A few weeks ago my boss noticed my AmeriCorps water bottle I still carry around after my 2021-2022 term with AmeriCorps VISTA hosted by Center on Rural Innovation and UNM-Taos HIVE 🐝. She asked if she thought I could recommend the program to one of her children.
I loved the program. It enhanced my professional skills, connected me with the new rural community I found myself in, and set me on the path toward a career pivot that would double my meager pre-pandemic income.
I told my boss everything I loved and got out of the program. But, I couldn’t in good conscience recommend the program, knowing that the current administration would likely be axing funding and resources to this beloved institution. By that time they’d already gone after the PeaceCorps. It was only a matter of time.
I’m openly disgusted by this petty attack on AmeriCorps. The business argument for AmeriCorps, which rightfully states the immense ROI it boasts, is valid. But so are our individual and community stories of success!
To my fellow AmeriCorps alum: REMEMBER YOUR PLEDGE!
AmeriCorps VISTA was life changing for me. Losing AmeriCorps NCCC would be a tragedy and some volunteers have already been let go.
Cutting this program is monstrous.
