YouthBuilders Volunteer with Bessie’s Hope

For the past eight months, YouthBuild Corpsmembers have volunteered at two senior living facilities through Bessie’s Hope Youth and Elder Program. This program enhances quality of life and creates meaningful volunteer opportunities through life-enriching interactions with nursing home and assisted living elders. Corpsmembers have spent time with the residents creating crafts, playing games, even singing and dancing. It has been an unforgettable and rewarding experience for both the seniors and the Corpsmembers. Abby, a 2013 YouthBuild graduate, shared her thoughts:

Volunteering with Bessie’s Hope impacted all of us. It was challenging at first because we were not used to spending time with the elderly, but I learned a great deal about respect. We all left having learned something from attending Bessie’s Hope. I gained self-esteem, knowing that I can make a change in someone’s life even though they face challenges. I have no living grandparents, so interacting with the elderly made me feel good as if they were my own grandparents. The seniors may not have remembered us after we left, but knowing that you can put a smile on their faces for that day was an amazing feeling. It really was such a meaningful experience for me and the other YouthBuild Corpsmembers.

The YouthBuilders will be volunteering today with Bessie’s Hope for the last time before graduation. We know that these experiences will continue to have an impact even after their term has ended.

Vincent helps seniors fill in their cards during a game of food jingo

Dennis visits while coloring with a senior at an assisted living home

Abby and Maribel put together a puzzle

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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Top 10: Interview Tips

As we approach peak hiring season here at MHYC, we thought it would be fitting to offer some helpful interview tips.  Check out the top 10 tips contributed by MHYC Staff and Corpsmembers :

10. Do your research!  Be familiar with the company’s mission, history and values.

9. Ask questions about the company and position.  You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!

8. Be 10 minutes early.

7. Know yourself.  Be able to turn your weaknesses into something positive.

6. When asked for an example, tell a story.  Everyone loves a good story.

5. Dress for interview success.  The first impression you make on a potential employer can make a big difference.

4. Listen carefully to each question asked. Pause and collect your thoughts before answering. Don’t be afraid to have them repeat the question.

3.  Practice interviewing.  It will help give you a framework for your responses.

2.  Take the time to say thank you. Not only is it good interview etiquette, it reinforces your interest in the position.

1.  It’s ok to be nervous. Breathe and do your best!

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YouthBuilders Return from DC

The 2013 AmeriCorps Conference of Youth Leaders took place last week in Washington D.C. with the purpose of connecting YouthBuild participants from all over the country.  Lawrence Pham and Eloy Martinez were selected to attend the conference which proved to be quite an exciting experience.  Lawrence was elected to be Colorado’s Representative on YouthBuild USA’s Young Leaders Council, a highly competitive and distinguished position.  The Council is a peer-elected body that serves as a voice for the national YouthBuild movement.  He will participate in various leadership roles such as policy-making and advocacy for YouthBuild USA.  He tells us about his experience here:

                 The Young Leaders Conference was fun.  Everyone had a blast.  We did a lot of group activities mainly focusing on team builders.  Everyone had to contribute and make the most out of our experience.  We participated in activities where the staff would spit wisdom into our lives.  Everything at the conference helped us think more positive and accept the fact that there are always bad things that happen. 

                The experience with other YouthBuild members was incredible.  We bonded so well because no one judged and everyone welcomed every single person there with open arms, even the chef.  We talked about life in their communities.  It shocked me how everyone could relate to each other no matter how far apart we live.  Meeting them was a true honor.  We made bonds that I believe will last forever.

                The one and only thing I was really nervous about was giving a speech for the Young Leaders Council.  Every day I was more frightened, not because of all the people looking at me, but because I didn’t know if my speech would be powerful enough to capture everyone’s heart.  The time limit was very strict, so it had to be inspiring and short which added even more pressure.  When the time came, I was shaking, but ready.  They called my name, and I went for it.  After my speech, I felt like I was on top of the world.  Many people came up to me to tell me what a great job I’d done.  It was one of the best feelings.

                After the trip, I felt really empowered.  Love and unity coursed through my veins as I entered the plane.  The energy was great, and I had no doubt it would last past the conference.  Overall, the experience was really powerful and motivating.  Being around 115 youth that were in the same shoes as me and who were taking a huge step in changing, not just their life but the world, helped me realize the potential in these once lost souls.

 

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To read more about the Young Leaders Conference, please visit www.YouthBuild.org.

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders: Spotlight on Eloy Martinez

Mile High Youth Corps is proud to announce that Eloy Gonzalez-Martinez and Lawrence Pham have been selected to attend the AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders in Washington, D.C.  March 18-21.  Before they left on Monday, Eloy gave us some insight into what he’s feeling:

It’s Friday, March 15th, 2013, and I am so excited because we are leaving for Washington, D.C. soon.  I am really happy and nervous at the same time.  I’m nervous about the fact that I’ve never been on a plane before, but with everyone’s encouragement, I feel like I’m ready for whatever is coming.  After joining Mile High Youth Corps, I’ve realized the potential that my teammates and I have.  I’ve had to step up to the plate so many times, giving tours and speeches with YouthBuild.  Going to D.C. should be no sweat, but I am human, so I am extremely nervous.  I guess I will always be nervous.  I’m just glad I’ve conquered my fear of doing new and important things.

On another note, I’m extremely excited to go to D.C.  I’ve personally never been to D.C., but everyone that I’ve told, including Corpsmembers, tell me great things about it.  They’ve even told me places that I should check out.  In particular, I’m excited about the restaurants.  As soon as one of them said there was a buffet, I was sold.  It made it sound like a dream come true.  It’s even more exciting when we start talking about all the different people we’re going to meet.  I’m fascinated to learn about other students’ environments and the differences between our program and others outside of Denver.

But, before I get to learn about new people, I first have to make it through the plane ride.  Some people told me some tricks to stay calm if I’m too nervous.  Others say it’s like riding a roller coaster.  Some tell me to get a window seat, because it looks like the land is nothing but squares.  I think that’s awesome because who wouldn’t want to see the world from the sky?  Overall, I’m extremely excited.  I can’t wait for this great and fun experience.

Stay tuned to hear all about Lawrence’s experience when they return!

Eloy with Lt. Governor Joe Garcia

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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Made in AmeriCorps – AmeriCorps Week 2013

This Saturday, March 9^th, marks the beginning of AmeriCorps week!

AmeriCorps Week aims to build awareness of national community service in communities across the country.  AmeriCorps members have completed one billion hours of service since 1994, and this week celebrates their accomplishments and highlights the importance of what alumni have done and what current members continue to do.

The theme for AmeriCorps Week 2013 is “Made in AmeriCorps.”  AmeriCorps provides its members with chances to improve not only their country, but themselves.  Members learn the value of helping others, have a chance to learn a variety of skills, and become leaders in their communities.

Here at Mile High Youth Corps, Corpsmembers will be celebrating AmeriCorps Week by doing several different service projects on Friday, March 15^th.  They will be displaying all the ways they were Made in AmeriCorps by cleaning up a neighborhood, serving at a food bank, and doing many other projects in the Denver area.

Our Corpsmembers are extraordinary young men and women and the future leaders of this country!

How are you Made in AmeriCorps?

Click here for more information about AmeriCorps week or to find out how you can serve in your community at MHYC or other AmeriCorps programs.

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Reflections from a Corpsmember of the Year

Mile High Youth Corps Alumni and staff member Jesse Roehm recently returned from the Corps Network 2013 National Conference in Washington D.C., where was honored as one of the 2012 National Corpsmembers of the Year.  Read below for his reflections on his experience!

Jesse with Representative Ed Perlmutter

I left the Corps Network 2013 National Conference last week feeling refreshed and excited. In addition to touring the White House and seeing some of the sights around Washington D.C., I was able to network with leaders from youth corps all across the country. Through plenaries and workshops I learned more about the vision of the 21^st Century Conservation Service Corps, strategies for tackling the challenge of youth unemployment, and how the state of the recovering economy and sequestration of spending cuts will potentially impact our programs. I was inspired by individuals like Shelton Johnson, a park ranger at Yosemite National Park whose efforts to spread awareness of the history of Buffalo Soldiers has been recognized nationwide, and Joel Holtrop, chair of the Corps Network’s Board of Directors and retired Deputy Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. I also met with Senator Michael Bennett, Representative Ed Perlmutter and Representative Diana DeGette and shared the incredible work of Mile High Youth Corps. To top it all off, I was able to tell my story:

Growing up in a small town outside Indianapolis, Indiana, my passion for environmental conservation started at a young age. In its infancy, this passion stemmed from simply being outside. My brother and I didn’t watch TV or play video games. We tramped around in the woods, dug for worms and fished in the creek. I still remember helping my dad cover our windows with shrink wrap every fall in order to reduce the amount of energy we used to heat our house. Through small acts like this he conveyed to me the importance of minimizing our carbon footprint. Growing up, the concept of environmental stewardship gained further clarity during my time in Boy Scouts. My Eagle project involved spreading awareness of invasive species in my community. I wrote articles for the local paper, had information booths at community events, and led a group of volunteers in a large eradication at a local park.

 

After graduating from Indiana University in May 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and international studies, I needed to move away from Indiana in order to make real changes in my life. Marred by substance abuse, my life had begun to slowly spiral out of control. I needed a fresh start. An opportunity to reconnect with my values. A chance to find myself. The mountains of Colorado seemed like the ideal place to forge a new beginning.

 

I decided that I wanted to dedicate a year of my life to service and dove headfirst into the 10-month AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program at Mile High Youth Corps. We started in the spring by installing energy and water saving measures in low-income properties. I stared poverty in the face and made real and tangible change. I began to relearn the concept of community and feel a sense of belonging to a greater cause. I was elected by my peers to Leadership Council, the Corpsmember-led governing body of the agency. I served as the voice of my crew, enacting policy changes based on Corpsmember input and organizing agency-wide events.

 

In the summer we transitioned to land conservation. I served as an assistant crew leader on a chainsaw crew that thinned forests to protect against wildfire. As a tree hugger at heart, I initially struggled with the concept of cutting down thousands of trees, but quickly came to understand the importance of fire mitigation. I worked harder than I ever had before, setting the tempo for the crew. I led environmental education and teambuilding activities and encouraged seasonal Corpsmembers to go the extra mile and explore the true impact of their service. Brimming with newfound confidence, I felt good about what I was doing and who I was becoming.

 

I just finished my second 1,700 hour term of service with Mile High Youth Corps. As Conservation Alumni Mentor, I provided leadership, support and training for Corpsmembers in our Energy, Water and Land programs. My role was to connect with Corpsmembers on an individual level, ensure that they were engaging in meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences and provide on-going suggestions for improvements in our programming. At its simplest, I maintained and promoted a positive corps culture across the agency.

 

After completing 3,400 hours of service, I joined the Mile High Youth Corps’ staff as a Program Specialist for our Conservation Program in December. I lead the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation crew that I was a part of in 2011, giving me a chance to create an AmeriCorps experience for Corpsmembers that was as valuable as mine. In addition to supervision and program management, I am the primary technical resource for land conservation projects. I am thrilled to be able to continue promoting individual learning, leadership and personal growth among Corpsmembers.

 

While working full-time at Mile High Youth Corps, I plan to use my education awards to begin work on a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Colorado Denver. Ultimately, I would like to work in a managerial role at a Denver area non-profit focused on community development.

 

At the end of my 2 years in AmeriCorps, the biggest change is who I see in the mirror. I am proud of who I am. I AM PROUD OF WHO I AM! My AmeriCorps experience kindled a passion for service inside me. I learned the value of community, hard work and integrity and now live in service to those values.

I would like to thank the Corps Network for this tremendous honor, but the honor is not solely mine. I’m blessed to be part of an incredible team at Mile High Youth Corps that has provided me with the tools to make a difference in my own life and the lives of others. I think John Irish, a recipient of the Corps Network’s Legacy Achievement, said it best:

“The work of national movements is often described as standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us. However, it seems more accurate to describe it as a relay race in which each wave of leaders exchanges the baton with those of the previous generation.”

Well, I have the baton in my hands, and I’m thrilled to push this movement forward.

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Congratulations are in Order (Part 3 of 3)

The final story of this three part series is about Jesse Roehm. Jesse is one of six 2012 National Corpsmembers of the Year. He will be honored this year at The Corps Network’s National Conference in Washington, D.C. taking place the week of February 11, 2013.  Jesse will represent the 30,000 Corpsmembers who serve annually across the nation. Read below or link here to find out more about Jesse’s story and his lifechanging experience with Mile High Youth Corps.

Jesse Roehm

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Over the past two years, Jesse Roehm has come to Mile High Youth Corps with a dedication to sharing his passion for service. Jesse first came to MHYC in 2011 to serve in our 10-month AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program. It was evident from the very beginning that Jesse was ready to work hard no matter the project, despite the personal challenges he had to overcome. One Corpsmember shared this story about Jesse:

“At the end of every day I would see him getting back from the day’s work site where he had been cutting down trees for forest thinning. He would always have a smile on his face even though he would crawl out of the van dirtier than anyone else in the van; a strong testament to his ability to work hard all hours of the day while constantly being upbeat and positive. Every day that he comes to work he goes above and beyond what is required of him. His positivity and work ethic are infectious.”

After Jesse’s first term, he was hired as the Conservation Alumni Mentor. In this role Jesse got to continue his work as a positive influence within MHYC as well as the larger community by planning service projects at local non-profits and other community organizations such as Food Bank of the Rockies and ARC Thrift Stores. Jesse took the lead role of coordinating and facilitating MHYC’s first Crew Leader training and implementing MHYC’s Career Day event. He also created and implemented weekly “big picture” activities, helping other Corpsmembers connect to the larger mission of service and see the positive impacts of their service.

Jesse excels at building relationships among a diverse group of peers, showing his understanding of and dedication to the Corps and what it is all about. One of his supervisors says, “Jesse is a true mentor, leader and inspiration to everyone he works with. “

When Jesse’s fellow Corpsmembers were asked what they have learned from him they had to say this:

“He taught me the power of positivity day in and day out and that if you truly care about something to work hard every day to achieve it, you can not only create change in your community but can excite and inspire others to do the same.”

“Jesse taught me to stay positive through thick and thin, keep a level head and always look on the good side.”

“He showed me how to be a great communicator and not to be afraid to step up to the plate and say and do what is needed in a leadership role.”

“I feel lucky to have Jesse as a mentor, I think he truly believes in the influence that Mile High Youth Corps and AmeriCorps can have on young adults, and his belief comes through in his overwhelming concern and compassion towards every single Corpsmember. He has been a key agent in helping me to always see the bigger picture and to understand truly what service means. Jesse had made a huge impact on me and how I have come to view my own term of service.”

Jesse has worked tirelessly over the past two years to help his fellow Corpsmembers recognize the impact they can have on their community and themselves. As a result of his passion for service, dedication to the Corps and exceptional work ethic, Jesse has been hired to continue his work with Mile High Youth Corps as a staff member. He will serve as the Programs Specialist: Conservation and his job duties will include the supervision and program management of the two roles that he filled as a Corpsmember, the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation crew and the Conservation Alumni Mentor.

Congratulations Jesse! You have a heart for service and your ability to connect to young adults will continue to inspire us and the nation.

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Congratulations are in Order! (Part 1 of 3)

This year Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) has been honored to have three of our Corpsmembers be selected as Corpsmembers of the Year.  Corpsmembers are nominated by their peers and MHYC staff for this designation and then go through a rigorous process to become candidates for State and National Corpsmembers of the Year. Mile High Youth Corps has two Corpsmembers who will be recognized at the state level and one Corpsmember will be recognized as a national Corpsmember of the Year.

Danielette Griffin, from the Denver region and Christian Ndushabandi, from the Southern Front Range region, join eight other youth corps awardees from around the state to receive recognition at the Colorado State Capitol on Monday February 4, 2013 at the Annual Youth Corps awards ceremony. Christian has also been selected as the Youth Speaker for this big day.

Our third awardee is Jesse Roehm. Jesse has been selected to represent more than 30,000 Corpsmembers across the nation as a National Corpsmember of the Year. Jesse will be recognized in Washington D.C. during the annual The Corps Network National Conference the week of February 11, 2013. Jesse will visit with Senators and Members of Congress as well as participate in sessions and workshops as an active participant, providing his unique story and ideas to help support the national Corps movement.

Over the next three weeks we will be sharing the impact that our three Corpsmembers of the Year have had while at Mile High Youth Corps.

Danielette (Daniel) Griffin

(Corpsmember of the Year from MHYC’s Denver Metro Region)

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All of our Corpsmembers come to Mile High Youth Corps looking for something, and all of them come with their own life story and perspective. Daniel Griffin was no different. Faced with some big changes in his personal life, Daniel came to Mile High Youth Corps in January 2011, as a quiet and shy young adult who had a hard time interacting with new people.

Despite the personal challenges that Daniel faced, he always made the most of his Corpsmember experience. He worked tirelessly to push himself outside of his comfort zone and get to know the members of his crew and the staff at MHYC. Daniel used the leadership opportunities that MHYC provided to find a leadership style that worked for him and in turn resonated with the members of his crew. One of his peers said, “Daniel taught the team that everyone has the ability to shine.”

With his new found confidence, Daniel was promoted to assistant crew leader, was selected to participate in a 40 hour BPI weatherization training and represented MHYC at a Youth Summit Conference in Washington, D.C.

Throughout Daniel’s four terms with MHYC he exemplified what it is to be a member of the Corps. His ability to share his passion and his personal and professional growth with his fellow Corpsmembers made his whole crew and all of MHYC stronger.

Daniel had this advice for future Corpsmembers, “I would say that you shouldn’t do this type of work for the money. You should do it for the lasting relationships that you will make and the impact that it will have on your community. You will come away from this experience with some of the best memories you will ever have.”

Congratulations Daniel! You have made an impression on everyone you have come in contact with and are truly deserving of this award!

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YouthBuild Leadership Hike 2012

Each year, at the beginning of the YouthBuild term, each crew joins staff members for what we call a “Leadership Hike.” Corpsmembers and staff hike in Pike National Forest and participate in several leadership and team-building activities.
Lawrence, a current YouthBuild Corpsmember describes his experience:

 

My leadership hike was great. It was good to get away from the city for once and enjoy the great outdoors. We went to Bailey and I expected nothing less than a good time. We started to hike up the hill and soon reached our destination. First, we walked around by ourselves and just became one with our surroundings. Then we had to grab an object that best describes ourselves. After we got together and played some competitive games with our crew.

I learned a lot about myself. I found I had the potential to bond with others even though I don’t know them that well or even if we were all complete strangers. I also learned that MHYC really wants us to see a different view of life and the beauty it can show no matter how ugly it may seem. I learned that being a leader takes a lot of self-confidence. Lastly, I learned that the environment is a very unique thing to be around. It’s totally different from anywhere else in Colorado and also that it is just the most amazing and peaceful place to be around.

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I would have to say I grew more positively as a person from this experience. Just being on the hike and witnessing nature again helped me realize that everything isn’t always hard and these little things are naturally self soothing and can really help an individual who hasn’t experienced nature. The hike really helped me get me start my term on the right foot.

“Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.” I think that this quote describes our experience because if you live in the city your whole life and experience something as amazing as just being in the mountains away from society and everything that annoys you, it gives you time to reflect on life. It’s because you put yourself in the middle of nowhere when you think the most. This hike put us all in positive surroundings and let us think positively instead of the negative surroundings of the city.

The hike helped me prepare for Leadership Council because I got to bond with my crew positively and see a whole new view of things. This leadership hike really helped me take on challenges with my team and grow as an individual.

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Indy Give! Starts Today!

2012 Indy Give! Logo

Today is the kick-off for Colorado Springs’ fourth annual Indy Give! campaign. Our Mile High Youth Corps Colorado Springs location is participating once again. Click here to donate today.

As a way to kick-off this campaign, MHYC is joining forces with Rocky Mountain Field Institute and the Coalition for the Upper South Platte for a guided tour of the Waldo Canyon Burn Scar at the Flying W Ranch at 10am on Saturday, November 10. Your ticketsupports the work of these nonprofits in the Waldo Canyon Burn scar.Meet with experts, including special guest Jerri Marr from the Pike and San Isabel National Forest, and the groups leading the restoration efforts of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Learn about restoration techniques, next steps, and how YOU can help.

Limit 100 participants
$30/person
Age 18 and older onlySIGN UP ONLINE: www.uppersouthplatte.org/waldoevent.html

Can’t make this event? You can still give through Indy Give! Check us out at http://www.indygive.com/participating-non-profits/youth/mile-high-youth-corps-of-colorado-springs/

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