The Americorps Experience
April 1stI know it’s been too long, but I have a good excuse. This last week was my first week at my new job! For the next 6 months, I’ll be working with eight awesome folks doing all sorts of environmental field work and some community programs, too. Sounds like a dream job, right? Almost. It’s with Americorps.
If you don’t know anything about Americorps, you should check out their programs. It’s like a domestic Peace Corps. For my part, I first learned about Americorps when I started job hunting in Portland. All of the jobs that jumped out at me were Americorps positions, but the monthly stipend of $961 wasn’t so seductive. Still, nothing else looked any better for my bizarro background and skill set, so I decided to give it a shot.
Holy crap was that a good idea. I’m working through the Northwest Service Academy, and everyone I’ve met there is kind, patient, and very competent. They treat us idealistic, slightly uinsure, 20-somethings like we are an important part of the solution, and they go out of their way to make room for us to pursue lectures, courses, certifications, or whatever else will help us on our path. The outlook at NWSA is in stark contrast to the vibe I got from GreenCorps, and it’s more holistic and positive than anywhere I’ve ever worked before.
I’m just getting to know my team, and it’s great to be surrounded by people with similar values and different backgrounds. We have a lot to learn from each other, and the hours and hours of labor go by faster when we’re exchanging stories, plant identifications, or simple small talk. The work is hard, but it’s the sort of honest, clear work that makes me feel good. We can stand back and see that we’re making a difference with our time.
The big downfall is, of course, the money. The stipend is very small, so small we all qualify for food stamps. At the end of our contract though, we’ll receive $2500+ for education expenses, and we’ll walk away with a unique set of experiences. I’m already glowing from the knowledge that there are plenty of concerned, bright, and determined folks who want to turn things around.
If you’re in a transitional space, trying to figure out exactly where your path goes, or just want to help out your community and meet some cool people, I encourage you to check out Americorps. I can’t speak for the entire program (it’s huge!), but the Northwest Service Academy has been a revelation.