Corey Brown does Washington D.C.

Last year I was chosen to be one of the six Corpsmembers of the Year, which is a pretty big deal. It meant that I was picked out of 29,000 Corpsmembers.

One of the perks of being chosen for Corpsmember of Year was being able to attend the Corps Forum in Washington D.C. For the weeks leading up to the Forum, I was extremely excited and busy. I was busy preparing to travel to Washington D.C. and was preparing a speech to give at the Forum.

Unfortunately, the weekend I was scheduled to fly out to the East coast, a blizzard struck there. The blizzard was so intense that my flight was pushed back two days. This meant that I had to miss two days of the Forum. It was a real disappointment for me because I really wanted to be a part of the whole experience.

When I arrived at the hotel, my disappointment and sadness quickly resolved as I realized I was going to be staying at a elegant four star hotel. Entering the hotel with its extraordinary main floor, I knew this was not your typical hotel. Then I made my way to my room after a few “yes sirs” and “here you are Mr. Brown.” My room was absolutely breathtaking. It was bigger than my apartment, all the furnishings were top notch and the bed created the best night’s sleep a person can desire.

After touring and examining the hotel and all the luxurious features, I was quick to go to sleep because I didn’t arrive at the hotel until12:00a.m. and had to be up in the morning by 6.00 a.m. That morning I was up on time and prepared for a day of all the Forum events. The first thing on the agenda was a breakfast. This is where I was able to meet all the people attending the Corps Forum and get a better understanding of what it was about. Then I attended the award ceremony where I was able to give my speech in front of 80 people and was awarded a plaque for Corpsmember of the Year.

Photo by Peter Stepanek Photography (www.skyhighart.com)

Throughout the day, I did not do much as there was not much do with the whole city being shut down due to snow. All the tourist attractions, government buildings, museums and most fast food and restaurants were closed. The only thing I was able to find open was the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, so I decided to tour that for about an hour. Then it was time for the reception. It was a very elegant event which was held at the Union Station. It consisted of many big officials such as senators, mayors and big corporate representatives, receiving their awards and giving speeches about what they were going to do or what they did for service work.

Corey meets Mayor Hickenlooper

What was cool about the reception besides all the good things I was hearing and the amazing atmosphere was that I got to meet some really high positioned people such as Mayor of Denver, John W. Hickenlooper.

For the rest of my days in D.C., I did not do much. There was only one event left for the Forum, which was a really quick closing and the city was still shut down due to a second big snow storm. It was quite nice though as I got to relax and spend time with Brigid McRaith, Director of Programs at Mile High Youth Corps.

Photo by Peter Stepanek Photography (www.skyhighart.com)

Overall, this experience was amazing. I got to see how the Corpsnetwork is filled with amazing people who care about service and youth corps, network with people all over the country, and got to meet important people like the mayor of Denver. Most importantly I really enjoyed myself and had a lot of fun.

-Corey Brown, Water Alumni Mentor

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One Bulb Down…

Energy Corpsmember Sam Winter installs an energy-saving light bulb.

One bulb down, 29,999 to go. After two weeks of orientation and training, the new energy Corpsmembers and ACLCs started the Energy Project last Tuesday. With brand-new uniforms, bright faces and cheerful smiles, twenty-four of MHYC’s newest ‘Best and Brightest’ began their year of making an impact in the Denver community, one CFL at a time. The new bulbs, known as compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs – which use 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb – are slated to be installed in over 5,000 single-and-multi-family homes in the Denver metro area. Last year alone, the CFLs saved clients over $125,000 collectively over the span of the bulbs’ lives. This year, with the energy project expanding, that figure is certain to increase. And the impact on the energy bills of low-income families (not to mention the environment!) will be substantial.

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Changing the World One Toilet at a Time

Mile High Youth Corps’ new 2010 Water Corpsmembers have been out in the community installing High Efficiency Toilets for almost three weeks now. But this program has been an MHYC staple for over two years, sending youth out into low-income housing, replacing water-guzzling toilets with super water-saving toilets that use only one gallon of water per flush. The Water Program is getting a lot of recognition for its tremendous water saving capabilities, check out Water Projects Coordinator Patrick Lundberg and Senior Water Corpsmember Ed Flores on Colorado & Company spreading the word about the joy of saving water.

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Games, Lectures and Fun at MHYC Orientation

The day started like any other, but this time it was different because it was the day of Mile High Youth Corps orientation. My heart was beating fast and hard, full of excitement and anxiety. Bright and early I woke up ready for this day but not knowing what was to come, and like everyone else, I expected orientation to be boring and lifeless, little did I know what was awaiting me at MHYC.

The 2010 Corpsmembers gather in the Mezz for MHYC orientation

Unlike everything else I knew, joining MHYC was the best option and choice I have ever made, but I was still unsure. I needed that kick start, that boost to get me going. I arrived at 1801 Federal Blvd. (the MHYC headquarters) for what was to be the best orientation I have ever been to. As I entered the building 15 minutes early, I found a gentleman awaiting me at the reception; he was an MHYC staff member and a former Corpsmember. He had the widest smile and most gentle character; pleasantly he shook my hand with a lot of enthusiasm and welcomed me in as he guided me to the orientation room where I found young, energetic and bright faces waiting.

The room was quiet as everyone was a stranger to each other and the air was a little bit tense as everyone was trying to get comfortable with the person next to them. But in no time at all, you could hear someone say a word or two to the person next to them as they got to know each other. Little did we know that on this day and in this program we would all make friends and form bonds that may or may not last us a life time.

As orientation was about to start a young lady came and sat by me and immediately she introduced herself. I was confused due to her confidence and friendliness, like any other young person I am not used to that. Even today I remember her name even though we went to different programs. Her name was Jeri. We were all given stickers and told to write our names on them, like any other place with a lot of people we got people with the same names like Colin and Collin as well as two Michaels, but sooner rather than later as we got to know one another we were able to differentiate them.

Soon the orientation began and like all other orientations we were briefed about our different programs and MHYC. The lecture and briefing soon came to an end and we were confused as we were separated and put into different groups. In these groups, to the least of my expectations, we went to play games and activities called ice breakers and energizers, and we all got to know each other even more. We switched from one station to the next and sooner rather than later, I could hear laughter and shouting throughout the building as each group was doing an activity. We had one game that was named the “magic carpet.” Hahahaha, well it literally brought everyone closer.

After these activities, we were back to the orientation room and this time there was more chatting amongst ourselves as everyone had gotten to know each other a little bit better. There were smiles everywhere.

Next there was another lecture session and our intelligence was put to the test. We didn’t disappoint the MHYC staff because we had young and very bright minds that were full of positive attitudes and understanding. No one discouraged anyone’s ideas; instead we embraced each other and tried to understand one another’s point of view. We asked and answered questions and from time to time the staff and ourselves would crack a joke or two.

Obviously like any other society, we had people from different back grounds and cultures. We also had some people being more outspoken and confident than others. One example was a young man who has come to be a good friend of mine, his name is Ron, he brought life to the room from time to time. Unlike what people think and the stereotyping about young people being negative, on this day, I can surely say that this was not the case. Everything was productive and positive.

All in all, this was the best orientation of my life and I am sure everyone else’s that was a part of it. All of this would not have been possible if it was not for the very dedicated staff members of MHYC whom were very kind and patient, as well as us Corpsmembers for embracing the process and being open to it. And of course, I cannot forget management, who has been there for us every step of the way, making sure everything goes smoothly.

-Timothy Muraguri, Water Corpsmember

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Welcome to the World of Green Collars

There’s one word to describe my two weeks at MHYC… INTERESTING. Wait, that’s not the only word, but probably the best one I can think of at the moment. I have met other young people from around the country and the world. I think representing something like 18 states and 4 countries. That was the most interesting aspect of orientation… along with the great American past time known as “Yee Haw.”

In all seriousness, I feel very fortunate to have seen an ad on Craigslist looking for youth to work in the green collar industry. At the time all I knew was that I was applying for something I think I could do, and something I wanted to learn more about. Blue collar and white collar jobs have been around for a long time, this “green collar” thing is relatively new. Another new thing to me was having fun in the workplace… and being treated with respect in the workplace. It’s like I was living in a black and white world and then when I joined the MHYC team, it’s like everything was in color.

So in the next 5 months I’m looking forward to mastering the art of pulling toilets and screwing in shower heads. But, it’s more than that. What we do really does make a difference in our community and in a smaller way, the world. I think this is a job that gives you a great sense of pride, which is very important to me. Although this term is only for 5 months (Conan O’Brien I feel your pain brother) I will make the absolute best of it and I feel confident that my fellow Corpsmembers will do the same.

-Dylan Miley, Water Crew Corpsmember

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Orientation Highlights

In joining the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program at Mile High Youth Corps, I wanted to somehow help create a difference in the world around me. This is a common theme experienced by all the new Corpsmembers joining MHYC. We all came in on the first day of orientation, not knowing what to expect and wondering what exactly we had committed to. From the first (of many) silly and somewhat embarrassing icebreakers and team builders we took part in, I was able to see the diversity, strength and passion our group has. I was also surprised at how willing everyone was to put themselves out on a limb and show their true colors (mainly by “yee-hawing” as loudly as possible, searching for a man that has gone overboard, and challenging each other to intense games of rock, paper, scissors).

Stephanie poses with some of her fellow ACLCs

We were able to endure all the paperwork and sitting through trainings (hey, didn’t we sign up to haul toilets or do something with chainsaws?) by keeping our main objective in clear sight: get things done. I now see the importance of participating in all the team builders and icebreakers before we actually start working together. We have been able to start learning each other’s personalities and have some glimpses of everyone’s odd quirks and sense of humor. This is vital in being able to communicate and efficiently get jobs done, all while keeping things entertaining.

The highlight of orientation thus far has really been getting to know all the people involved with this organization and the reasons why they are here. There are so many diverse people with vastly different backgrounds and life experiences all coming to gather in Denver to create or experience some form of change. Just in our first week here at MHYC, we have had the ability to hold an open forum to throw around ideas and opinions (sometimes on taboo topics) with great maturity and respect for whatever another person has to say. Not too many places outside of an academic setting can say that they are able to do so while still maintaining relative peace amongst the people. Personally, I have found this to not only be refreshing, but also showing much optimism and hope for the future, even in this somewhat cynical world we live in. So many possibilities arise out of seemingly simple discussions and can create a spark in someone to go forth and act on that small idea.

If I had to choose my favorite moments of the first week, they would be (in no particular order):
- Sitting down for the first time and looking around at the 13 other ACLC’s I would be getting to know and love while sharing this great experience over the next 10 months
- Running (and driving) around Denver for a challenging (and occasionally chaotic) scavenger hunt! (GO TEAM SHAMWOW!)
- Trying on the snazzy, matching uniforms that we will be living in for the next 10 months and realizing that we are all in this together
- Figuring out how to drive a 12-passenger van without having your passengers randomly break out in fits of screaming
- Bob’s somewhat frightening, but completely necessary safety talk (complete with hand-drawn, bloody illustrations including a gravestone)

Really, there is no way to put into words how I am feeling about being a part of this team and all that I have already experienced. It has really been so much more than I expected. All I can say is, I can’t wait to see what comes next.

-Stephanie Stocking, ACLC

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Welcome 2010 Corpsmembers!

Mile High Youth Corps’ (MHYC) Headquarter office is alive and buzzing with the pitter patter of 36 new pairs of feet, the whispers of friendships blooming and the excitement of terms of service beginning. On Monday we opened our door to over thirty new Corpsmembers for our Energy, Water and AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation (ACLC) crews.

The new Corpsmembers have been busy filling out paperwork, getting to know each other and learning about life on the MHYC team. As their terms begin, we try and provide them a good overview of the type of service they’ll experience over the next five or ten months and also introduce them to life as a Corpsmember. And life as a Corpsmember takes some adjustment; it’s learning a new language fitted with acronyms, it’s gaining and giving trust to strangers, it’s turning those strangers into teammates and eventually friends.

This morning Tom facilitated a trust activity with the ACLCs that left us with sweaty palms and bitten nails. Ingredients included one blindfolded, shoeless Corpsmember, one Corpsmember to give directions, a path covered in set mousetraps and the fresh trust between the two Corpsmembers. While the other ACLCs anxiously looked on (squealing all the while), Michael led Brendan through the maze of traps by giving only verbal guidance. As they continue into their term these two, along with the rest of the ACLCs, will undoubtedly find themselves in situations where the key elements used to successfully complete the mousetrap maze will be essential.

The ACLC and Energy crews will continue with orientation throughout next week while the Water crew will head out into the community and start saving water by installing High Efficiency Toilets.

As they complete their first week at MHYC, the new Corpsmembers have only a small taste of the savory feast of a term of service ahead of them. But their mouths are watering, and they look hungry.

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The Grass is Always Greener

If I had a dollar for every time an MHYC staff member told me “Enjoy your time out in the field, I wish I could be doing that stuff again; now I’m just stuck in an office” as a Corpsmember last year, well, I’d probably have three dollars. But still. It happened, as Tom Waits would say, ‘enough that I’d remark on it’. My reaction was always the same: roll my eyes, think, ‘yeah, yeah, the grass is always greener on the other side’. As we welcome thirty-six new Corpsmembers – and as I find myself ‘just stuck in an office (just kidding, I don’t have an office. Or a desk. Or a chair.)’ – I spend more and more time recalling my year as an ACLC. Especially vivid are my first few days.

Steve goes from behind a chain saw to behind a computer screen this year as the Conservation Alumni Mentor.

I remember hearing one of my fellow Corpsmembers being asked “Are you on the ACLC crew or on water?”. My first thought was, ‘How can someone be on water?’ and my second thought was, ‘Wait, what did that guy just say?’. It was like my first day in Italian 100 in college when the teacher decided to speak in Italian for the entire class. I had really no idea what I had just gotten myself into. New city, new apartment, new roommates, new job; no friends and no family within five hundred miles – I was a little fish in a huge ocean. But then things just started happening: name games, ice breakers, LOTS of paperwork, more ice breakers, more games, LOTS more paperwork. And pretty soon I began calling this giant warehouse ‘The Mezz’, and a tiny classroom ‘The Tank’. I began calling strangers ‘coworkers’ and then ‘friends’. I began installing thermostats in peoples’ homes. Just so you know, this involves playing with live wires that are red and blue and green and yellow. I was like Bruce Willis in Die Hard. Things that were foreign and scary and new when I started became accomplishments to be proud of and tools in my skill set.

The new AmeriCorps volunteers start today. I cannot wait to meet them, and remember when I walked in their shoes. Their energy and enthusiasm will be an inspiration to me. But, in all honesty, what I am most excited for is to be able to tell them, “Enjoy your time in the field, I wish I could be doing that stuff again; now I’m just stuck in an office.”

-Steve Lynch

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