Twenty Years Later...Still Getting Things Done!

AmeriCorps Alums celebrate after the ceremony at the
Capitol in Hartford on September 12th, 2014.

This past Friday, we were so excited to join AmeriCorps members from throughout the state of Connecticut in celebrating AmeriCorps 20 and re-committing to a lifetime of service - this year and beyond.

Over 100 members and alums gathered to hear from members of the Connecticut Commission on Community Service as well as those who were there when the first class of AmeriCorps members was sworn-in at the White House in 1994.

Connecticut Chapter Leader Tina Lindstrom also spoke, encouraging the members who are just starting their journey to stay committed and continue to carry the ethos of service and community with them.

One person who definitely took his pledge to heart is Brian Mezzi, who joined alums on Friday evening at Barcelona Wine Bar as he was honored as one of ten Local Leaders here in the state. After serving as a VISTA at Boys and Girls Club in Mississippi, Brian has continued to support community empowerment and engagement in his current role as Community Engagement Manager at United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut - where he still spreads the word by talking about his service on a daily basis (us, too!). Visit our blog post for a full list of our AmeriCorps 20 Local Leaders.

The next day, we continued to celebrate AmeriCorps 20 and recognize September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance by serving alongside current members of PAVE New Haven and the Veterans Recovery Project, performing crucial invasive species clean-up in the Long Wharf Nature Preserve. Led by Urban Resources Initiatives, over 20 volunteers cleared the way for new tree plantings along the Long Island Sound in New Haven. Once completed, this area will act as a crucial learning spot for the urban students to learn about nature and science.

Tina Lindstrom serves in honor of
September 11th Day of Recognition.

AmeriCorps 20 is (Almost) Here!

Here's everything you need to know about the AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary celebrations taking place here in Connecticut! Did we miss something? Send us an email at connecticut@americorpsalums.org!

Friday, 9:30-11:30 AM: Join members and alums from throughout the state at the Capitol Building in Hartford to re-commit to a lifetime of service! Forgot to RSVP or can't make it? Join us by pledging virtually at twenty.americorpsalums.org!

Friday, 6 - 8 PM: Wouldn't be a birthday without a party! We will be at Barcelona Wine Bar in New Haven to share stories and eat marinated mushrooms. All are welcome!

Saturday, 9:30 - 1:00 PM: In honor of September 11th Day and the 20th Anniversary, we will be joining current VISTA members and community volunteers for a day of service with Urban Resources Initiative. Meet us at the Sound School (60 S. Water St, New Haven), and bring your friends (and closed-toe shoes!).

BONUS: Stay tuned tomorrow as we announce the Connecticut's Local Leaders, alums who exemplify the meaning of getting things done this year and beyond!

Join us as we recognize September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance

UPDATED 9/8/2014

We are excited to partner with PAVE New Haven and the Urban Resources Initiative for a day of service in honor of September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance. Launched in 2002 by family members and survivors, this day offers us all the opportunity to honor those we lost through coming together to create positive change.

Details are below - please RSVP to Shannon at smykins@aoascc.org or via our Facebook event at http://luvit.me/1sjJhGN to secure your spot! All alums, current members, and friends-of are invited to join!

Date: Saturday, September 13th

Time: 9:30 - 1:00 PM

Where: Meet at Sound School, 60 Water St New Haven

What we'll be doing: We will be participating in invasive species removal along Long Wharf to prepare for the planting of 100 trees in the fall!

Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty in and closed-toe shoes! Water and a light snack will be provided, but please feel free to brown bag it.

P.S.: Don't forget to wear your "A"! Special AmeriCorps Alums 20th Anniversary shirts are still available at their online store for only a $20 donation!

Join us in Hartford on September 12th for AmeriCorps 20!

On Friday, September 12th AmeriCorps alums and members from across the country will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps with a nationwide swearing-in ceremony. Details for Connecticut's celebration are below - please RSVP to Anne Ostberg at aostberg@cns.gov by August 29th to reserve your spot!

Date: Friday, September 12th, 2014
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave., Hartford CT

Program

9:30-10:30 AM - Arrival and Check-In

10:30-11:30 AM - Program and Swearing-In

11:30 - Networking reception in the Hall of Flags and North Lobby

Parking and seating are available on a first-come, first serve basis so get there early! Attendees should enter only through the West Entrance.

PS: Remember to wear your "A"! AmeriCorps Alums shirts and pins are available at http://americorpsalums.pointsoflightstore.org/ (or go old school and rock something from your term of service!)

Special thanks to our partners at the Connecticut Commission on Community Service for organizing and hosting this event!

Join the AmeriCorps Alums Leadership Board!

Want to help us help others get things done? As we grow and formalize our board, we are looking for some new leaders who'd like to hold a position with the AmeriCorps Alums Connecticut Leadership Board!

We are currently recruiting for the position of Treasurer to help us manage and track our funds. While experience working with budgets and fiscal agents is preferred, we want to hear from anyone who has an interest!

Requirements:

• Must have completed one full term with an AmeriCorps program prior to 9/1/2014
• Must be able to attend monthly meetings, held the second Tuesday of every month at 6PM - these meetings are generally held in the New Haven area
• Regular attendance at other AmeriCorps Alums CT events including service projects, professional development, and social networking opportunities

If you're interested, please send us an email telling us a little bit about yourself to connecticut@americorpsalums.org, subject line "Treasurer."

Note that we are an all-volunteer board and no compensation (other than friendship) will be provided.