Saying Goodbye to our AmeriCorps Members: Megan, Shermeen, and Sarah
What advice do you have for the AmeriCorps Members to whom you will be passing the torch in the Fall?
Megan: I would encourage any new AmeriCorps member to enter this role with a humble posture. Be ready to learn from others, listen well, and ask thoughtful questions. Always keep things client-centered. Seek out their knowledge and goals, rather than making any assumptions. Creating a listening attitude will not only demonstrate respect and dignity but will lay the foundation of trust needed to build relationships in the community. Maintaining boundaries is also vital to your endurance on staff. Set boundaries with clients, when you work, where you work, and prioritize your own well-being.
Shermeen: Stay flexible. People say this all the time in non-profit work, but it is especially true in a COVID-19 world. Plans will not always go as initially intended, but sometimes they end up even better than originally expected. It just takes some patience and openness/comfort with being flexible.
Sarah: Regularly review and stay connected to the amazing mission, vision, and values of ReEstablish Richmond. Remember why you got involved in this work, what your purpose is, who we are as a community, and how we can best serve and grow together. We can all learn a lot from each other if we take the time to listen and love well.
Can you share a highlight from your time enriching ReEstablish Richmond’s programs?
Megan: Throughout the past year, connecting with clients in the Health + Wellness group sparked the most joy for me because I got to build long-term, meaningful relationships with the women. We met every other week to discuss topics such as mindfulness, parenting, coping with stress, and nutrition. Humble Haven, a yoga studio in Richmond, graciously did two yoga sessions with us, and that was a fun moment for the group. Additionally, Lewis Ginter created some raised beds for the Health + Wellness group, increasing access to green spaces and healthy food. After a long, sheltered Winter indoors, it was rejuvenating to experience community at the gardens where the kids could play and ladies could catch up. We also created videos in partnership with the Health Department relaying information about COVID vaccines interpreted in 5 client languages to increase access and awareness. I enjoyed being a part in expanding the Health + Wellness program.
Shermeen: In my Americorps year, we added the Personal Finance Skills initiative to our Economic Empowerment Program. Through this initiative, we created a series of over 10 videos on a variety of topics related to personal finance. These videos were created in collaboration with various community partners and are currently in the process of being translated by volunteers. This initiative provides these resources to our clients in their native languages, equipping them with the skills to confidentially make informed financial decisions for them and their families.
Sarah: This year we started developing more youth programming and added a new youth tutoring initiative. It was exciting to see the tutoring program take shape and grow as more students were matched with tutors. It was a pleasure to communicate with the students and their families and get to know them better. I also really enjoyed learning more about our volunteers and why volunteering in this way is important to them. It was a joy to be able to connect them with each other and continue to provide support and a strong sense of community.
How has this role prepared you for your next opportunity?
Megan: While I am sad leaving this role behind, I look forward to beginning the Master of Social Work program at VCU this Fall. My involvement in client engagement developed my skills in completing intakes, practicing case management, and improving professional communication. Getting to lead the Health + Wellness group helped me to realize how much I care about creating space in the community for holistic well-being. I am excited to get experience in the counseling field and progress toward my LCSW. This experience has deepened my passion for creating a welcoming community, and I am so thankful to be inspired by a committed and empathetic team.
Shermeen: Being able to design our Barriers and Burdens report, our 2021 Annual Report, various other deliverables and slide decks on Canva, and a teaching plan for personal finance skills helped me to realize that graphic design is not just a hobby of mine but actually my passion. I realized that I was able to use my design skills to make meaningful impact on people and decisions. I also learned how to look at different learning techniques and designs from different perspectives. I will be taking these experiences to complete a UX Design Bootcamp so that I can learn how to make design more interactive and even more user-focused.
Sarah: This role has been such a wonderful, empowering, and life-giving way to prepare for future opportunities. It has allowed me to learn and try new things, while also further developing my prior skills and interests. It has provided a way for me to interact with and discover a variety of people and perspectives. I have also been able to reflect on what I find most meaningful, joyful, and sustainable in life. I am so grateful for this experience and this community. I am looking forward to remaining focused on work and a way of being in the world that creates and encourages connection, education, appreciation, and respect for all.