Connecticut native volunteers in Arizona

Connecticut native and UConn alum Stephen Packard has been busy dodging lizards, scorpions and the heat while he's been building trails in Casa Grande Arizona with his NCCC team over the past few weeks, as featured in an article by the West Hartford News.

This is the first project for Team Fire Four, and up is work along with the Oklahoma Ranger District USDA Forest Service.

To read more about the project click here.

Connecticut native volunteers in Houston

Katie Hanchuruck of Connecticut is serving on an NCCC team (above) and recently volunteered at Houston's historic Olivewood Cemetery, clearing vegetation and restoring repairing plots. Click here for more on the project, or here for more info on AmeriCorps*NCCC.

AmerCorps VISTA members honored

VISTA service members were thanked for their service by NeighborWorks, an organization which seeks to Develop homes and Transform lives. The three Connecticut members ran a summer program for residents children, including recycling education, crafts, field trips and much more.

AmeriCorps supports Unified Theater

Unified Theater, a youth lead movement which fosters inclusion of all people including those with special needs into theater performances thanks AmeriCorps and the Connecticut Commission on Community service for their support on their website. The non-profit was founded by a Hartford's Micaela Connery and now has programs in 9 schools and community centers across the state.

The homepage has an inspiring video explaining the program, and also lists ways you can help out!

AmeriCorps Support letter to Senator Blumenthal

An AmeriCorps supporter from Madison has written a great letter in support of federal funding, and is featured on Congress.org

Here's a sample -

"AmeriCoprps members get SO MUCH done for communities that really need it - while getting paid less than minimum wage! Talk about a bargain."

Remember, voting for your favored political representative isn't then end of your civic duty, make your voices heard by calling, writing or emailing your Connecticut Representative and Senators Blumenthal and Lieberman and tell them why AmeriCorps is so vitally important to you, the state, and our country!

VISTA Alum service opportunity

The Connecticut Campus Compact is looking for a VISTA alum to serve as an Events Manager, starting in June.

Some of the Leader's responsibilities will include:

• Recognizing the efforts and accomplishments made by Members, through media publications;

• Promoting information sharing and resource building amongst VISTA members and programs;

• Publishing quarterly VISTA newsletters and biannual CTCC newsletters;

• Organizing training opportunities that will provide Members the resources necessary to support the overarching goals.

Much more info, including term of service, qualifications, benefits and contact info can be found here.

Alums rally voices across the country!

When AmeriCorps Vista alum Caleb Jonas heard about House bill H.R.1 he decided to take action.

The bill, which passed the house and is now on it's way to the Senate, proposes to cut all federal funding for several services including AmeriCorps, City Year, and Habitat for Humanity. That's when Caleb decided to make his voice heard. He created an online petition, encouraged some friends and fellow alums to sign, and before long he had collected the names of over 100,000 people who support funding these important services.

The list of names accompanied a letter given to House majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). This demonstrates the passion, pride and commitment AmeriCorps alums as well as our support for well funded and essential national and local services.

Read more about Caleb's story here, make sure to keep an eye on H.R. 1, and call, write or email your Connecticut Representative and Senators Blumenthal and Lieberman and tell them why AmeriCorps is so vitally important to you, the state, and our country!

Stand for AmeriCorps!

AmeriCorps is on the chopping block! The United State Congress might vote to end The Corporation for National Service, thus ending AmeriCorps! We can't let this happen. Call your State Representative today and sign the petition below!

http://www.change.org/petitions/save-americorps

AmeriCorps Alums giving out $1,000 Grants for AmeriCorps Week!

Join us for Service! May 7-14th is AmeriCorps Week 2011 and CT Alums is looking to start off the Chapter with a bang! We are currently looking for alums interested in helping us develop, plan, and execute events during the week. Contact us today!

Looking for Bloggers!

Do you love to blog? Are you anAmeriCorps Alum living in Connecticut? Our Chapter Leader is looking for a alum interested in being our Social Media Guru. Think you have what it takes? Contact us!