Month: November 2013

Stories from the Field: A RARE AmeriCorps Perspective

Posted on by Julia Havens

Networking “AmeriCorps” Style

As a first year RARE AmeriCorps Program – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments participant, my enthusiasm for conferences and trainings is usually at an all time high. As an overly social individual, I find trainings and conferences to be a great time to socialize and learn about projects and work that others are doing in Oregon. The AmeriCorps Kick-Off (Oregon Volunteers) provided a really energetic learning environment for us AmeriCorps ROCKSTARS (I hesitate to use the word “volunteer”) to absorb any information that would make the year in our positions a little bit easier. For the first time, all of the amazing, selfless individuals that are making changes in Oregon were in ONE place together. Seeing the massive amount of people, rocking their AmeriCorps swag, made me realize that being a part of AmeriCorps isn’t just about serving a year in your community- it’s about being a part of a huge network of people that encourage and support you.

This support system became more evident on the last day of training when we were split into groups based on where we are serving. Being that I am sort of all over the place (within the Portland area), being placed in the SE Portland group was interesting because I’m technically “placed” there—and happen to live there, but my project is for a community in North Portland . It was really exciting to meet people that are quite literally my neighbors, serving and doing amazing things in MY community. There was a huge amount of networking and collaboration happening, folks setting up potlucks and Facebook groups, others sharing resources and creating partnerships. The best topic that we chatted about was living in Portland on such low income. There were a few second and third year AmeriCorps members in the group that were sharing their experience and giving out tips. One of my favorite tips was from a lady who had tried to figure out a way to use EBT money for every household cleaning and personal hygiene product. To be honest, I think this subject in itself would be a fabulous blog or Facebook post–or even training!

Offering this session at the end of the day allowed people to leave the conference feeling inspired and comforted with new friends and partnerships—from outside of their program. Not only am I left with really awesome neighbors and potluck dinners, but a network that expands outside of RARE.

 

RARE Resourse Assistance for Rural EnvironmentsAbout the Author: Maia Hardy is urban thinker/lover of places [and the things that inhabit places]. She has a deep passion for social justice issues, civic engagement, and well-designed public space. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in December 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Non-Profit Organization Management. Maia is a first year RARE AmeriCorps Program participant working for Multnomah County as an Assistant Planner. 

Creating a Food Secure State: One Community at a Time

Posted on by Julia Havens

Anti-Hunger RARE Resource Assistance for Rural Environments

Via an ongoing partnership with Oregon Food Bank, members of the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program are conducting local food systems assessments across the State of Oregon.  Each community food assessment offers a detailed look into Oregon’s local and regional food systems.  Described as a “snapshot of the food system”, these assessments utilize a collaborative process to examine a broad range of food related issues and assets.

Five years, 22 counties and 15 assessments later, Oregon Food Bank and RARE AmeriCorps are closing in on their goal of having completed assessments for all of Oregon’s rural counties.  With RARE’s mission focused on increasing the “capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions through the assistance of trained graduate-level participants” we are more than happy to continue to be part of this amazing endeavor; one that allows our participants to have a lasting impact on rural Oregon while gaining vital professional development experience.

As noted in the The State of Our Community Food System “Very few community food assessment efforts have been undertaken in rural America with this kind of grassroots, qualitative, county-by-county approach.”  With support from Oregon Food Bank, our members help change the way people eat, grow, sell and share food, making sure to emphasize community based, holistic, grassroots solutions.  Working with Oregon Food Bank, we are helping to create a food secure state… one community at a time.

Playing an integral role in this endeavor is something we at the RARE AmeriCorps Program are so very proud of.  For more information about the RARE AmeriCorps Program’s wonderful partnership with Oregon Food Bank, [learn more]. To access the results of community food assessments around the State of Oregon, [learn more]

 

About the Author: Titus Tomlinson is the Program CTitus Tomlinson, RARE Project Coordinator, University of Oregonoordinator at RARE AmeriCorps Program. He served as a RARE AmeriCorps Participant in 2006 and 2009.  Titus earned a Masters in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon between his stints as a RARE Participant.  During his free time he enjoys basking in the glory of Oregon via mountain bike, rope or boat.