 4. Goal setting: see the big picture [email protected] (443) 904-9794 tant and vital to our society, changes from person to especially in service related person and scenario to sce- 5. Planning and organiz- issues. nario. ing: detail, details, details Amy Wilson, GLT AA 6. Evaluation and control: Leadership Myths: Leaders share four common expect the unexpected [email protected] (843) 425-3853 characteristics. They have a 7. Implementation: getting Leaders… vision, whether they know it things done! at the time or realize it later. 8. Reassessment, ap- Larry Meade, APD—Sacramento -are very outspoken They see an ideal future plause and encore: Fix [email protected] (614) 893-6820 -have all the answers state, which is clear and problems, celebrate, and compelling. They utilize start the next project. -take all the credit communication to encour- Roger Palmer, Camp Hope STL age others and to express Keeping these steps in mind [email protected] (303) 775-6590 -are type “A” personalities their goals. Leaders are also will help you stay focused and on task in your next -don’t ever need help empowered and use their leadership to empower oth- endeavor. AmeriCorps is a Audra Piotti, Camp Sunshine STL -based on position ers. Finally, they create great leadership opportunity progress by action, and lead and being conscious of [email protected] (443) 995-7942 -possess a rare skill creative leadership can help by example. -must be charismatic you maximize your year of Carolyn Jenkins, Counselor The Center for Creative service, and continue to be Leadership, which trains successful and passionate in [email protected] (443) 995-7809 Leaders are people who take initiative, they are or- executives at companies your life beyond the ‘Corps. ganized, lead by action, are such as Nike, has created 3 Upcoming Events Individual Service Project Information MLS Soccer in the Gulf Opportunities For Service Hours in the Gulf Region March 25 at Tad Gormley Stadium March 28 at LSU, Baton Rouge Pass Christian The New England Revolution will take on Honduras CD on March 25 and the New Or- ISPs: leans Shell Shockers on March 28 in two preseason matches.