I studied social work and anthropology because I love listening to people. All of my research projects, my internships, and my previous jobs were thinly veiled excuses to talk to people, learn about their lives, and sometimes, analyze and comply the data from our conversations. I’ve gotten to learn and get to know wonderful people from all over the globe this way.
Kameryn, one of our DC VISTAs, completed her year of service yesterday. We're grateful for the heart and hard work she's put into being the Data Systems Coordinator. Kameryn will be continuing public service and joining the Peace Corps! We already miss her. Below is her final reflection on her year of VISTA service.
It's Public Defender Week so we're highlighting some of the awesome directors of our host sites! Read on to hear about Steve Hattori, the Executive Director of the Guam Public Defender Service Corporation. Carly, our VISTA member in Guam, and Hattori talk about the history of public defense in Guam with humor.
"On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, I sat down with Guam Public Defender Service Corporation Executive Director Steve Hattori to discuss his nearly twenty years of service as a public defender on the island that raised him.
At our annual conference, we all agreed upon a set a values to guide our service. Building bridges resonated with everyone and this month, we reflected on how we have built bridges in service. Below are some of the unique ways we've built bridges together.
Today Amanda, our VISTA member in Santa Barbara, California shares how partnerships changed the life of a client.
For many who have never talked to a person experiencing homelessness, “the homeless” are living a lifestyle choice, content to live in squalor and depend on the kindness of non-profits and strangers, but the reality is far from it.
Joining AmeriCorps means taking on a variety of unforseen challenges during your year of service. You commit a year of your life to serve in underprivileged and marginalized communities, educate yourself on communal issues, and work to provide sustainable solutions. As an AmeriCorps member, you have to learn how to adapt to those challenges and #GetThingsDone for your project. When our D.C.
VISTA members come from all walks of life, and bring with them a variety of experiences that have helped shape their passion for service. Our VISTAs experiences have served to both strengthen their resolve for justice and have proved invaluable to the Defending Communities in Service program. Join us as we explore how our members turned life lessons into action as they dedicate themselves to a year of service.
Thank you all so much for being a part of Defending Communities in Service this year. We've had such an incredible first year and we couldn't have done it with out each of you. Over the course of the last twelve months we've launched our project, doubled in size, served for more than 11,000 hours in communtiies across the country, and learned so much. As we move into 2019 we can't wait to continue this journey and to bring you along with us.
Best wishes for the new year,
Emily, Kameryn, and Anna
The NLADA VISTA Team
I met my friend Cece at the very beginning of our AmeriCorps journey. We attended pre-service orientation in Philly together, and I was immediately struck by her vibrant style and laid back personality. After some conversation, we realized we had many hared experiences (and live pretty close to each other in New Jersey!). As she took some time to catch up with me recently, I was deeply impressed with the wealth of knowledge she shared about persistence and being true to one's self.
Carly, our VISTA member in Guam, recently sat down for an interview with Deondra, our VISTA member in Oklahoma. Read on to learn more about serving in Guam.
Deondra: When you are not working what do you do for fun while in Guam?
