I work as an AmeriCorps member in a Local Preschool. This is why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is so near and dear to my heart.
According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will include…
“$201 million in funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service to support an expansion of AmeriCorps State and National and AmeriCorps VISTA programs. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the value of national service in engaging citizens in addressing unmet needs and strengthening communities”
By expanding these programs, we are creating jobs and assisting in community outreach. In my branch of AmeriCorps, which is education based we are in the local schools helping tutor and mentor at-risk kids, working on programs to help children learn healthy eating and exercise habits, preschool assistance, assisting Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, and putting together community programs to educate about diversity and alcohol, to name a few of our many hats.
I’m not going to sit here and say it’s the easiest job in the world. It certainly takes a lot of patience, a lot of looking at your paycheck and sighing, and a LOT of time. However, it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. I love all 34 of my “babies”. I have learned SO much from the teachers I work with, the training I’ve received, and the crazy fun people I serve with. I’m getting on the job training in an area that I would have never considered going in to otherwise. I’ve gotten money to go back to school next fall and a part time job once I’m done with my term of service. Considering the week before I got this job, I was broke and jobless…
I applaud President Obama for making this a focus in the new administration. With the economy in the dumpster, investing in opportunites for communities and people is going to open doors for many - giving them job opportunites and valuble experiences.
For more information:
Corporation for National & Community Service
AmeriCorps.gov
