I just want to say that are such a beautiful human! I recently got accepted to join Americorps on the west side for a program similar to City Year and I was honestly hesitant because of the stipend but I know with discipline and will-power money and handling the bills is something I can work through especially because of watching your videos. Thank you really.
Your discussion of privilege helped me be able to start to identify my own. I’m decades older than you; and still you helped me to start a process I was having difficulty with. Your statements regarding social justice work being a requirement to changing the world for the better was something I guess I knew, but have never really thought about. How could I possibly know which direction to go if I want to make a positive change, if I don’t learn the way things really are today? Thank you for your wonderful video!
Wow. I really appreciate how you expanded on your reasons and I completely support your reasoning. We do need to tackle social justice at its core. While watching your video I thought, “wow, all over the internet and even in person you see people protesting and complaining about social injustice, inequality, education, etc, etc. But never ever ever, would these same people think: “oh, instead of complaining and waiting for the big government to do something (that they will most likely never do) why don’t I! Help improve my community.” All of us want some type of change, but few are up to the challenge of being part of the change.” Imagine the great impacts that could be done around the nation if all these people that constantly complain and protest decided to put all that energy into volunteering in some type of organization that offered real aid and some type of advancement for a community that is in need. I am having my 2nd interview with AmeriCorps next week! Excited!
I watched this video and it helped me to see the world in a more justified way. So I am a college student and activist in my community, but also work for a school district that I graduated from. Now, I got accepted to an Americorp Student Advising in Detroit and for some reason I didn’t want to leave my job that basically pays the same as the Americorp but it’s sad to leave, but I believe it’s a next step to create a larger change. I definitely see a challenge as far as money goes or work but I believe it makes me grow as a better person. ❤️✊🏽 for your messages!
I just graduated college Dec 2019 with my Bachelor's in Social Work. I had a city year rep reach out to me and send me some information about it through my college. I read about it and it sounded amazing. Then I go to youtube and see all these people talking so negatively about it and their experience. I'm so glad I found your video. I don't know that I could ever actually do it because I literally can't leave my husband to pay rent since I pay half of everything and I have no financial support from my family. However, If I could figure out a way to do it, I think that I would love to do this and it would help give me an extremely different perspective as a social worker. I'm currently a children's mental health case manager and it's my first big girl job. I don't get paid a lot right now and never will with my profession. So if I could figure out how to simply afford my bills, i'd 100% want to do it.
First of all, thank you for choosing a life of service. You are the invisible backbone of social issues and you will not be thanked enough for your work so I want to make sure you hear it from me. On the comments others make about city year, unfortunately people isolate and highlight certain aspects of their experience and try to summarize the program based off of only that. If I sat down and talked about everything that went wrong or rubbed me the wrong way during my experience, it would probably scare people away. But the things I and others deal with during the year of service is things you deal with in ANY work situation. Is it easy, hell no. Is it worth it? Yes- if you’re in it for the right reasons. Which is why I thought it was so important to speak on it. In your situation as a married woman with an already valuable job and degree, I think it’s best to keep on your track. Yes city year is great and gives real world experience through service, but it’s also more of a gap year for people who want to serve their community while taking time to figure their lives out. I think you’re doing an amazing job already and if you’re ever interested in volunteering with city year on the side you could always reach out to them in your local community and see if maybe your company can partner with them, even if it’s just for a day of service for the employees. There are still options for you to get involved!
@@Fos_forita I from the bottom of my heart want to thank you for that comment. I learned very quickly that my career field is misjudged and we are seen as evil. I don't even work in child welfare, but people assume I do and that if I did, I just want to steal their children from them for profit- which is far from anything I ever learned or have experienced as a very new social worker/case manager. I am so intrigued and passionate about social justice and social issues in our society and want to be able to create an impact and gain experience that I can benefit as I move into my masters. I definitely am going to look into volunteering. I think that the closest City Year near me is Tulsa, OK and that's about 3 hours away. My city would probably benefit from this program. Right now, my agency is actually incorporating case managers directly into the school system and therapists so they're readily available with the school social worker. We only have them in the most underprivileged/underfunded schools( 33 out of the 100 or so schools) but the goal is to expand that program into all of the schools. I think I will just go ahead and continue working and gain experience that way, but I want to absolutely see about volunteering or figure out ways that I could help. I wish they provided training to the public for a fee. I always want to expand my knowledge and be a better leader to the kids I work with. It's a tough job and it's hard to earn a livable wage. I make $14.80 an hour plus mileage (.57 cents to the mile I drive-so it's about 150-200 extra a month) but I really enjoy my job and the kids I work with. Thank you for volunteering a year of your life and gaining something from that experience. I couldn't believe how badly the others were making City Year sound. They made it seem like it was terrible and the worst experience of their lives. Little do they understand it's not meant to be "easy" and it's a great experience to get to see how it is to live with very little income and working long hours. You seem so absolutely open minded and mature. Definitely happy I found your channel!
wow damnnnnnn you dropped so many facts. Thanks for the food for thought everything you said is so true! I'm a senior in college trying to figure out what to do after college and there is just one thing I know: I don't want to rush into the work world without exploring the world a bit
These videos have been really helpful, thank you! Your mindset is great. I will say, though: Americorps absolutely should pay more. It is exploitation. The fact that other people in the world are also exploited doesn't change that, and it's not entitled to say you should be paid a living wage for any sort of work, especially government sponsored work. I think you can recognize that and still have a positive mindset. Like you can say "I do deserve a living wage, but this is still really fulfilling work and I'm choosing to do it of my own volition because I value that more than money right now."
Hi UG.. I am about to serve my 3rd tour of Vista/Americorps. Your presentations on the pros and cons of VISTA/AMERICORPS are the most thorough I've ever observed. Thank you for taking the time and using your resources to present this vid. It is so honest and open.
thank you so much for the support and feedback! It was really important for me to coney my message and for those looking for more information to have a complete idea of what they're getting themselves into.
Very informative and insightful perspective of AmeriCorps. I am an alumnus (Vista & National) and can't say it enough of how beneficial the experiences were for me, then & now even as I continue in my personal human services company. I was exposed to invaluable training in social services as a case assessor for senior adults and reading tutor with Communities in Schools. Also, the travel and flexibility in some projects is a plus. Again, great AmeriCorps content.
Your iphone actually looks and sounds way better. The camera microphones have a lot of hiss, so I'd recommend getting an external mic for that or just using your phone for future videos. Thanks for making this!
It takes a certain amount of maturity, adaptability, and good decision making to be an AmeriCorps service member. Also, take into consideration the type of program you are looking to join based on your personal experience, background, and education. Otherwise, you set yourself up for failure.
I love you so much, I had a terrible panic attack the other night regarding being accepted. This is the most reassuring video I have come across and for that I thank you.
I started the neglect method this year and found daveeds dreadlocks video from 2016. When you two where like 1yr in. And notice he cut his and also noticed you didn’t. Just wanted to say I really liked how your dreads have came too. 👌 it’s really motivational in a way. 🙏
hahaha, yes stay on the look out for the freeform police. they lurk on every one of my loc videos. good luck and stay patient. it's a beautiful process.
Thanks so much for this video! I am preparing to begin a City Year in NYC. I am looking forward to it and am very curious as to what service will entail. This provided me with some good insight.
Unconditional Ginger... you are so incredibly intelligent and genuine. I really like your videos. I am in California and want to work with Americorps. Are there any programs that help the homeless? God Bless
thank you for the kind words! it means a lot. There are a range of different programs that work with all sorts of people and organizations. My suggestion would be to do a little bit of research on their site or try to get in contact with a recruiter. You'd be surprised what type of doors can be opened.
Great video and thanks for sharing! Have you thought about the Peace Corps? I think you would be a great candidate. I served over two years in Jamaica. And your right, being humble is definitely a great virtue to have.
Thank you so much for these videos. I recently came across AmeriCorps and I'm so excited. I just finished my 2-year education and I'm considering joining this amazing opportunity before joining a 4 year. Would that be advisable since I'm just a rising junior?
I'm considering that as well, I'm not sure if I should finish my bachelors (transfer from a CC to a 4 year) and join city year or do city year in between transferring
If you're not sure, you can always finish school then join. There is no rush. Either way, it is a good opportunity to slow down and take some time to reflect on yourself.
I just applied for a mid year service and this gave me some insight on expectations. I hope I get to serve. During your service did you see a some mid year applicants?
The Unconventional Ginger thanks for the reply, I really hope I get to serve this year especially with these troubling times. Just gotta wait for the email and hopefully serve!
Yknow my only reason for wanting to join Americorp truly is just feeling empty in life and wanting to find meaning, I come from a poor family and used to hard work so I know how to get by but idk if my mindset of trying to find meaning in life or purpose through Americorp and helping is the proper mindset or not
can you please start a podcast. I feel like you have a voice for so many unrepresented people.
when you talked about how rewarding it was omg, you made me cry - this video made me realize how right a service program is for me!!
Wow, thank you so much for the support. It truly is an amazing thing to experience even just once. Good luck to you.
I just want to say that are such a beautiful human! I recently got accepted to join Americorps on the west side for a program similar to City Year and I was honestly hesitant because of the stipend but I know with discipline and will-power money and handling the bills is something I can work through especially because of watching your videos. Thank you really.
Your discussion of privilege helped me be able to start to identify my own. I’m decades older than you; and still you helped me to start a process I was having difficulty with.
Your statements regarding social justice work being a requirement to changing the world for the better was something I guess I knew, but have never really thought about. How could I possibly know which direction to go if I want to make a positive change, if I don’t learn the way things really are today?
Thank you for your wonderful video!
Wow. Thank you so much for your support and for being open and honest with, not only me but also yourself. Good luck on your journey
I was an impact manager in DC
You capture the essence really well
Wow. I really appreciate how you expanded on your reasons and I completely support your reasoning. We do need to tackle social justice at its core. While watching your video I thought, “wow, all over the internet and even in person you see people protesting and complaining about social injustice, inequality, education, etc, etc. But never ever ever, would these same people think: “oh, instead of complaining and waiting for the big government to do something (that they will most likely never do) why don’t I! Help improve my community.” All of us want some type of change, but few are up to the challenge of being part of the change.” Imagine the great impacts that could be done around the nation if all these people that constantly complain and protest decided to put all that energy into volunteering in some type of organization that offered real aid and some type of advancement for a community that is in need.
I am having my 2nd interview with AmeriCorps next week! Excited!
YES! Thissss! Good luck on your journey!
Thank you! I got the position and will be working with a clinic :]
I did a year of service and it was the most memorable and rewarding year I’ve lived. It hurt the wallet but it strengthened my heart.
I watched this video and it helped me to see the world in a more justified way. So I am a college student and activist in my community, but also work for a school district that I graduated from. Now, I got accepted to an Americorp Student Advising in Detroit and for some reason I didn’t want to leave my job that basically pays the same as the Americorp but it’s sad to leave, but I believe it’s a next step to create a larger change. I definitely see a challenge as far as money goes or work but I believe it makes me grow as a better person. ❤️✊🏽 for your messages!
I just graduated college Dec 2019 with my Bachelor's in Social Work. I had a city year rep reach out to me and send me some information about it through my college. I read about it and it sounded amazing. Then I go to youtube and see all these people talking so negatively about it and their experience. I'm so glad I found your video.
I don't know that I could ever actually do it because I literally can't leave my husband to pay rent since I pay half of everything and I have no financial support from my family. However, If I could figure out a way to do it, I think that I would love to do this and it would help give me an extremely different perspective as a social worker. I'm currently a children's mental health case manager and it's my first big girl job. I don't get paid a lot right now and never will with my profession. So if I could figure out how to simply afford my bills, i'd 100% want to do it.
First of all, thank you for choosing a life of service. You are the invisible backbone of social issues and you will not be thanked enough for your work so I want to make sure you hear it from me. On the comments others make about city year, unfortunately people isolate and highlight certain aspects of their experience and try to summarize the program based off of only that. If I sat down and talked about everything that went wrong or rubbed me the wrong way during my experience, it would probably scare people away. But the things I and others deal with during the year of service is things you deal with in ANY work situation. Is it easy, hell no. Is it worth it? Yes- if you’re in it for the right reasons. Which is why I thought it was so important to speak on it. In your situation as a married woman with an already valuable job and degree, I think it’s best to keep on your track. Yes city year is great and gives real world experience through service, but it’s also more of a gap year for people who want to serve their community while taking time to figure their lives out. I think you’re doing an amazing job already and if you’re ever interested in volunteering with city year on the side you could always reach out to them in your local community and see if maybe your company can partner with them, even if it’s just for a day of service for the employees. There are still options for you to get involved!
@@Fos_forita I from the bottom of my heart want to thank you for that comment. I learned very quickly that my career field is misjudged and we are seen as evil. I don't even work in child welfare, but people assume I do and that if I did, I just want to steal their children from them for profit- which is far from anything I ever learned or have experienced as a very new social worker/case manager. I am so intrigued and passionate about social justice and social issues in our society and want to be able to create an impact and gain experience that I can benefit as I move into my masters. I definitely am going to look into volunteering. I think that the closest City Year near me is Tulsa, OK and that's about 3 hours away.
My city would probably benefit from this program. Right now, my agency is actually incorporating case managers directly into the school system and therapists so they're readily available with the school social worker. We only have them in the most underprivileged/underfunded schools( 33 out of the 100 or so schools) but the goal is to expand that program into all of the schools. I think I will just go ahead and continue working and gain experience that way, but I want to absolutely see about volunteering or figure out ways that I could help. I wish they provided training to the public for a fee. I always want to expand my knowledge and be a better leader to the kids I work with. It's a tough job and it's hard to earn a livable wage. I make $14.80 an hour plus mileage (.57 cents to the mile I drive-so it's about 150-200 extra a month) but I really enjoy my job and the kids I work with.
Thank you for volunteering a year of your life and gaining something from that experience. I couldn't believe how badly the others were making City Year sound. They made it seem like it was terrible and the worst experience of their lives. Little do they understand it's not meant to be "easy" and it's a great experience to get to see how it is to live with very little income and working long hours. You seem so absolutely open minded and mature. Definitely happy I found your channel!
The audio clarity from your iPhone is amazing
wow damnnnnnn you dropped so many facts. Thanks for the food for thought everything you said is so true! I'm a senior in college trying to figure out what to do after college and there is just one thing I know: I don't want to rush into the work world without exploring the world a bit
Me ^
this is exactly the reason i'm doing it!
These videos have been really helpful, thank you! Your mindset is great.
I will say, though: Americorps absolutely should pay more. It is exploitation. The fact that other people in the world are also exploited doesn't change that, and it's not entitled to say you should be paid a living wage for any sort of work, especially government sponsored work.
I think you can recognize that and still have a positive mindset. Like you can say "I do deserve a living wage, but this is still really fulfilling work and I'm choosing to do it of my own volition because I value that more than money right now."
I start in a week!
How is it so far??? Update us
I start my Americorps position in August and I’m so thrilled! I have been watching your videos all morning and they’re super enlightening, thank you!
Very excited for you! I hope you get all that you're looking for from it!
Hi UG.. I am about to serve my 3rd tour of Vista/Americorps. Your presentations on the pros and cons of VISTA/AMERICORPS are the most thorough I've ever observed. Thank you for taking the time and using your resources to present this vid. It is so honest and open.
thank you so much for the support and feedback! It was really important for me to coney my message and for those looking for more information to have a complete idea of what they're getting themselves into.
You have no idea how much I love you right now😭❤️🙌🏾. From watching your videos I’m excited!! It’s daunting but I’m ready.
Good! Prepare for the worst! And know you’re going into an environment with ppl who have your back. What program are you doing?
unconventional ginger buffalo NY.
Yes !!!! Thank you for making both of your videos!
I did work on the ground before college for social justice and what the textbooks say are two very different things.
Omg I’m so curious what the differences are
Very informative and insightful perspective of AmeriCorps. I am an alumnus (Vista & National) and can't say it enough of how beneficial the experiences were for me, then & now even as I continue in my personal human services company. I was exposed to invaluable training in social services as a case assessor for senior adults and reading tutor with Communities in Schools. Also, the travel and flexibility in some projects is a plus. Again, great AmeriCorps content.
Your iphone actually looks and sounds way better. The camera microphones have a lot of hiss, so I'd recommend getting an external mic for that or just using your phone for future videos. Thanks for making this!
Thanks so much for the advice! I do have one, i was just being lazy and had not replaced the battery. I have since done so haha!
It takes a certain amount of maturity, adaptability, and good decision making to be an AmeriCorps service member. Also, take into consideration the type of program you are looking to join based on your personal experience, background, and education. Otherwise, you set yourself up for failure.
Very much agree with this!
Daaaang lol right off the bat : “people talk about how horrible it was…. I want to talk about entitlement”
I love you so much, I had a terrible panic attack the other night regarding being accepted. This is the most reassuring video I have come across and for that I thank you.
Your views on entitlement are exactly how I have been feeling lately too.
I started the neglect method this year and found daveeds dreadlocks video from 2016. When you two where like 1yr in. And notice he cut his and also noticed you didn’t. Just wanted to say I really liked how your dreads have came too. 👌 it’s really motivational in a way. 🙏
I mean yes Freeform* (not neglect) lol. Don’t want to get arrested 🚔
hahaha, yes stay on the look out for the freeform police. they lurk on every one of my loc videos. good luck and stay patient. it's a beautiful process.
Thanks so much for this video! I am preparing to begin a City Year in NYC. I am looking forward to it and am very curious as to what service will entail. This provided me with some good insight.
Unconditional Ginger... you are so incredibly intelligent and genuine. I really like your videos. I am in California and want to work with Americorps. Are there any programs that help the homeless?
God Bless
thank you for the kind words! it means a lot. There are a range of different programs that work with all sorts of people and organizations. My suggestion would be to do a little bit of research on their site or try to get in contact with a recruiter. You'd be surprised what type of doors can be opened.
Great video and thanks for sharing! Have you thought about the Peace Corps? I think you would be a great candidate. I served over two years in Jamaica. And your right, being humble is definitely a great virtue to have.
I did actually! I was going to do that originally, but then I fell in love 🤣🥴 Life...
Thank you for this! This video definitely sold me and I am excited to apply for a program once I graduate 😅
Thank you so much for this amazing video it helped me so much. I have a phone interview with them tomorrow!
Good luck!!
Love this video!
Thank you so much I watched both videos great information God bless
Thank you so much for these videos. I recently came across AmeriCorps and I'm so excited. I just finished my 2-year education and I'm considering joining this amazing opportunity before joining a 4 year. Would that be advisable since I'm just a rising junior?
I'm considering that as well, I'm not sure if I should finish my bachelors (transfer from a CC to a 4 year) and join city year or do city year in between transferring
If you're not sure, you can always finish school then join. There is no rush. Either way, it is a good opportunity to slow down and take some time to reflect on yourself.
I just applied for a mid year service and this gave me some insight on expectations. I hope I get to serve. During your service did you see a some mid year applicants?
Yes! There were quite a few! It’s a unique experience for sure
The Unconventional Ginger thanks for the reply, I really hope I get to serve this year especially with these troubling times. Just gotta wait for the email and hopefully serve!
Happy to see this video! Lol I only saw the 8 reasons NOT to do it! Also, you ROCK for doing this!
Sooo helpful
Your phone quality was better than your camera video sound and video btw.
Yknow my only reason for wanting to join Americorp truly is just feeling empty in life and wanting to find meaning, I come from a poor family and used to hard work so I know how to get by but idk if my mindset of trying to find meaning in life or purpose through Americorp and helping is the proper mindset or not
Don’t worry you’ll get there surely
Everyone has their own journey and mission to go through
I'm n Americorps. We are just about to graduate. It's on my channel.
That’s awesome! Congrats!
@@Fos_forita thanks
Is 34 too old to join Americorps?
No! You just need to find the program that aligns with you best
❤️
💯