April's Motivation Quote

To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--that is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lights, Camera, AmeriCorps!

AmeriCorps is turning to its far-flung network of members and alums for help in recruiting the next class of AmeriCorps members by hosting its second YouTube-style video contest.

The contest, which runs through May 2, asks participants to create a 60 second spot answering the question "Why AmeriCorps?" Entries can address topics such as how AmeriCorps tackles some of America's biggest challenges; what AmeriCorps means to you; and why someone should join AmeriCorps.

The grand prize is a volunteer vacation worth up to $5,000 courtesy of Travelocity® through its Travel For GoodSM Change Ambassadors program. Second prize is an iPod Shuffle, and third prize is an AmeriCorps Alums Prize Pack, both courtesy of AmeriCorps Alums. The five semifinalists will receive a free one-year membership from AmeriCorps Alums.

The contest is limited to current AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps alums who have successfully completed their service. A panel of judges will select five semifinalists by May 9. The semifinalist entries will then be available for viewing and voting on the AmeriCorps video contest website during AmeriCorps Week from May 11-18. The top three videos will be unveiled at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service taking place June 1-3 in Atlanta.

http://www.americorpscontest.org/

Preparedness is Elementary for Students

Six Los Angeles chapter AmeriCorps members participated in a Feb. 7 preparedness event for children called “FEMA for Kids- Preparedness Through the Eyes of Children” at Frank Del Olmo Elementary School in Los Angeles.

The children rotated through four learning stations, including the Red Cross station where they learned how to call 911, prepare a first aid kit, and take care of cuts and minor injuries. After the demonstration, the children happily volunteered to practice on each other, bandaging classmates like 7-year-old paramedics.

The three other learning stations included: a FEMA for Kids website where the children learned how to prepare a disaster kit; an Animals in Disaster station where they learned how to help their pets before, during and after a disaster; and a station staffed by LAFD personnel who demonstrated how to stop, drop and roll.

Bob Spears, Los Angeles Unified School District director of Emergency Services, said, “This training is very important because these children may be the only ones in their family who are able to help if a disaster occurs.”

Safe Corps and California Volunteers

On February 26, Governor Schwarzenegger took first-in-the-nation action to encourage volunteerism in California and to improve coordination of volunteer efforts between the state’s departments and agencies. The Governor signed an executive order to establish the new position of secretary of service and volunteering.

Twelve Safe Corps members from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Ventura Chapters volunteered and attended the announcement. Safe Corps members greeted and directed guests to the auditorium for the governor's announcement. Additionally, Elda Kong was nominated by fellow Safe Corps members to represent the program and stand on stage during the governor's speech.

Members were privleged to meet Governor Schwarzenegger and Henry C. Lozano who is the Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps (pictured below). Follow the link to learn more about this announcement: California Volunteers

Mid-Year Service Retreat

The California Safe Corps program headed to Catalina Island to work with the Catalina Conservancy for one week from February 11-15, 2008. During this week of service members get to reconnect with other members throughout the state and share stories about their year of service. Additionally, the Safe Corps members get to take a break from their normal service responsibilities: disasters, education, and volunteers, to focus on the environment and manual labor.

On May 10, 2007, the Catalnia fire burned 4700 acres, one of the largest fires in Catalina history. The Safe Corps team was given service projects to help restore and resurrect the island to its previous state before the fire. The members cleared trails, built fence enclosures, and restored native habitats. After a tiring week of service, the members left the island rejuvenated and ready to finish out their term of service.