🎙️ 2024 End-of-Year Highlights Part 2! Growth, Connection, and Impact 🌟

In this special year-end reflection, the AmeriCorps Connections Podcast looks back at a year of powerful stories, impactful service, and transformative growth. Throughout 2024, we celebrated the voices of AmeriCorps alumni who showcased the profound difference a service year can make in communities and individual lives.

💡 What to Expect in This Episode:
🌟 2024 Recruitment Extravaganza: Highlights from 15 incredible programs and the lives they’ve touched.
🌊 Tackling Root Causes: How AmeriCorps members addressed systemic challenges for sustainable change.
🌱 Personal Growth: Stories of resilience, leadership, and discovering purpose through service.
🤝 Lifelong Connections: The unique and enduring bonds formed during service years.
🎭 Joy in Service: Finding fulfillment in giving back and creating a brighter future.

🌍 Whether you’re an AmeriCorps alum, a current member, or curious about service, this episode is a testament to the power of connection and the lasting impact of serving others.

🎞️ AmeriCorps Connections on You Tube
📌 Follow us on social media: @americorpsconnections IG
👉 Subscribe for more stories of resilience, growth, and impact in 2025! @americorpsconnections

#AmeriCorpsConnections #EndOfYearReflection #2024Highlights #NationalService #Podcast #Volunteerism

🎙️ 2024 End-of-Year Highlights: Growth, Connection, and Impact 🌟
In this special year-end episode of the AmeriCorps Connections Podcast, we reflect on the transformative power of national service through the stories of inspiring alumni. Despite their diverse experiences, shared themes of personal growth, resilience, and community impact emerged.

💡 What to Expect in This Episode:
🌊 Addressing root causes: Tackling systemic issues for lasting change.
🌟 Personal transformation: Building resilience and leadership through service.
🤝 Lifelong connections: Exploring the unique bond of AmeriCorps alumni.
🎭 Joy in service: Finding fulfillment in making a difference.

✨ Guests Featured:
🔹 Amanda McSwine – AmeriCorps VISTA
🔹 Alex Tran – VISTA & NCCC
🔹 Anton Taylor - City Year
🔹 Shannon Stober – AmeriCorps VISTA
🔹 Jordan Sandman – NCCC team leader

🎞️ AmeriCorps Connections on You Tube
📌 Follow us on social media: @americorpsconnections IG
👉 Subscribe for more stories of resilience, growth, and impact in 2025! @americorpsconnections
#AmeriCorpsConnections #Podcast #NationalService #YearInReview #PersonalGrowth

Join us in this illuminating episode of AmeriCorps Connections as we dive deep into the transformative journey of Nisa Abdul Sabur. From her early introduction to volunteerism through the Girl Scouts and church community service to her impactful roles in AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, Nisa shares her compelling story of personal and professional growth. Learn how she leveraged these experiences to secure a fulfilling career in the federal government, working at FEMA and now the FDA. Discover the importance of relationship-building, the values of public service, and the power of taking a leap of faith. Whether you're an idealist looking to make a difference or someone interested in the intersection of community service and career development, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction and Early Influences
00:51 AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Experience
01:37 Podcast Announcements and Call to Action
03:02 Interview with Nisa Abdul Sabur Begins
03:21 City Year Journey and Challenges
17:03 Professional Development and Skills Gained
25:26 Transition to Peace Corps
39:16 Reflections on Apartheid and Cultural Shifts
41:09 The Importance of Grace and Understanding
43:11 Peace Corps Experiences and Lessons Learned
45:44 Building Relationships and Community Impact
56:33 Leveraging Peace Corps for Career Success
59:29 Navigating Federal Opportunities and Project Management
01:15:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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United For Impact: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Forge Strategic Alliance to Mobilize American Volunteers for a Sustainable Tomorrow: https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/united-impact-americorps-peace-corps-forge-strategic-alliance-mobilize

Alumni Connections 🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝

• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

Nicki stepped out from behind the camera and got on stage with AmeriCorps VISTA members in Chicago, USA.
🤠
Remember it's NOT the challenges that define you, but how you respond to them. It is your resilience and commitment to “GET THINGS DONE”
In the AmeriCorps Pledge we agreed “TO MAKE OUR PEOPLE SAFER, SMARTER AND HEALTHIER”
We pledged that if “FACED WITH APATHY” we would take actions.
We committed to persevere if faced with adversity.
We pledged to “carry this commitment with us during a service year and beyond.
Because why?..........We are AmeriCorps members and WE GET THINGS DONE!

😁Let go of doubt….let go of imposter syndrome…..let go of unworthiness….and embrace courage, curiosity and sprinkle in a little leap of faith.✨

Let the energy of these few days work through you. 💫
Let your VISTA year teach you…..mold you into the person you have the capacity to BECOME
Be curious, be open, be authentic.........find something in yourself that you didn’t know existed
Be Brave because YOU ARE the change the world needs…..you are an innovator and an AmeriCorps VISTA member. 🤝🤝🤝

AmeriCorps Connections: From Teach for America to Peace Corps with Antonio

In this episode of AmeriCorps Connections, we have a fascinating conversation with Antonio Mendez, an AmeriCorps alum who has transitioned from being a Teach for America member to serving as the Country Director for Mexico with the Peace Corps. Join us as Antonio shares his journey, insights, and valuable experiences from his diverse service background. This episode touches on themes of career growth, the impact of national service, and the importance of pushing personal boundaries for greater achievement. Whether you're an AmeriCorps member, a Peace Corps enthusiast, or curious about national service, this episode offers inspiration and actionable advice. Make sure to like, share, and subscribe for more compelling stories of national service.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:27 Guest Introduction: Antonio's Service Journey
02:34 AmeriCorps Experience and Impact
05:47 Transition to Peace Corps
11:34 Challenges and Growth in Peace Corps
18:57 Philosophy and Personal Reflections
23:32 Current Role and Responsibilities in Peace Corps
24:40 Roles and Responsibilities of a Country Director
25:22 Government Relations and International Relations
26:58 Volunteer Impact and Language Learning
31:34 Misconceptions and Opportunities in Peace Corps
36:17 Peace Corps Response and Program Evolution
38:33 Application Process and Health Requirements
39:40 Personal Experiences and Impact Stories
45:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Serve

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United For Impact: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Forge Strategic Alliance to Mobilize American Volunteers for a Sustainable Tomorrow: https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/united-impact-americorps-peace-corps-forge-strategic-alliance-mobilize

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

Connecting Through Service: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Journeys

In this episode of the AmeriCorps Connections podcast, hosted by Nicki Fiocco, we explore the inspiring story of Sadie Botin, a dual service member who has served both in AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. Sadie shares her journey from her AmeriCorps service in a refugee resettlement agency in Iowa to her impactful Peace Corps experience in Eswatini, focusing on community projects, and the strong relationships she built. The discussion also highlights the challenges and emotional resonances of such service, concluding with reflections on the broader impact and personal growth derived from these experiences.

00:00 Welcome to AmeriCorps Connections Podcast
00:22 Introducing the Peace Corps Series
01:09 Support the Podcast on Patreon
01:36 Special Thanks to Sharon Tewksbury Bloom
01:56 Meet Sadie Botin
02:06 What is the Peace Corps?
03:26 Sadie's AmeriCorps Journey
05:55 Challenges and Rewards of AmeriCorps Service
07:52 Reflections on Refugee Resettlement
15:56 Transitioning to Peace Corps
19:32 Applying and Preparing for Peace Corps
26:08 Arriving in Eswatini
31:38 Starting the Journey: Training and Community Assignment
32:06 Building Relationships and Early Challenges
34:48 The Library Project: A Labor of Love
36:09 Personal Reflections on Reading and Education
39:34 The Footbridge Project: Community Collaboration
44:09 Saying Goodbye: Closing Out the Peace Corps Service
48:31 Life After Peace Corps: Career and Education
56:35 AmeriCorps and Alumni Engagement

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United For Impact: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Forge Strategic Alliance to Mobilize American Volunteers for a Sustainable Tomorrow: https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/united-impact-americorps-peace-corps-forge-strategic-alliance-mobilize

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

Life-Changing Journeys: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Insights

In this compelling episode of AmeriCorps Connections, host Nicki Fiocco delves into the inspiring journeys of individuals who have served both in AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. Joined by Justin Hargesheimer, the episode explores how service in these transformative programs fosters leadership, global empathy, and cultural humility. Justin reflects on stepping out of comfort zones and the skills developed through advocacy and action-oriented service. In a world where virtual volunteering and global connectivity are reshaping how we engage, this conversation highlights the critical role of collaboration and inclusivity in creating meaningful societal impact. From building personal resilience to addressing urgent humanitarian issues, this episode offers insights on how service empowers individuals to become advocates for systemic change, both locally and globally.

If you like this content - please become a Patreon of the Podcast 😁 Get your name/organization as a supporter on every episode! Right now, I am a solopreneur paying for all of the back end tools to create and distribute this content. 😎

00:00 Introduction to AmeriCorps and Peace Corps
00:50 Welcome to the AmeriCorps Connections Podcast
01:19 Meet the Host and the Podcast's Impact
02:38 Introducing the Special Series and Guest
02:56 Justin's Service Journey Begins
04:11 Leveraging AmeriCorps for Education
06:30 Hands-On Experience with Operation Fresh Start
10:00 From AmeriCorps to Habitat for Humanity
12:54 Reflections on the AmeriCorps Experience
16:21 Returning to AmeriCorps as a Team Leader
17:57 AmeriCorps Journey: Year Two
18:26 NCCC Projects and Experiences
21:38 Lessons in Team Management
24:20 Transition to Peace Corps
25:08 Peace Corps Masters International Program
27:55 Serving in Guatemala
28:55 Reflections on Peace Corps Impact
34:58 Empathy and Global Connections
36:23 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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United For Impact: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Forge Strategic Alliance to Mobilize American Volunteers for a Sustainable Tomorrow: https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/united-impact-americorps-peace-corps-forge-strategic-alliance-mobilize

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

🌟🌟Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production. Thank you, Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)

📢Your voice matters more than ever. Take 2 minutes and tell your lawmakers that AmeriCorps is essential to your community. 📢📢📢
USE THIS LINK

🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝
Dual Service Journeys: From Peace Corps to AmeriCorps with Thomas Darnell

In this AmeriCorps Connections podcast episode, we explore the dual service journey of Thomas Darnell, an alum of both the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. Thomas shares his experiences serving in Mali with the Peace Corps, where he faced challenges such as learning new languages and navigating a vastly different culture. He recounts his transition to AmeriCorps, where he worked on STEM projects and robotics in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout the episode, Thomas reflects on the impactful lessons and skills he gained, the deep connections he forged with communities, and his subsequent role at the Washington State AmeriCorps Commission. The episode underscores the broader theme of service, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps programs.

00:00 Introduction to the Special Series
00:09 Meet Thomas Darnell: Dual Service Member
01:13 Understanding Peace Corps vs. AmeriCorps
01:25 Thomas's Peace Corps Journey in Mali
03:43 Challenges and Adaptations in Mali
08:47 Cultural Integration and Community Projects
22:14 Reflections on Peace Corps Experience
27:10 Transition to AmeriCorps and Grad School
28:25 AmeriCorps Service in Baltimore
29:36 Role as Peer Leader and Volunteer Maryland
30:07 Current Role and Final Reflections
37:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁🔁
United For Impact: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps Forge Strategic Alliance to Mobilize American Volunteers for a Sustainable Tomorrow: https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/united-impact-americorps-peace-corps-forge-strategic-alliance-mobilize

Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group
• Join the official AmeriCorps Alumni Network with Service Year
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Production and Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

🌟🌟Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production. Thank you, Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)