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The CalSERVES blog has moved to our new home on our website, www.calserves.org. This site will no longer be updated. To see news and updates from the CalSERVES programs, visit our new blog,

http://calserves.org/category/blog/

Giving Back to the School that Shaped Me

Grecia and STEM Students working together.

My name is Grecia Barboza, and I am a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) tutor at Shearer Elementary School. As a Shearer alumnus, it gives me great pride to give back to the school that helped shape me into who I am today. At Shearer, it was the passionate teachers who were the most memorable. Looking back now, it is evident how big of an impact they had on my education and drive to succeed academically.

 Being an AmeriCorps Service Scholar is more than what the job description might lead you to believe. When I replied to the advertisement, I knew I would be tutoring kids and assisting the after school staff. I saw this as a way to build valuable experience for the future and was immediately intrigued by the prospect. However, AmeriCorps has turned out to be much more than that. I see around 25 kids a day in small group tutoring sessions. Yet, I am not just a tutor. I am also a counselor, a mentor, an older sister, a confidant, a friend. Throughout the year, I have shown them that I am not only here to teach them a math lesson, but also here to listen to what they have to say. Although most of what they say is random kid talk, they know that in tutoring groups there exists an environment where their questions, ideas, and opinions are respected and valued.

There is nothing more satisfying than a kid’s “a-ha” moment and knowing that it is you who made their understanding possible. Serving with AmeriCorps in Napa has given me and all Service Scholars the opportunity to foster the minds of the future of America and give them the extra attention and support they do not receive in class. The value of this experience is one that I will cherish and hope to expand in the future.

Finding Myself through Service

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
-Mahatma Gandhi 

I graduated from Indiana University in 2004 with degrees in Political Science and Anthropology, a new boyfriend whom I believed I just might marry someday, and nary a clue as to what I wanted to do with my life. So essentially I was a lot like everyone else.

I guess I had a general sense of wanting to do something creative; maybe work in a museum, maybe not. I liked kids a whole lot, but I’d spent some time student teaching in elementary schools and knew that wasn’t for me. Maybe I’d become a museum educator, but what if I disliked that, too? I couldn’t tell you what I wanted to do with my life, but I’d gotten pretty good at sorting out the things I could never do. Banking. Lawyering. Accounting. No no and no.

I have no recollection of making the decision to join AmeriCorps, but once the idea came I held it tightly. Summoning a fearlessness that wasn’t like me at all, I applied for programs far away from my home – Habitat for Humanity in Colorado, trail-building in Louisiana, and after-school literacy in California. I could visualize myself pounding nails, meeting new friends, and being on my own, really and truly, for the first time in my life. I thought the time away would give me some clarity and point me toward a career doing…something.

I interviewed with all three AmeriCorps programs but ultimately chose one in Santa Rosa, California, where I’d serve as Team Leader for an after-school program, called CalSERVES, in an at-risk school. I didn’t have an apartment or a car, nor did I know anyone. Assured by the team there that it would all work itself out, I said goodbye to my dad, my sister, my boyfriend, and my home, and flew into San Francisco. I’d never been to San Francisco.

I boarded the bus to Santa Rosa and, once there, was picked up by a fellow volunteer. I spent the next three weeks training by day and couch-surfing by night. The worst was when I woke up in the middle of the night one time to find my co-worker’s weird roommate staring at me in the dark. The best was when I got to house-sit for an out-of-town teacher and had the place to myself. I subsisted on hummus and phone calls from friends and family. I was homesick and wondering why I hadn’t just taken a job at the mall until I figured the rest of it out.

Eventually the training ended, I found a place to stay, and I bought a little red Ford Aspire without power steering. I wound up loving my classroom and the students in it. I have amazing memories of playing Paul Simon for the kids while they did art projects, being thanked with hand-picked flowers by the parents of a challenging student, and labeling and creating a database of books in the classroom’s library.

I also participated in five National Days of Service, doing things like cleaning the school’s garden in the rain, picking up trash along a road in town, walking in the Human Race, and pulling out an old fence in a new city park. The work was hard and by the end of the day I was bone-tired, but those memories make me smile.

More than that, I learned to be resourceful and independent. I learned how to connect with people who had little in common with me, and how to work around difficult personalities. I also learned to live on what barely passes as an income. Bars and restaurants and other outings were out of the question, so I made do with nights in playing board games. It was during this time that I learned to cook.

By the time my year in AmeriCorps was over, I’d applied to and earned acceptance into a Museum Studies program in England. I figured that if I could move across the country sight unseen I could move across the pond. I sometimes think that California was a bigger adjustment for this small-town girl than Europe was.

I now hold a position in Development at UCLA, which I love. It’s often struck me that during every interview I’ve ever had I’m asked to talk about something I’m most proud of. Of all the things I’ve done, of all the things I could talk about, I inevitably go back to my time with CalSERVES.

Oh, and I did marry that boy.

by Loni Rocchio, CalSERVES AmeriCorps Alumnus

Wright Charter Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.

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8^th grade students share facts about MLK’s early life with the 4^th graders

When planning how to celebrate the life of MLK this year, it was a goal of mine that every staff member on our team would have the chance to participate in helping share his story. That can be a very difficult task when you are attempting to incorporate MLK into Healthy Behaviors or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) tutoring. With the help of my trusty Team Leader, Megan Waring, we went about brainstorming a plan. What ended up transpiring was a truly unforgettable day.

--> The 3^rd grade STEM tutoring groups MLK decorations.
We came up with the plan that each of the after school classes would participate in a mini “March on Wright.” Our HB tutor took her students around the school and mapped out 0.8 miles, the exact distance of MLK’s “March on Washington.” Our 7th and 8th grade students planned out stops along the walk that were major points of MLK’s life: early life, pastor years, Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington, Voting Rights Law and assassination. The after school classes walked the March and stopped at each station to learn a little something about his life. The March ended at our school cafeteria that had been decorated with “Paint by Numbers” posters created by the STEM tutoring students. Parents awaited the students’ arrival where we all enjoyed songs and poems inspired by the life of MLK.

--> A Dream Catcher created by our CalPREP mentor, Cherilyn Smail, and her 5^th and 6^th grade students complete with feathers of each students dream for their future.
Once the final applause had died down, a parent approached us and said “Thank you for all that you do. We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful program like yours.” It was the perfect cap to an incredible afternoon at #thefarm.

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The 2^nd graders perform “Martin Luther had a Dream”.

by Taylor Ford, Site Supervisor at Wright Charter

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Monday, January 20, 2014, as most of the country observed Martin Luther King Day with a day off, our dedicated CalSERVES AmeriCorps members had a Day ON. They participated in giving back to the community - cleaning up parks, planting gardens, and making a difference in the community around the schools where our programs are.

Read more about the activities of the day here in this Press Democrat article.

Making a Difference: Sonoma County

This is the final post in a series of 4 in which we will be highlighting the amazing efforts of CalSERVES Programs in their Make a Difference Day projects. Each project involved a host of AmeriCorps members and volunteers and provided needed services to the communities in which are programs are hosted.

October 26th was Make a Difference Day, and CalSERVES AmeriCorps members throughout Sonoma County enthusiastically joined together to create a change in their local communities. In projects that ranged from renovating school gardens to supporting a local charity, our members volunteered their time, their energy, and their resources.

The morning and early afternoon was busy and productive for all CalSERVES AmeriCorps members, but we weren’t done for the day. Instead, we joined forces with the Santa Rosa YMCA to help support a Halloween carnival that evening, where thirteen of our members from all over the county, welcoming local families to celebrate the holiday in a safe and fun way.

Some members manned the haunted house, where they could scare gigging children, or helped set up squishy spaghetti guts, gooey grape eyeballs, or spooky skeletons. Some kept a close eye on the silliness that was flying off the walls, ceiling, and floor of the bouncy house. Others designed bright and colorful posters, or artfully organized and restocked a crafts table. Even more spent the evening helping the multitude of game booths, setting them up so families could knock ‘em down! Our members were invited to dress up while volunteering, but in an embarrassing coincidence, they all wore the same costume: an eager and committed AmeriCorps member. Next year we’ll have to make sure we coordinate our costumes more efficiently!

 Two weeks later, Bellevue Elementary got to have a slightly delayed Make a Difference Day! Team Leader Vicente Sosa said:

Make a Difference Day at Bellevue was by far one of the most successful and rewarding experiences I have ever encountered in my service with CalSERVES. The most inspiring aspect of Beautify Bellevue was having Bellevue teachers and staff, along with Stony Point Academy Students, join our vision. One of the other CalSERVES sites, Kawana Elementary, even came to pitch in! We worked in sync and attacked every part of our school site in teams, from painting murals and repainting playground guidelines to weeding and planting our garden. The laughs, smiles and hearts of our community came together on Saturday, November 9th to help our school site.

 We would like to thank a few organizations and individuals that donated to helping us succeed on our many Make a Difference Day projects: Sherwin-Williams, Kelly Moore, Café des Croissants, Cavalier Bakery, and Clara Crews. It takes a whole community to make a difference, and we're grateful to have joined them in that effort.

By Elizabeth Sheffer, Sonoma County AmeriCorps Regional Leader

CalSERVES Makes a Difference: Taylor Mountain

This is the third post in a series of 4 in which we will be highlighting the amazing efforts of CalSERVES Programs in their Make a Difference Day projects. Each project involved a host of AmeriCorps members and volunteers and provided needed services to the communities in which are programs are hosted.

With only a small team on Make a Difference Day, Taylor Mountain had the challenge of accomplishing some big projects! We all worked really hard together and had great communication and spirit. We never lost sight of our goal that day, to get the garden ready for new planting. We worked while laughing, talking and sometimes just quietly getting the job done. We took out most of the weeds that were around our classrooms, as well as pruning the rose bush that the principal had requested. Because of the much-needed trim, we found a fire hydrant and memorial plaque!

 
We also cleared all of the unruly plants and bushes that were growing next to our classroom and the back area near our shed. This area was so out of control that we accumulated ten whole garbage bags of weeds and overgrown plants! The garden area was shaped up and cleared, making way for the plants and harvest. In the end, Taylor Mountain looked more presentable and clean. A couple teachers who were working in their classrooms encouraged us as we were working; it was really nice to hear. We ended the day proud of the work that we accomplished, and left with a tired but happy attitude –we knew that we made a difference that day.

By Yesenia Garcia,  Taylor Mountain AmeriCorps Team Leader

CalSERVES Makes a Difference:

This is the second post in a series of 4 in which we will be highlighting the amazing efforts of CalSERVES Programs in their Make a Difference Day projects. Each project involved a host of AmeriCorps members and volunteers and provided needed services to the communities in which are programs are hosted.

As the sun rose over sleepy Wright Charter School, it found AmeriCorps members rising too- to the occasion that is! They stood shivering in their sweatshirts and coffee mugs staring over a patch – nay, a boundless field – of weeds that needed to be disposed of. It wouldn’t be an easy job, nor a clean one, but the members knew it was up to them to do it…for America.

Fueled on by the inspiring lyrics of TLC and the Spice girls, the sun watched as KC Balagey, Rebecca Stewart, Augustine Stav, Emily Thiebold, and Megan Waring battled against the weeds that threatened the beauty of their beloved tutoring site. Their fearless leader, Taylor Ford, fought through a torn ACL to weed, rake, and hoe alongside them. Throughout the day, AmeriCorps Leads, Elizabeth Sheffer and Chris Rogers, stopped by to journalize the event. When their arms began to feel weak and no one wanted to see another dandelion again, CalSERVES Counselor, Clare McGuire, joined them-working her hands to shreds. Lauren Loeffler, Site Supervisor of Kawana, appeared picking up her own shovel. Alongside her was Wally, the faithful dog, who lifted everyone’s morale to continue the grueling work of beautifying a forgotten plot.

The hero of the day would have to be Auggie Stav, who worked tirelessly to clear more then his share of stubborn weeds. His hard work and dedication to the project was extremely appreciated and it is doubtful it would have been half as successful without him. 

At the end of the day of service, everyone was sweaty, covered in dirt, and sore. However, twelve wheelbarrows full of weeds had been exported to compost piles. The place looked tidier, healthier, and significantly emptier- ready for new seedlings to grow.

 
The day was an overall success with the only causalities being exhaustion and slight sunburn. Wright (and America) was left having taken a slight step forward to becoming their best selves and making a difference for this school on this day.

Also, we saw a mouse.

By Megan Waring, Wright Charter AmeriCorps Team Leader

CalSERVES Makes a Difference: RL Stevens

Over the next 4 days, we will be highlighting the amazing efforts of CalSERVES Programs in their Make a Difference Day projects. Each project involved a host of AmeriCorps members and volunteers and provided needed services to the communities in which are programs are hosted.

There is work to do at RL Stevens!

  When it came to the planning of Make a Difference Day 2013 at RL Stevens, there was a lot to be done! Old rotting raised garden beds needed replacing, a fading map of the world on the blacktop needed repainting, and garden beds throughout the school were in desperate need of mulch. With a few generous donations, we gathered the materials for the two projects we chose to focus on: the raised garden beds and the overall need for mulch. Our Make a Difference Day began a day early when first thing Friday morning 10 cubic yards of steaming mulch was dumped in our parking lot. We knew we had our work cut out for us Saturday morning. Carrying tools borrowed from the Santa Rosa Tool Library and fueled by coffee donated by Starbucks, we got to work.

 Craig Jacques led the battle against the old raised beds in the garden. He was joined by Christian Andersen – the 6th grade teacher at RL Stevens, Jesus Guerrero, and Sean Fitzgerald. They removed old beds, broke up the existing dirt with pick axes and build new raised beds!

Margo Addison, a teacher and Literacy Specialist at RL, gets to work with mulch!

Mulch, mulch, mulch everywhere! It was truly mulch madness. The RL mulch team included Emily Chambers, Gaspar Oregon, Rachel Dillin, Ana Hernandez, and Carmen Wandel. We were joined by our principal - Lori Pola Hoard, our literacy specialist - Margo Addison, and Melissa Moore. We had 10 yards of mulch to spread throughout the school. Luckily our numbers doubled with the addition of Meadow View tutors Zack Edwards, Brenda Diaz, Corie Emery, Jena Preston and their tireless leader NightSnow Vogt!

New garden beds.

After four hours of hard work we still weren't done, as our numbers began to dwindle those remaining really picked up the pace to finish what we had started. Sweaty and dirty, the last people standing Emily, Craig, Ana, and Jesus went home tired but feeling accomplished!

By Emily Chambers, RL Stevens Elementary AmeriCorps Team Leader

Volunteer Success with AmeriCorps

A team of CalSERVES AmeriCorps members from across the After School, VIP, and CalPREP programs teamed up on Make A Difference Day, and partook in an eagerly anticipated milestone for one of our local nonprofit partners.

 On this day, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa held the grand opening of ReStyle Marketplace, a new thrift store. ReStyle Marketplace is Catholic Charities’ first-ever social enterprise, and is run almost entirely by volunteers. All revenue made from the store will directly pour into all of Catholic Charities programs, from feeding the hungry to caring for the homeless and more. Customers can shop, knowing whatever money they spent, would directly go to help those who are in need.

The AmeriCorps members each helped to ensure this event was a success. Members helped in all aspects of the event, from helping organize volunteers, to helping store customers, to outreaching to the community, and even leading the Hub Bub Club (a live band!) throughout local shops and the event. The parking lot overflowed with vehicles, the store’s lines went out the doors, and customers were nearly shoulder to shoulder outside and inside of the store.

Our AmeriCorps members worked hard while being animated and focused. Over 1300 people stepped into ReStyle Marketplace that day. But let’s push the numbers aside for a bit. THE most important success of this day was that AmeriCorps members helped implement Catholic Charities’ vision of the store by exemplifying to over 1300 people that a group of volunteers, regardless of backgrounds or ages, can get together and work purely for the success of a good cause.

By Shemea Hammond,
AmeriCorps VIP Fellow at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

Hundreds of CalSERVES AmeriCorps Members from Across California Gear Up for Our Annual Conference

 In the last month, hundreds of AmeriCorps members across our Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP), CalPREP, and After School programs have taken the first big step into their yearlong AmeriCorps pledge by immersing themselves in service. Our members serve in diverse capacities across California, from building capacity of nonprofits behind the scenes to tutoring small groups of students in specialized subject areas. No matter their role, all of our AmeriCorps members are untied in their passion for serving our state’s children and families through National Service commitments.

It’s my pleasure to announce that for first the first time, members from across all three of our AmeriCorps programs will come together in Rohnert Park for the CalSERVES AmeriCorps Conference. We’re thrilled about this opportunity to connect our inspiring corps of individuals and can’t wait to see the passion for community service that this event will spark in our dedicated team.

In addition to the opportunity to network with and learn from participants in other programs, each of our AmeriCorps members will receive high-quality training in their area of specialty. After School Service Scholars can look forward to training in behavior management best practices and in their primary subject area (Healthy Behaviors, Literacy, or STEM) from field experts. Instructors in the After School conference track include seasoned CalSERVES staff members and some of our favorite trainers, like David Chosa and Francesca Soriano-Hersh.

VIP and CalPREP fellows will have the opportunity to receive training from some of the best in the field of volunteer management. We’re excited to have experts from OneOC, the Sonoma County Family YMCA, and our event partner, the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, lead workshops in volunteer management topics from the “Elements of Volunteerism” to the building of business partnerships for volunteering. CalPREP Fellows – who are focusing their service year on building college-readiness mentoring programs – will also receive training in our research-based mentoring curriculum.

As the hub for nonprofits in Sonoma County, the Volunteer Center is excited to support our event by sharing its expertise and understanding of nonprofit and volunteer management with our AmeriCorps team! We’re incredibly grateful for their partnership and for providing educational support through multiple presentations over the 4-day conference.

Lauren Serpa, CalSERVES Volunteer Program Coordinator

Celebrating 15 Years of Passion, Potential, and Power

On May 10, the CalSERVES family had the privilege of commemorating our 15 year anniversary at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa.  Over 100 current AmeriCorps members and staff, AmeriCorps alumni, and community supporters came to celebrate the program’s history and to welcome its future. The energy in the room was tangible as our guests caught up with each other and shared their passion for CalSERVES.

Welcome to the Alumi Club!

It has taken the service and dedication of thousands of AmeriCorps members and staff to make our work possible over these past 15 years.  We're incredibly thankful to all who have given their time to CalSERVES, and especially grateful to the founding group that made it all possible.

Having a great time!

 At the event, we presented the CalSERVES Community Partner Founder Award to three women who helped spark the program 15 years ago: Margo Addison, Ellen Desmond, and Emma Charlebois. We also presented Kathy Chosa with the Passion, Potential, Power award in recognition for her many years of service on staff and as an AmeriCorps member during the first program year.  Last but not least, we were proud to honor our fearless leader Julie McClure, whose passion for serving students and families has and continues to empower and inspire us all to make a difference.

Julie McClure and Award Recipients.

by Sara Sitch, CalSERVES Program Manager

Join the AmeriCorps Team!

CalSERVES recruitment is in high gear for the 2013-2014 school year! We have all kinds of positions (hands on with kids, leadership roles, volunteer programs), and different schedules (full-time or part-time). There are plenty of ways to be involved and serve the community!

AmeriCorps Service Scholars

Service Scholars serve part time, 25 hours a week, providing small group tutoring to kids in the After School Program. Each Scholar specializes either Literacy (Reading and Writing), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), or Healthy Behaviors (Nutrition and Physical Education). They plan and implement lessons for students with the goal of helping them be successful in academics and in life. These Service Scholars form close bonds with their students, and provide support and mentoring.

Learn more about the position and apply by visiting the CalSERVES Website.

AmeriCorps Leaders

There are several full time (42+ hours a week) leadership positions available in CalSERVES. We have Service Scholar leaders at each of our After School Sites who oversee the tutoring programs and provide leadership and support to the Service Scholars. There are also Regional Leaders for the After School programs who are involved in supporting several programs. There are also Content Leaders - folks who specialize in our Content Areas (Literacy, STEM, Healthy Behaviors) that help train tutors and support the development of resources for their specific areas.

Learn more about these positions and apply by visiting the CalSERVES Website.

Volunteer Programs AmeriCorps Leaders

CalSERVES runs statewide volunteer programs. We have opportinties to engage in community service all throughout California. These positions are full time (42+ hours a week).
Learn more about these positions and apply by visiting the CalSERVES Website.

Benefits for AmeriCorps Service

You might have heard about some of the benefits of AmeriCorps Service - an Education Award ($5,550.00 for a full time member) at the completion of service, a living stipend while you serve, extensive training, Alumni support and services... Learn more about the benefits to you by visiting the CalSERVES Website- Benefits of Service.

Questions?

What is AmeriCorps? Who is eligible to serve in AmeriCorps? Can I defer student loans while I serve? Find the answers to these questions and more on the CalSERVES Website - FAQ's about Service.

Can't find the answer on our website? Contact our friendly staff at americorps@calserves.org!

Employment

CalSERVES is also hiring staff for office positions and After School Classroom Leaders. Learn more about these opportunities on the CalSERVES Website - Employment.

AmeriCorps Service helps Students

 CalSERVES has After School programs all across California. Programs in Los Angeles have been seeing a lot of progress with students.

Students participate in STEM projects.

An AmeriCorps members serving in LA, Didier Mejia, shared this observation about AmeriCorps  service and the students in the program:

“One of the many students that I had a chance to work with caught my attention with his progress throughout the program. A 6th grader, he is bright kid who was eager to learn new stuff. I believe mathematics is an essential subject one must learn in order to succeed in any career, therefore I emphasized this with my students. He is now able to easily calculate large numbers in his head and works on Math a grade ahead of his classmates.”

A student engaged in learning about Science.

Time to Say Goodbye

It’s the end of the service year for the 2012-13 CalSERVES AmeriCorps Service Scholars. Our members are leaving the program with many fond memories, and have a few tips to share with next year’s Scholars.

 Flexibility is key, say our graduating members, and they encourage our new staff to best serve their students by being able to go with the flow, embrace change, be adaptable and open to fresh ideas while making every possible moment a learning opportunity.

The members also expressed some motivational advice for the future CalSERVES tutors:

“Don’t be afraid to expose your failures to the kids – let them know that you’re human too and that it’s okay to make mistakes.”

“Don’t sell your self short with any excuses – there is always room for more patience, positivity, and productivity. See the power of your own effectiveness.”

“Believe in yourself and know that even when times are hard or stressful, that you are still making a difference in the lives of the kids.”

“Don’t get bogged down. Change won’t happen immediately. You might not even see it during your service term. Instead consider that that you are a piece of the greater puzzle. Sooner or later, we’ll see a prettier picture.”

This school year would not have been as fun or successful without the hard work from each and every one of our AmeriCorps members! Thank you for all that you did this year; you truly made a difference in the lives of so many students!

by Jacky Bennett, CalSERVES AmeriCorps Literacy Content Leader

Wright Students Get Nutritious!

 Every year, students within the CalSERVES program participate in what we call Nutrition Olympics. They spend the afternoon playing games designed to help them learn new facts about fruits, veggies and healthy lifestyle choices.

This year, the students at Wright Charter got even more involved in the fun. During “Pepper Push Relay” students had to find creative ways to roll a pepper to the finish line. “Celery Javelin” found our students seeing how far they could throw the celery “stalk.” Even the Middle Schoolers had fun “Citrus Relay” where they raced to see which team could fill up their baskets the fastest.

Overall, Nutrition Olympics was another successful event for Wright Charter!

It is in Giving that We Receive

 I came to the CalSERVES program as an AmeriCorps scholar with the intent to serve my community. Because I moved to Sonoma County straight out of high school, I wanted to be part of a localized movement and see what this place was really all about. Little did I know that this job would soon change my entire outlook on life.

I wake up each morning with send of purpose, pride and belonging. It has been my time spent serving others, particularly the youth in my community, which has brought deeper meaning and fulfillment to my life. Being able to support kids in their academic and emotional needs has helped me to better define my own personal values and goals in life.

 After the short year I have spent working within this community, I am sure that my direction in life has completely changed---and for the better too! Through this experience, I have realized that being of service to others and my community will always play a huge role in my life. I wouldn’t trade the last year of my life for the world and I am grateful to know that working for CalSERVES AmeriCorps has completely transformed my life.

by Samantha Bereman, AmeriCorps Literacy Scholar at Wright Charter

All Are Welcome at Wright "The Farm"

An AmeriCorps member reads to a child as part of the CalSERVES program.

If I’ve learned anything at CalSERVES, it’s how to be “inclusive.” Deriving, undoubtedly from the Tribes curriculum, it’s one of our favorite buzzwords. The word encourages not only students but also adults to make one another feel comfortable in a group setting. For new comers, it’s always awkward to insert themselves into an established group. “Inclusion” efforts take the stress and anxiety out of this equation. Why in the world does this matter? Is this even relevant to our year at CalSERVES? I would like to take a minute to thank each and every member of Wright's CalSERVES (#thefarm’s) team for putting this into practice.

 A few months ago, we were lucky enough to gain two new members. Prior to that, in October we adopted another new member. During both of these occasions, I was so gratified to see the rest of the team rally around our new members. They introduced themselves, participated in their training, allowed the new girls to shadow them, anything! At a point where it seemed that one extra thing would break us, these new additions made us stronger. The girls added energy. They kept everyone on their toes.

Thank you, Wright team. You’ve all impressed me to no end. It’s incredible to see, even though you’re stretched to your limits, you all still extend a hand. Wherever you all end up, never forget the power of kindness.

by Lauren Loeffler, AmeriCorps Team Leader at Wright Charter School

Plenty of Reasons to Celebrate

We’re getting excited for our 15th Anniversary Celebration – just one week away!

With a decade and a half under the CalSERVES belt, we’ve gone through a handful of name changes, have seen programs grow, change, and develop, and have watched our dedicated AmeriCorps and staff alumni move on to be game-changers in the social, public, and education sectors.

As we as a staff look back on our history, we’re filled with a deep sense of all that we have to celebrate. Jacqueline Rocha, a former AmeriCorps team member recently shared a heart-warming story story with us that demonstrates the many aspects of our program that we’re celebrating this year. Take a look:

“I began as a part-time mentor at Taylor Mountain in 2010. I was assigned the fourth grade cool school class and a partner named Kim. My first year I made amazing friends and got to know some incredible kids. I fell in love with those fourth graders. They were so hard to handle but absolutely worth it. Kim and I became friends too. We shared our frustrations and our successes. I followed my students into fifth grade the following year and got to work one-on-one with many of them as a tutor. It never got easy, but the rewards keep on coming. I still visit Taylor Mountain as often as I can. My students still get excited to see me, tell me about the books they are reading and ask if I am coming back for good. I will be volunteering with those once-fourth-graders at their sixth grade camp in just a few weeks. Next month I will attending Kim's wedding with many other past mentors. I could not have predicted how rich my experience with CalSERVES would be and I am so grateful for it.”

We’re proud of the impact and connections we make in our programs. Thank you, Jacqueline, for sharing your great story – we’re excited to celebrate the achievements of program alumni like you Arlene Francis Center next Friday!

If you haven’t yet purchased tickets to our event, it’s not too late! We have just a couple of tickets left. You can register online at www.calserves.org. 

CalSERVES Students learn to Go Green

During the week of April 15th, our STEM tutoring groups took part in a national week of Greening STEM. We partnered with the National Environmental Education Foundation for resources, ideas, and support. The National Environmental Education Week  focuses on hands-on environmental education through enriched STEM projects. Several CalSERVES students were able to expand their STEM knowledge while learning about important environmental issues. The week was a complete success and each of us is ready to live greener!

Taylor Mountain explored vampire appliances and how to save energy.

Bellevue helped the students learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Also, Team Bellevue spent some time in their school garden learning
about composting and soil.

Kawana ventured through their school garden looking for insects and other living things.

Meadow View’s older students learned about different forms of energy
and how to conserve each type.

The students at Meadow View were awarded with the
Greening STEM Week Certificate of Participation.

 by Katie Gill, CalSERVES AmeriCorps STEM Content Leader