AmeriCorps accomplishments

by Sam Spitzer

AmeriCorps Program Director

AmeriCorps Program members and staff traveled to the Eagle Rock Challenge Course in Mt. Vernon for their October 6 Team Day. Goals for the day were to increase leadership abilities, improve group communication skills, accomplish things considered impossible, develop stronger relationships, and have fun. In addition to achieving their goals, members and staff learned about themselves and each other. By working through challenges with the team, members also discovered new ways to interact and work with youth. The team achieved all of its goals, but walked away with something even greater - a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.

Speaking of accomplishments, members are up to great things at their host sites. Read the success stories below for three examples of how members are getting things done for Snohomish County:

Lisa - Weston High School/Freshman Academy

Lisa conducted a team building activity with a class where the teacher really wanted the kids to open up more and connect with each other. A couple of kids stayed somewhat distant, but most of them really opened up by the end. They talked about how they didn't realize that other people felt the same way and experience the same things. It was a great experience and accomplished the goal of getting teens to connect with one another. The kids are now working on their action statements to incorporate what they learned into their lessons in class. Lisa was very excited about the activity. Lisa also helped one youth get connected to do his community service hours at a local senior center. He reported back to Lisa after his first day saying that he really enjoyed the experience and that the ladies there loved him. He was excited to make connections and have people approving of him. He was hoping that the volunteer position could possibly turn into a regular job. Lisa told the teen that he should ask about it, but that he needs to be prepared for a negative response, as volunteer positions tend to be strictly volunteer. As an alternative, Lisa worked with the teen on other job options, and he has since had interviews with local businesses.

Jenn - YMCA Marysville Family Branch

For a week in September, Jenn coordinated America on the Move for teens from the YMCA Teen Center. America on the Move is a challenge program put on by the YMCA Activate America organization. The goal this year was to inspire Americans nationwide to take one billion steps during the week of September 25, 2006. Participants earn steps for participating in healthy activities. Jenn put together four days of activities where the teens could participate to earn steps. Their goal was to earn 140,000 steps to contribute to the national goal of one billion steps. Under Jenn's leadership, teens participated in many walking activities and games. Her ten teens far exceeded their goal to earn a grand total of 175,853 steps. They were excited to contribute to the national goal for the YMCA. Not only did the teens improve their health, but they learned the joy of being part of a national organization and the importance of taking local action to help people nationwide achieve success.

Brooke – YMCA Shoreline/ South County
Brooke, in her first year of service, is placed at YMCA Shoreline/South County where she coordinates an after school program for teens. As part of the program, teens participate in activities such as sports, board games, team building activities, and tutoring. The youth have been enjoying the activities, though Brooke has noticed there is a lot of separation between gender and ethnic lines. Through a series of get-to-know-you activities, she has been able to help bring teens together to learn more about each other. In the future, she looks forward to the teens interacting more and building friendships. Brooke has also realized how important it is to reinforce positive behavior. She recognized a teen for doing something well, and the teen felt excited and proud as a result.