Tag: Titus Tomlinson RARE Program Coordinator

The People We Meet Along The Way…

Posted on by Julia Havens

RARE Resource Assistance for Rural Environments AmeriCorps Program Community Service Center CSC
Thinking about the impact the RARE AmeriCorps Program has had in communities we have partnered with and the lives of those who have served with us puts things into perspective, gives me worth, and sure does make me feel good about working for an organization that DOES make a difference.  But let me tell you what is even more rewarding – developing relationships with the people we meet along the way.

Whether talking about land-use planning, downtown development, food systems or any other line of work our members take on in the field, in the end, it always comes back to the people.  Without building strong relationships in the communities we serve, the work our members take on would be without base and ultimately fruitless.  Instead, we build relationships, making sure the right people are involved who can continue to drive the ship after a member’s term of service has ended.

Then we have each cohort, and the life-long friendships that are created on an annual basis.  There is something about putting everything on the line that facilitates development of such friendships.  Let’s face it, picking up and leaving everything you know to serve with the RARE AmeriCorps Program sure does put one in a vulnerable situation.  And an exciting one, at that.  Having 24+ individuals who are going through the same, but different, life experiences brings the group together.  This, the shared experiences and resulting friendships, is one of the reasons I hold this Program so dear to my heart.

As you can see, the work we do here at the RARE AmeriCorps Program depends on relationships we build and ultimately the network we have created and continue to build upon.  Ultimately, it is the people we have worked with, members, supervisors and community members alike, who have made the RARE AmeriCorps Program what it is today.  With over 450 alumni and countless communities served, you better bet that we have created a network.  Heck, we have created a family… RARE Family.

With recruitment season upon us, we are currently looking for motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about community development to grow the RARE Family.  If you find yourself interested in a true life changing experience; one that will push you to grow, both personally and professionally, you should consider serving with the RARE AmeriCorps Program.  For more information about our application process visit our website or give me a call at 541-346-2879.  Because in the end, I am always looking to meet new people along the way!

 RARE AmeriCorps Application 2015-2016

 

Titus Tomlinson RARE Resource Assistance for Rural Environments AmeriCorps Program Community Service Center CSCAbout 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. 

Interested in a True Life Changing Experience?

Posted on by Julia Havens

 

Increasing the Vitality of Rural Oregon for 20 Years!

End of the Year Event Year 19 2012-2013 RARE Resource Assistance for Rural EnvironmentsAs 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

Titus Tomlinson RARE Resource Assistance for Rural EnvironmentsAbout 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.