AmeriCorps Alumni Network | Interview with Cristina Flores

Nothing is more powerful than Connections! We are 1.3 million alumni strong - let's CONNECT! AmeriCorps National Service stands as a beacon of hope and unity, embodying the spirit of service that defines the very essence of community and citizenship. 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!

AmeriCorps Alumni Service Projects during AmeriCorps Week March 10th - 16th in Partnership with ToolBank's across the country

Today we talk with Shannon Stober. Shannon served with AmeriCorps VISTA. With a degree in sociology and women's studies, and a less obvious career path, Shannon applied for a VISTA position in Bozeman Montana, got the opportunity packed up her 120 pound dog and a desk and drove to Montana from Colorado - to start her National Service Journey! 

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

• Strategic Alumni Leadership Pipeline: Advocate for a deliberate strategy to funnel AmeriCorps alumni into various leadership roles beyond civic engagement, including corporate leadership, small business, and local entrepreneurship.
• Broadening Influence Beyond Service Advocacy: Emphasize the importance of alumni engagement beyond merely advocating for AmeriCorps, focusing instead on empowering alumni to hold positions of power and influence across diverse sectors.
• Maximizing Alumni Potential: Recognize the unique character and values of AmeriCorps alumni as assets for leadership, and actively work towards placing them in positions where they can effect meaningful change beyond traditional spheres of service.

Connect with Stober on LinkedIn 
Jump Start Training & Development 

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 outs!
Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

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)

Nothing is more powerful than Connections! We are 1.3 million alumni strong - let's CONNECT! AmeriCorps National Service stands as a beacon of hope and unity, embodying the spirit of service that defines the very essence of community and citizenship. 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!

AmeriCorps Alumni Service Projects during AmeriCorps Week March 10th - 16th in Partnership with ToolBank's across the country

Today we talk with Alex Tran. Alex served with AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region, & VISTA in Delaware. From initial hesitations to profound connections, Alex shares his transformational path of service and personal growth.

AmeriCorps Recognizes Delaware Volunteer with the President's Volunteer Service Award -

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

1. Formation of a Strong Alumni Community: There is a desire to see a cohesive national organization akin to the foreign legions or wounded veterans groups, where AmeriCorps alumni can connect and support each other on a larger scale.
2. Advocacy and Influence: While acknowledging existing advocacy efforts like the Voice of National Service, there's a call to leverage the collective voice of the 3 million AmeriCorps alumni to advocate for national service and its impact.
3. Expansion and Growth: With the AmeriCorps program being relatively young at 30 years old, there's optimism for its continued growth and development. The vision includes constant events in every state and organic expansion as more funding and support become available, potentially leading to a robust and influential collective community of alumni.

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 outs!
Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

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)

Nothing is more powerful than Connections! We are 1.3 million alumni strong - let's CONNECT!
AmeriCorps National Service stands as a beacon of hope and unity, embodying the spirit of service that defines the very essence of community and citizenship. 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!

AmeriCorps Alumni Service Projects during AmeriCorps Week March 10th - 16th in Partnership with ToolBank's across the country

Today we talk with Jordan Sandman. Jordan served with AmeriCorps NCCC, Class 25, based out of Aurora, Colorado, with service sites in Missouri, Walsenburg, Colorado, and Manhattan and Marysville, Kansas. Jordan's journey through AmeriCorps NCCC took him from botanical garden development to flood mitigation and veterans' support through agriculture, highlighting the diverse impact of service.

Summary of the episode
In this episode, Jordan Sandman delves into his AmeriCorps NCCC experience and how it shaped his worldview and career path. From assuming rural America would be dull to discovering vibrant communities and challenging preconceived notions, Jordan's journey is a testament to the transformative power of service. He discusses the broad spectrum of projects he worked on, the challenges and growth of leading a team, and the profound impact of bridging divides in communities across America. Jordan also shares his insights on the importance of national service in fostering social capital, challenging assumptions, and creating a more cohesive and understanding society.

3 key points made in the podcast episode

1. Challenging Assumptions and Fostering Growth - Jordan's service experience challenged his assumptions about rural America and the nature of service, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of diverse communities.
2. Leadership and Team Dynamics - Reflecting on his role as a team leader, Jordan highlights the invaluable management and interpersonal skills gained through AmeriCorps, preparing him for a successful career in the public sector.
3. The Power of National Service - Jordan advocates for the expansion of national service opportunities, emphasizing their role in bridging divides, fostering understanding, and building social capital across different segments of society.

Connect with Jordan Sandman 

• LinkedIn
• Writing by Jordan Sandman: New America

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

• Organize and connect
• Share your stories
• How did you have your assumptions tested? When did you meet groups of people that you had not met previously and had initial friction that lead to understanding? Let Jordan Know! 
• Connect with AmeriCorps Alumni in your region. 

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 outs!
Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

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)

Nothing is more powerful than Connections! We are 1.3 million alumni strong - let's CONNECT! 

AmeriCorps National Service stands as a beacon of hope and unity, embodying the spirit of service that defines the very essence of community and citizenship.

This transformative program brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, driven by a shared commitment to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In the tapestry of AmeriCorps, participants weave threads of compassion, resilience, and dedication as they tackle some of society's most pressing challenges. From education and healthcare to disaster response and environmental conservation, AmeriCorps members selflessly lend their skills and energy to uplift communities in need.

What makes AmeriCorps truly inspirational is its ability to transcend individual differences, creating a mosaic of strength through collaboration. Participants discover the power of empathy and the profound effect of collective action, realizing that true change springs forth from the genuine connections forged during their service journey.

Through AmeriCorps, a generation emerges not only equipped with practical skills and experiences but also with a profound understanding of the impact one person can have on the world. This program is a testament to the belief that, united in purpose, we can build a brighter future, where service becomes a guiding principle and compassion an unwavering force for positive change. AmeriCorps embodies the age-old adage: "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

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 Antonio Mendez. Antonio's service journey began with Teach for America in Newark, New Jersey, and has since evolved into significant leadership roles within the national service community. From his transformative experiences as a teacher to his impactful work in various public service roles, Antonio's story is a testament to the power and diversity of service.

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 Antonio Mendez. Antonio's service journey began with Teach for America in Newark, New Jersey, and has since evolved into significant leadership roles within the national service community. From his transformative experiences as a teacher to his impactful work in various public service roles, Antonio's story is a testament to the power and diversity of service.

Summary of the episode:

Antonio Mendez shares his compelling journey of service, starting with Teach for America and culminating in significant leadership roles, including his recent position as Deputy Regional Director for Programming and Training for AmeriCorps NCCC. He discusses the transformative impact of national service on communities and individuals, his work in grant management, and the powerful collaborations he has fostered among various service streams. Antonio also reflects on his recent recognition as part of the 40 under 40 for Denver, Colorado, and his exciting future with the Peace Corps.

3 key points made in the podcast episode:

1. From Teaching to Public Service Leadership**: Antonio's journey demonstrates the diverse paths that national service can lead to, showcasing the broad impact one can have in communities across the nation.
2. The Power of Collaboration and Impact**: Antonio emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different service streams and highlights the significant impact that programs like AmeriCorps NCCC have on communities, especially in critical areas like housing and disaster relief.
3. Looking Forward to Global Service**: With an exciting opportunity with the Peace Corps on the horizon, Antonio is set to take his dedication to service to an international level, promising continued contributions to global communities and service initiatives.

Connect with Antonio Mendez here: LinkedIn 

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

• More connections from programs to AmeriCorps alumni chapters
• National professional development opportunities
• 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 outs!**

• Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.
• 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)

**1.3 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!

AmeriCorps Week 2024! March 10 - 16, find a service project at your ToolBank! SEARCH

Today we talk with Amanda McSwine. Amanda served with Newberry College as a part of South Carolina Campus Compact and the United Way Association of South Carolina/South Carolina Service Commission as a VISTA leader. She shared her enriching journey through various service roles and her transition into impactful community work.

**Summary of the episode:**
In this enlightening conversation, Amanda McSwine takes us through her transformative journey from an AmeriCorps VISTA member to a leader in community service and climate resilience projects. She discusses the nuances of her roles, the challenges of building systems and capacity within organizations, and her current work with Civic Spark. Amanda emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, the power of community libraries, and the joy of continuous learning and service.

**3 key points made in the podcast episode:**

1. A Journey of Growth**: Amanda's journey exemplifies the growth that comes from AmeriCorps service, highlighting the transition from member to leader and the continuous learning and adaptation involved.
2. The Power of Libraries and Community Resources**: Amanda speaks passionately about the modern roles of libraries as community hubs, offering a wide array of resources and learning opportunities.
3. Servant Leadership in Politics and Community Work**: The discussion encapsulates the need for more servant leaders in the political sphere and community work, emphasizing that those with a service background have much to contribute to creating inclusive and supportive communities.

Connect with Amanda McSwine here: LinkedIn

**What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?**
- More connections from programs to AmeriCorps alumni chapters
- National professional development opportunities

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 outs!**

• Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.
• 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)

Guests included - 

• Cristina Flores (Eps. 3) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaeflores/
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b5f1d2b
  • YouTube -  https://youtu.be/Bq5UFlFh1bY
• Honorable Mention, but not in attendance - Dana Buzzelli (Eps. 9) https://www.linkedin.com/in/danabuzzelli/
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b5f1d2b
  • YouTube -  https://youtu.be/Bq5UFlFh1bY
• Dana Benjamin Allen (Eps. 30) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-benjamin-0b508016/
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c192143
  • YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_FY9e_Mptc
• Libby McClayton (Eps. 34)  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-mcclayton-819b4932/
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd2018b8 
  • YouTube -  AmeriCorps Alumni Connections with Libby McClayton | VISTA & State National!
• Dr. Jena Pugh (Eps. 26) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenapugh/
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/19498382 
  • YouTube -  AmeriCorps Alumni Connections with Dr. Jena Pugh | City Year & VISTA
• Craig Wiroll (Eps. 22)  - Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/c3804e79
  • YouTube -  AmeriCorps Alumni Connections with Craig Wiroll | VISTA & NCCC
• Tray T.S. Deadwyler - (Eps 23. GOAT) https://www.linkedin.com/in/traydeadwyler/
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/f30d562f 
  • YouTube -  AmeriCorps Alumni Connections with Tray T.S. Deadwyler, CVM, CLC, CBC | NCCC
  • Quote: “Don’t Be Lame - Join AmeriCorps” 
• Addie Lipson (Eps. 18) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/addielipson/ 
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/1cc1ad78 
  • YouTube - AmeriCorps Connections Conversation with Addie Lipson| Reading Corps & City Year  
• Jason Rose (Eps. 31)  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-rose-17ba7559/ 
  • Podcast - https://share.transistor.fm/s/1cc1ad78 
  • YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seNOerHIkuc 
    • Quote:  “You can do anything with an ethics of service” 
• Noah Smock (Eps. 8)  https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-smock/ 
  • Podcast -https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-smock/ 
  • YouTube - AmeriCorps Connections Celebrating Earth Month with Noah Smock

Big Announcements / end of show thoughts and share outs!  - 

• Addie - Engaged, getting married May Day 2024 💕
• Tray Engaged 💕 no date set and book launch 2024 - The Contemplative Morning 📖
• Dana Benjamin - Lego Serious Play build logic models 🏢 
  • https://www.backofthenapkinconsulting.com/about 
• Cristina - New Politics Academy - https://www.newpoliticsacademy.org/answering-the-call
• Jena - 
  • When an How to Go to Graduate School - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZhW2x9oEcE 
  • How to Apply to Graduate School - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxfAEQ2bSt4
  • https://www.drjenapugh.com/
  • 
    
• Brittany’s EPIPHANY 🤠- Colorado Alumni Chapter Chair - works down the hall from her!!!!

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) 

1.3  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 Libby McClayton    

Libby Served two years of AmeriCorps!
1. Baltimore Mayor Recovery Corps Program - VISTA
2. Children's Hunger Alliance (Ohio) - State & National

- Libby and I have a wide-ranging discussion covering Libby's service with AmeriCorps. We opened the interview celebrating her recent purchase of a condo, and her excitement about settling down.

- We touched on the topic of nutrition during her State & National service year at Children's Hunger Alliance and also discussed the importance of good nutrition, particularly for children. 

- We found ourselves in a rabbit-hole connecting yoga and national service and discussed our shared interest and experience with yoga, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of the practice.

- Libby  explained her current role with Montgomery College in Maryland as the Service Learning Coordinator and emphasizes the importance of connection and attention in serving others and making people feel valued, regardless of what they have to offer materially. Libby draws the connection between the college and the Sustainable Development Goals

- We wrapped up with the importance of the AmeriCorps Chapters, particularly the thriving DC Chapter
Check out both opportunities to connect with Libby and get involved!

1. AmeriCorps Alums DC   
2. Yoga Revelation Yoga Class

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

• More connections from programs to AmeriCorps alumni chapters  
• National professional development opportunities 

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) 

1.3  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!

Meet Swim! A Bonner Fellow -  AmeriCorps Scholar

Swim and Nicki discussed their experiences with volunteerism and community service, particularly within the nonprofit sector. Swim shared his transition from Philadelphia to Charlotte, North Carolina, and how volunteering at the hospital became a pivotal part of his teenage years. He then shared how he got involved in AmeriCorps, leading to his involvement in nonprofit work.

You can find The Nonprofit Insider Podcast on Apple Podcast
You can find The Nonprofit Insider Podcast on Spotify  

Nonprofit Insider Podcast What is a 'nonprofit' ? 
IRS 557 Publication (pg 22) 1. Religious 2. Charitable 3. Scientific

1. Religious 
2. Charitable 
3. Scientific
4. Testing for public safety 
5. Literacy
6. Education 
7. The fostering of national or international amateur sports competition
8. Anything that is a prevention of cruelty of animals or children.

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

1. Online Network 
2. Let's have a 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 NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni) 

1.3  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 -
Today we talk with Jason Rose 

Meet Jason! A NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) Class 18, Denver CO.

Jason shares his experience in the program, discussing his application process, projects, and the value of the connection to the outdoors. Both Nicki and Jason reflected on the challenges and character-building aspects of a service year, as well as the soft skills they developed. They also reminisce about specific projects, including a firefighting training and mitigation effort. Towards the end, Jason discussed his current work in public transit and his interest in public assets and the importance of collective impact theory. 

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1. Let's have a 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 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 Dana Benjamin
Meet Dana! A NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) Class 12 Sacramento Alumni!
 
Dana majored in Communications at Boston University and spent most of her time with folks at the BU Community Center. She was influenced to join NCCC by Carly Bruder, current Deputy Director for AmeriCorps VISTA. Dana reflects that NCCC upped her game with "Two Truths and a Lie".  Amongst many other things, during her service year, Dana discovered the importance of trees to the success of salmon spawning in the northwest, the eradication of black mold or rat infestations, via chemical burns and "how to show up for humanity humanely".

Learn how to make evaluation fun - check out Back of The Napkin Consulting
Connect with Dana! dana@backofthenapkinconsulting.com or LinkedIn

Special AmeriCorps Connections Offer -
Dana and her team created a one-page process model to show the phases of quality evaluation practices. You can download a copy of it for free at https://www.backofthenapkinconsulting.com/alumniconnections

What do you foresee for us Alumni? What can we do!?
1. What can't we do!
2. Support each other - Let's create a Member directory (but your data must be clean to earn a soapy award!)

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)