Escape the Ordinary - May 2012

E s c a p e t h e o r d i n a ry AmeriCorps NCCC May 2012

Volume 3, Issue 2

All About NCCC In this issue:

Blue 4, of the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region removed 18,000 sq. feet of invasive Scotch Broom at Milo McIver State Park!

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18-24. NCCC members are assigned to one of five campuses and organized into teams of 10-12 members. Campuses are located in Perry Point, MD; Vinton, IA; Denver, CO; Vicksburg, MS; and Sacramento, CA. NCCC teams serve approximately 4-6 projects throughout their ten months of service. NCCC serves every state, responding to pressing local needs that are identified by organizations in the community. Projects are focused on the following five categories – Natural and Other Disasters, Infrastructure Improvement, Environmental Stewardship and Conservation, Energy Conservation, and Urban and Rural Development. 100 percent of members are certified in CPR, first aid, and disaster response; approximately 9% are firefighter trained by the National Park and U.S. Forest Services. NCCC teams also support local disaster relief organizations to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural or man-made disasters. Since September 2005, NCCC members from all campuses have served more than 9.6 million hours on 5,035 projects.

Where are We Now?

2

An Alumni Perspective

3

Benefits of Service

5

An Inside Look: The Pacific Region

6

Special points of interest: 

Griffith RyanRoberts reflects on his two years in NCCC

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NCCC Acronyms

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The Application Process

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Where Are We Now?

Atlantic Region Perry Point, MD North Central Region Vinton, IA Pacific Region Sacramento, CA Southern Region Vicksburg, MS Southwest Region Denver, CO

Philadelphia, PA—Atlantic Region’s Raven 2 is currently working with SERVE Philadelphia. They are supporting a wide range of community driven service projects coordinated by the Philly Rising Collaborative; to include coordinating alley cleaning, abandoned lot revitalization and support for urban gardening projects.

Milwaukee, WI—Oak 4, representing the North Central Region is currently working with Children’s Outing Association. The team is renovating four cabins; constructing 50 bunk beds and a pavilion for a youth summer camp.

Joplin, MO—Southwest Region’s Earth 2 is currently working with Rebuild Joplin. The team will be doing Volunteer Management, Logistical and Operations Support and home reconstruction.

Camden, NJ—Moose 5, from the Atlantic Region is working with the Camden City Garden Club. They are planting and maintaining community gardens; renovating the maritime museum, restoring an urban tree canopy through tree planting and supporting the nutrition education and childhood obesity prevention program.

Valparaiso, IN—North Central Region’s Maple 7 is currently working with Taltree Arboretum & Gardens. The team will be performing invasive species removal; building a structure for an outdoor classroom and surveying flora and fauna throughout gardens.

Farmington, NM—Representing the Southwest Region, Sun 6 is currently working with Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity. The team will be working on all phases of home construction. **Note** No projects are listed for the Pacific and Southern Regions as teams were in transition at time of publication. Pacific Region teams will deploy for their final projects this week. Southern Region teams will deploy for their 2nd round projects this week as well.

Want to Serve for a Day?

Serve with a current team of NCCC members at a project in your area!

Contact ANCCC@cns.gov for more information.

**Please note, we may be unable to accommodate all “Serve for a Day” requests due to sponsor restrictions.**

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An Alumni Perspective Griffith Ryan-Roberts served as a Corps Member in Class XVI at the North Central Region campus in Vinton, IA and as a Team Leader in Class XVII at the Atlantic Region campus in Perry Point, MD. What follows is his reflection of his two years of service in AmeriCorps NCCC.

Griffith (in the center) awaiting Corps Member arrivals along with his fellow Team Leaders

How many teammates did you have as a Corps Member? How many do you still keep in contact with?

During my Corps Member year, in Iowa, there were ten of us on Cedar 7 (including myself). I still keep in contact with a couple of them, as well as my team leader. One of my teammates and I share the same birthday, so we were able to celebrate it together, after our Corps Member year was over.

What were some of your projects?

Which was your favorite?

Our first project was working in Cedar Rapids, IA, restoring homes that had been damaged during the flooding of 2008. After that, we traveled down south to Lake Charles, LA to rebuild homes damaged from the hurricanes of 2005. Our third round project was in Coralville Lake, IA, where we removed invasive plant species and performed prescribed burns. The next round, by far my favorite round, was working at a wildlife sanctuary in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The team helped in the day to day operations of caring for animals ranging from chickens, cats and dogs, all the way up to lions, tigers, and bears.

What were your most interesting/ challenging accommodations?

Besides having the team sleep in

one big room for a couple projects, the most interesting was probably living at the wildlife sanctuary. We stayed in a house right on the sanctuary grounds. I, along with the other males on my team, slept in the basement. Because we were there in spring time, we would wake up every morning to the various calls and sounds of animals trying to attract mates. Having 75 peacocks make mating calls at 5 AM can be very difficult to sleep through.

What are your fondest overall memories?

My fondest memories overall are the incredible relationships that I made. My team really became like my family, at times we would get on each other’s nerves, but we all knew we had each others’ backs no matter what. Also, the great connections I made with project sponsors and community members. I am still in close contact with our sponsor from the wildlife sanctuary, and I have been back on several occasions.

What was something you did for the first time?

For the first time in my life, I butchered a cow. At the wildlife sanctuary, local ranchers would donate cattle that were older, or injured. They would then have to be euthanized, and then chopped up to feed to the big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, and mountain lions).

Initially, I did not want to participate, but my team leader Continued on Page 4

encouraged me to do so. I’m so glad I did. As someone who ate meat at the time, it was a very humbling experience to be a part of. Seeing one animal give its life so that another may live is very enlightening. I recommend anyone who eats meat to experience this once in their life.

What was the most outrageous thing that you did?

The most outrageous experience was also at the wildlife sanctuary.

When we first arrived at the project we were given the task of “spring cleaning.” This meant that because the snow had melted we had to clean out all of the animal enclosures. I’ve never experienced anything more disgusting. This meant getting into the Tiger enclosures (without the Tigers) and cleaning up excrement and carcasses that had been there for several months. Our whole team didn’t feel like eating for the rest of that day.

What was the most challenging part of your ten months of service? How did you overcome these challenges?

The most challenging part was living with a group of people that, initially, I shared very little in common with.

Everyone on my team was so different from one another; I still can’t believe we didn’t tear each other apart. But what we shared was a desire to help others, and this can

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unite even the most opposite of individuals. The best way to get over the differences is to spend as much time as you can with your team, and really listen to one another. The advice, knowledge, and perspectives I gained from my teammates pushed me to grow in such a positive way. Even if you think you may never see eye to eye with someone, try to hear their side of things and their way of looking at the world.

service to others. The fulfillment one gets from serving others is unlike anything else. Also, living with ten other people, who I never would have crossed paths with normally, made me incredibly flexible and appreciative of new ideas and different ways of thinking.

What are you doing post NCCC? I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the California Conservation Corps, at their Monterey Bay location.

My main job is work with the Corps Member Development Unit. I focus on developing curriculum and partnerships that will assist our corps members during and after their years with the CCC.

Griffith (upper left corner) with his team, Cedar 7

Why do you think national service is important?

I believe national service is important because it gives individuals a connection to the greater communities around them.

Not only is it important to give back to others, but by doing this you create a bond to other people and groups that you may not have already. I know for me, I really feel connected to this country from my time in NCCC. I feel like I have a good understanding and appreciation for what it means to be an American.

How has your NCCC experience affected your life?

My NCCC experience has changed my life drastically. Prior to joining NCCC, I was very unsure of where I wanted to go in the future. I graduated college with a degree in Film, but realized I didn’t want to work in Hollywood, or pursue it as a career. But after being in NCCC, I know that I want to lead a life of

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Do you have any advice for prospective Corps Members?

My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. The year as a corps member is one that will have a huge impact on your life, if you are willing and open to it. Try anything and everything. You may experience something that is your life’s calling, and you may not if you never try it.

Be open to new ideas, new experiences, and new ways of doing things. The growth and knowledge you will gain will benefit you during your corps member year and beyond.

Give a brief summary of your Team Leader year.

My team leader Griffith (in the Green shirt) with his team, Raven 6 and their 3rd year was phenomenal. I round project sponsor served as the Team Leader for Raven 6 at the Fun Fact Atlantic Region in Perry Point, MD. I could not have asked for a better Four of Griffith’s Corps Members team, they are a stellar bunch of from Raven 6 are currently serving young adults. We started out pulling as Team Leaders. Three are at the invasive species in Delaware, and North Central Region campus in then organized a huge community Vinton, IA and one is at the Southern services event in Washington, D.C. Region campus in Vicksburg, MS. For our second round, we were originally sent to Staten Island, NY to cut trail, but we were quickly pulled to Tuscaloosa, AL, to help with Know someone who wants to tornado recovery efforts. Our third apply? Have them click here! round was spent just outside of Select “AmeriCorps NCCC” or Pittsburgh, PA, where we worked at “AmeriCorps NCCC Team a State Park. We also got a chance to Leaders” and click Search. help out with the National Veterans' Wheelchair Games. Our last round Currently, we have open listings was spent building homes and a for our traditional Winter 2013 historic shed in Portland, ME. All in NCCC program and our Winter all the year was incredible and I 2013 FEMA Corps track. miss my team all the time. It is an experience that caused me to grow Go ahead! APPLY NOW! tremendously.

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AmeriCorps NCCC: Benefits of Service 

Uniform—includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, BDU pants, shorts, steel-toed boots, fleece vest, coveralls and more

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Housing—campus residences are co-ed floors with same gender roommates; spike housing is provided by the project sponsor

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Health Care—limited coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care. However, these benefits may be affected by restrictions on payment for pre-existing conditions as well as other exclusions.

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Child Care—up to $400 per month may be available for a custodial parent of a minor child

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Personal Days—Corps Members are entitled to 3 paid personal days off from service, as well as 2 paid Life After AmeriCorps days (subject to approval).

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Transportation—NCCC will cover the cost of a Corps Member’s travel to a campus at the start of a service year and back home at the end of a service year.

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Living Allowance—approximately $4,000 per year (or $200 every two weeks) before taxes

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Training/Skills—CPR/First Aid and Disaster Relief certification training from the Red Cross, leadership skills, conflict management, team-building and lots more

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Education Award—Once a Corps Member has completed 1700 hours of service and successfully completed the program, they are eligible for the Education Award. Currently, the award is $5,550.

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Loan Forbearance—If Corps Members have Federal Education loans (Perkins, Stafford, or Direct Loans) they may be placed in forbearance. Once a Member earns an Ed. Award, NCCC will pay the interest accrued on these loans while the Member was in service.

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College Credit—We currently offer, through the American Council of Education, undergraduate credit for the following three-credit-hour courses: Introduction to Service Learning and Diversity in Service (available to both Team Leaders and Corps Members); and Supervisory Skills (available only to Team Leaders).

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Certification from American Humanics in Non Profit Employment and Management—NCCC alumni may enroll in this online program offered by the University of Montana and LSU-Shreveport.

For more detailed information about benefits, please click here.

If you have any further questions, please contact us at (800) 942-2677 or anccc@cns.gov

AmeriCorps NCCC uses LOTS and LOTS of acronyms! Here are just a few that you might hear from a team or on an NCCC campus.

1.

CNCS - Corporation for National and Community Service

12. TL - Team Leader

2.

NCCC - National Civilian Community Corps

13. ISP - Independent Service Project

3.

CAP - Corps Ambassador Program Representative

14. ATL - Assistant Team Leader

4.

SLI - Service Learning Initiator

15. LAA - Life After AmeriCorps

5.

POL - Project Outreach Liaison

16. FMT - Fire Management Team

6.

VST - Vehicle, Safety, Tools

17. POC - Point of Contact

7.

POV - Privately Owned Vehicle

18. TLT - Team Leader Training

8.

WPR - Weekly Progress Report

19. CTI - Corps Training Institute

9.

UL - Unit Leader

20. PT - Physical Training

10. FPC - Fingerprint Card

21. MSS - Member Support Specialist

11. CM - Corps Member

22. RD - Region Director

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An Inside Look: The Pacific Region A few weeks ago, I received an email from an applicant who suggested a brief tour of the different campuses, in order to give applicants a visual of where they might be calling “home” for the next 10 months. This edition will highlight the Pacific Region, located in Sacramento, California.

About the Sacramento Campus McClellan Park is the site of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (AmeriCorps NCCC) Pacific Region Campus. The Pacific Region Campus is located in Northern Sacramento, about a twenty minute drive from the California State Capitol.

The residence halls, with a maximum capacity of approximately two to three people to a room, consist of two, three-story dormitories which house Team Leaders and Corps Members.

Every two rooms share a private shower and toilet.

Just across the parking lot from the dormitories is Building 922, which houses the administrative offices, meeting rooms, training rooms and storage areas.

The AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region campus, which moved from San Diego to Sacramento in August 2001, is one of over 150 organizations and businesses that currently occupy the 3,065 acre property with more anticipated in the final plan.

Front view of a dormitory at the Pacific Region Campus.

Inside a dormitory room

A kitchen inside Building 947

947 Lounge

A Day in the Life

What’s Next?

This is an actual schedule of a past NCCC team, representing an example of what a day might be like. However, please note that work schedules vary dramatically, depending upon your specific project.

With FEMA Corps members starting in August, our next two issues (coming in June and July) will highlight the North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa and the Southern Region campus in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Schedule: Habitat for Humanity (Tuesday-Saturday) 7:00 AM: Daily morning team meeting 7:15 AM: Depart SPIKE housing for work site 7:25 AM: Arrive at work site 7:30 AM: Daily briefing by site supervisor 7:45 AM: Work begins 12:00 PM: Lunch 12:30 PM: Work resumes 3:45 PM: Clean-up/prepare to leave for the day 4:15 PM: Depart for SPIKE housing 5:00 PM: Team physical training (PT) (3x per week)

We will then highlight our Southwest Region campus in Denver, Colorado and finally head back east to highlight our Atlantic Region campus in Perry Point, Maryland.

STAY TUNED!

Special Note regarding housing: During SPIKE projects, the team will establish temporary housing accommodations in the community where the project is being conducted. You should come prepared to live in a variety of situations!

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AMERICORPS NCCC 1201 New York Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20525 Phone: 800-942-2677 Fax: 202-606-3459 Email: anccc@cns.gov http://www.americorps.gov/nccc http://my.americorps.gov

What does my NCCC status mean?

After talking with your family and friends, you’ve decided that you want to become an AmeriCorps NCCC member. What does your application status mean? Well, we’re going to break it down for you right here.

Follow NCCC Online:

How does placement work in NCCC?

NCCC employs a “rolling admissions” process, similar to many colleges. We have a few rounds of placements during the application period and additional rounds of placements once our application period closes. We continue to fill slots as they become available, including up to the day before a campus opens.

All selections and placements are RANDOM. We have far more qualified applicants than positions available, and unfortunately cannot guarantee a position to all qualified applicants.

Notes From the Author

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Congratulations to all of you (future CM’s and TL’s) who have been selected to serve in Class 19 of AmeriCorps NCCC this fall and our inaugural class of FEMA Corps this summer! You’re going to have one amazing journey and I wish you all the best during your year of service.

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I’d also like to send a special thank you to Sam McKenzie, Tristan Fowler and Raven One, all from AmeriCorps NCCC’s Atlantic Region for their assistance with the spotlight article from the April edition. Caawwww!

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Super thanks to Griff Ryan-Roberts for his alumni perspective. Raven Pride!

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If you have any suggestions on other topics that you would like to see covered in this newsletter, let us know by emailing us at NCCC.

Yours in Service, Kevin