Increasing the Vitality of Rural Oregon for 20 Years!
As we gear up for recruitment here at the RARE-Resource Assistance for Rural Environments headquarters it is always important to reflect on where have been and where we are going. This year marks our 20th year of service to rural Oregon. To think of all of the lives that have been impacted via the RARE AmeriCorps Program is something I hold dear to my heart.
The model of the RARE AmeriCorps Program is at the root of our impact to both the communities we serve and the individuals we bring into the program as members. Service learning is something that RARE’s founder, David Povey, found extremely enticing. David, himself a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, saw the RARE AmeriCorps Program as a way to bring service-learning to Oregon and to engage the skills and experience of graduate students at the University of Oregon. Fortunately, the timing was right (mid-90’s) for David as service learning was gaining attention across the county. The year of RARE’s inception directly matched that of the now nationally recognized AmeriCorps Program.
In the 20 years since its founding, the RARE AmeriCorps Program has placed well over 400 participants in rural communities across the State of Oregon and has served nearly every county. After looking at the numbers there is no doubt that our members have made a significant impact across the State of Oregon; millions in grant dollars generated, tens of thousands of volunteer hours harnessed, hundreds of planning documents created… all while our members are receiving an amazing professional development experience. That is what I call impact!
I personally became familiar with the RARE AmeriCorps Program in 2006. Graduate School at the University of Oregon was soon approaching. As I poked around the Planning, Public Policy and Management Program’s website I came across the RARE AmeriCorps Program. At the time, I was enthralled by land use planning in rural areas. After thinking about it for a day or two I decided to apply to RARE AmeriCorps Program. It made perfect sense to me. If accepted, I would gain hands on experience in the land use planning field, attain in-state tuition, receive an educational award, and receive graduate credits in the program I had been accepted to… I was in.
Little did I know that decision would forever change my life. During my first year in the program I served as an Intern Planner in the City of Winston. Talk about a year of growth, both professional and personal. Since then, I have come to realize how truly amazing and unique the RARE AmeriCorps Program. If you have ever spoken with me about RARE, well, you know the passion I bring to the table. This attitude is the result of knowing and recognizing how the RARE AmeriCorps Program impacted my life.
I see the RARE AmeriCorps Program is a game changer; a true win-win type of program. We offer up a service to rural Oregon while changing the lives of those we bring into the program. If you find yourself interested in a true life changing experience; one that will bring about significant grown, both professional and personal, while giving back to the Country we call home, consider a year with the RARE AmeriCorps Program. For more information about our application process visit the RARE AmeriCorps Program website or give me a call at 541-346-2879. No surprise… I am always happy to chat about RARE!
RARE AmeriCorps Application 2014-2015
About the Author: Titus Tomlinson is the Program Coordinator 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.