INSIDE 2 Donald Clark – The Newest Member of our Team

4 The Month of May

5 ISP Duo

6 Your Top 5 7 Life in Green

9 A Construction Introduction

12 Contact Us!

May Issue

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Donald Clark -The Newest Memberof our Team

Although Donald Clark has only been with us since March 18th, it seems as though he was meant for this position. As the new Southern Region Director, he has made our passion for domestic community service his own. He comes from an extensive volunteer-based background and since stepping onto our campus he has been affectionately known as “The Don,” – our leader in community service. We would love for you to meet him!

What is your proudest achievement in the Peace Corps?

As a volunteer, it was the relationships that I was able to develop with my community and learning to speak Spanish.  As a staff member, I was able to push the envelope in the area of IT within the Agency.  We developed some very useful tools, and were able to employ software in ways that had never been done before. Above all, the impact that our Volunteers have had in their communities, and the relationships that they have built are probably the most i m p o r t a n t a c h i e v e m e n t s t h a t I witnessed in my time with the Peace Corps.

What is your leadership style?

Great question.  Generally there are about 6 leadership styles… Pacesetting, Authoritative, Affiliative, Coaching, Coercive, and Democratic.  My approach is to be versed in all.  There are days when I have found myself expressing all 6!  I see the role of a leader to facilitate strong teams to achieve the goals of the organization.  Oftentimes the challenges that are faced require different approaches… so I suppose the 6 styles above are e x e r c i s e d i n a f r a m e w o r k o f pragmatism!

What were you doing before AmeriCorps NCCC?

Having lots of fun in Latin America! I have been with Peace Corps for about 17 years. After I was a Volunteer, I went to graduate school to study internat ional development and economics at the University College Dublin in Ireland.  When I came back, I took a job as a technical trainer for the Peace Corps in Paraguay, and from there I worked as a Training Director, a Program Officer for the business development program and eventually Deputy Country Director in the Dominican Republic (DR).  After the DR, I was posted back to Paraguay to be the Country Director.  From Paraguay, I went to Washington, DC to be the Chief of Operations for the Peace Corps Inter-America and Pacific Region. Basically, I was responsible for the programs in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. 

What sort of volunteer/service experience do you have?

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years and a Volunteer Coordinator (like a Team Leader) for a year in Bolivia.  I worked for a small municipality and helped the community build a water system.  I also spent a lot of time working with a mother’s club in my town, which is a group of 8 to 10 women who got to together once a week to do small community projects.

How does your family like Vicksburg?

We are still getting settled.  My wife Moira and our 3 little boys are still in Virginia preparing for the move.  I am basically in SPIKE housing right now!  It is a nice apartment, but I have 2 folding chairs, a fold up table and a blow up mattress!  We are moving the family from Virginia in mid-May right after transition.  I am looking forward to getting settled with everyone here in town.  The thing that I have enjoyed the most here in Vicksburg is the military park.  It is a great place to go cycling.

What are you looking forward to doing in the role of Region Director?

I think the best part of the job will be getting out in the field and seeing each of the teams working in their projects.  This is what it is all about! 

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What are you reading now?

My most frequent read is The Economist.  It is the only subscription that I have.  I do not get a chance to read novels or other books too often- between being RD by day and a Dad to three little boys by night, I have my hands full!  I do listen to a lot of Podcasts mostly about International affairs, politics, and economics.

His  sons  Brendan,  Patrick,  and  Jack.

What’s on your iPod?

Can you say eclectic!  You see, we have kids, and my wife is Canadian, we have lived overseas for 17 years …so that means you can find Raffi, Ralf’s World and other kids favorites, Cold Play, Grateful Dead, Marvin Gaye, Spinners, Carlos Vives, Juanes, Marc Anthony and lots of Salsa, Merengue and bachata. But the favorite I have to say is Jarbe de Palo… oh, and LOTS of podcasts…

Do you have any hobbies?

I was a carpenter before going into the Peace Corps.  I find that being back in the states over the past eight months and being reacquainted with my tools has been a lot of fun.  Being in Vicksburg near the military park

Do you have a favorite quote? If so, what?

I have two… The first is short, and I think of it almost every day:“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

This is one to live by! Listen, listen, and then listen some more. As community workers, it is important that we take the time to listen to the community members whom we are serving to ensure that we are “meeting them where they are”, not “where we think they are” or “where we want them to be.”  Listening, understanding and seeing the world from the perspective of others is what improves our ability to serve others successfully.  Another way to say it is empathetic or active listening.

The other favorite quote was given to me by a very close friend that I met in the Peace Corps named Janice.  She is an amazing person and a visionary.  She has been in Tajikistan working on a rural agriculture project of the past seven years and has a tremendous passion for service."Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (an 18th century

What does a typical Saturday look like for the Clark family?UP-AND-OUT… this has been the policy at home.  We get up on Saturday and Sunday mornings, pack the car and get out.  Being in Washington was great for this – we would go to the Smithsonian museums, the national monuments, national parks and battlefields, etc. We are looking forward to being here in Mississippi to go camping and be outdoors.

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Save the Date

Monday, May 13th – May 20th – NCCC TransitionThursday, May 16th – BBQ at 6:30pm at the Pool HouseTBD – Our first ever LARPing Event!!!Tuesday, May 21st – NCCC departs for round 2May 26th – June 5th - FEMA Corps Transition

May Facts• Empire State Building opened May 1, 1931.• First transcontinental railway completed in Promontory, Utah, May 10, 1869.• Lewis and Clark began their trip up Missouri River, May 14, 1804.• The last day of May is Memorial Day• National Good Car (Gov’y Van) Care Month• National Photo Month• National Barbecue Month• Skin Cancer Awareness Month• Zombie Awareness Month• National Military Awareness Month

The Southern Region is Merry in May!

Leigh-Ann Dennis (March) and Monica Knight (April) are MARRIED!

ISP DUOWe sat down with Alexandra Hlubek (IA) and Nicole Schultz (KA) from FEMA Corps Bayou 4 to talk about Independent Service Projects. Since starting in August they have acquired over 410

ISP hours and do not intend to stop there. Here’s what our Q and A looked like.

What has been the most challenging part about this experience?Ally – For me, working with different teammates who come from a variety of backgrounds. It’s been really easy to connect with some people and others it has been a challenge, but we have been able to work it out and never had any real issuesNicole – I think the work has been kind of challenging. Coming into it and not knowing what to expect. It is more behind the scenes and administrative, and that, to me, is harder because it is hard for me to sit behind the desk. I’m learning how to be more flexible and just go with it.

How were you able to do all of these hours?!Both - We signed up through NewYorkCares.org in New York. We went through an orientation and through there we could register to volunteer. We would do around four things weekly. We mucked and gutted, helped people learn English as a second language. Every Wednesday night was with Recycle Bicycle, which is a program that fixes bicycles for kids. It was a wide range of different volunteer opportunities though that website.

Where is your new project located?Both - We live in Jessup, MD and are working in Hyattsville, MD!

Did you have a favorite ISP?Ally – Down in New Orleans we planted trees for a day. It was in the coastal area and we got to be on boats, which was an added bonus. They took us through the bayou and swamps. We also were able to see more of nature and got down and dirty. That was nice. Nicole – My favorite was working with people to practice English. You learned a lot about different cultures.

What is one thing you want to accomplish by the end of this round?Ally – Stay busy and do as much as I can with the community and my team.Nicole - Give it my all. Stay positive and explore.

Life After AmeriCorps?Ally – I’m going to go back to school and after I graduate I want to join the Peace Corps.Nicole – I definitely love to travel so one of my biggest goals in life is to go to all 50 states. I’m trying to get more life experiences.

What is something you wish you had known before you came?Both - We wish we knew to pack less!

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TOP  5  AMERI-­‐WORDS1.Ameri-­‐TAN

• Everyone’s  getting  one.  Don’t  get  left  out  in  the  shade!2.Ameri-­‐BOO

• You  know  what  I’m  talking  about.3.Ameri-­‐GRUB

• Ballin’  on  a  budget.  4.  Ameri-­‐TUX

• Pop  that  government  issued  polo  collar.  5.  The  Gov’y  (Pronounced  “Gubby”)

• Rollin’  deep  in  that  15P.

International Volunteer Sites

1. CIEE2. Safe Passage3. World Teach4. WWOOF5. Work Away

1.Cut your own hair!Ø Make it a team builder.

2.Schedule your weekends to be filled with ISPs!

Ø Helps cut down on frugal spending.3.Allocate a specific amount of

spending $ each week.Ø Then cut it in half!

4.Give up that expensive habit.Ø Call up your fortitude and work hard to

kick that habit to the curb.5. Shop used.

Ø Think “Macklemore”

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Why did you initially join FEMA Corps?I joined FEMA Corps because I thought it sounded like an awesome opportunity to muck and gut homes, spend countless hours chainsawing fallen debris, and rebuilding communities. After reality set in and I realized this is not what we would be doing, I shifted my focus to improving myself and my Corps Members both personally and professionally. I focused on advocating for my team in the workplace and performing as many ISPs as possible with them during the weekend. My main motivator during the year was to assist with the development and implementation of the FEMA Corps Program; to blaze a trail for future Corps Members and ensure the program’s success.

As we embark on our journey through AmeriCorps, we set goals for ourselves -- One of them being Life After AmeriCorps. Mike Rood, Team Leader for FEMA Corps Bayou 1, needs to look no further. In April, Mr. Rood will be a proud employee for FEMA working as a Mission Assignment Manager with IMAT (Incident Management Action Team). After hearing the news, we caught up with the soon-to-be-youngest-individual to ever join IMAT and bombard him with a ton of questions. Here’s what he had to say.

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What has been the most memorable experience so far?During Hurricane Sandy, my team and I were deployed to Staten Island, NY to assist with FEMA’s Community Relations mission on the island. While canvassing a neighborhood 13 days after the storm, a woman answered her door and told me her mother-in-law was unable to leave the basement because her wheel chair, walker, and stair-lift were either destroyed or washed away in the storm surge. I phoned this information in to my Point of Contact with FEMA. He asked if I could handle the situation to which I replied, “Yes.” I went to the nearest Disaster Recovery Center and spoke to the Red Cross. They put me in touch with a local resident looking to donate $9,000 in medical equipment. I directed the resident to the New York State Nurses Association, which had been delivering medical supplies to survivors. I gave the Nurses’ Association the address of the resident in need of the wheel chair and the walker. Two days later, I returned to the resident’s home and was told they had received the medical supplies and the elderly woman had been evacuated to a family member’s home.

Featuring TEAM LEADER MIKE ROOD

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Any helpful tips for others who are interested in applying for a federal organization?A) On your USA Jobs application, list EVERYTHING you have done in your life work wise. Also, pay attention to the description and duties to perform on the job posting. A computer scans the resumes for key words from those two sections. Put those key words in your job descriptions where applicable.B) Finally, do not be afraid to apply for a job you may not think you are qualified for. Attitude is everything. If you are lucky enough to get an interview, let the interviewer know you are excited about the position and want to learn as much about the role as you can. Relate your past work/volunteer/life experiences to the position you applied for.

How did you know you wanted to work for FEMA?I didn’t. I knew I wanted to work for the federal government and FEMA was on the list of potential agencies. I had been looking into the State Department, Bureau of Land Management, and Departments of Interior and Forestry.

What is one thing you learned while in FEMA Corps that has helped you advance professionally?Networking and thinking on one’s feet. FEMA Corps has thrown a lot of curveballs toward everyone serving with the initial class. Not knowing what is next has made me more flexible and able to perform under pressure.

What will your job title be within FEMA/What does your job description look like?My title is Mission Assignment Manager with the IMAT Team. As a member of the IMAT Team, I am required to be on call 24/7 and have my “boots on the ground” within 12 hours of a disaster declaration to begin the response and recovery efforts. As a Mission Assignment Manager, my role is to order federal resources from other agencies to assist with response/recovery operations. Federal Resources include but are not limited to Search and Rescue, Communications, Firefighting, and Public Safety. In addition to ordering these resources, I am responsible for tracking their costs and time on the disaster. The person I spoke with said it was a lot of number

!

If someone wrote a biography about your life, what should it be titled?Take your pick…

a) Bald at 16b) Short and Sweetc) Long and Livelyd) He Ain’t Righte) Renaissance Man

 

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You are looking at the very first AmeriCorps NCCC team created exclusively for construction. Lead by Cameron Wood, River 1‘s first construction project is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama sponsored by the local Habitat for Humanity. It just so happens that this Habitat for Humanity received the Southern Region’s Sponsor of the Year award last year. With their amazing work ethnic and a remarkable sponsor the construction team has successfully put a conservative number of four houses completed under their belt during their first round. We were lucky enough to sit down with a few team members to ask them how they’re doing!

How did you first learn about NCCC? Addy – My aunt told me about it. She’s a guidance counselor at a private school. It was kind of one of those things that she would tell her students about. Armando - I heard through a friend of mine whose cousin did AmeriCorps NCCC. He is now in the Peace Corps, which I am interested in joining afterward. Noel - My friend a couple years back was in AmeriCorps at the Iowa campus. It was always in the back of my mind that it was something for me to do if I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.Katie - I had an aunt who was a VISTA for two years in Wisconsin. After graduating college I needed something to do so I applied.

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Why did you initially join?Addy – I was a pizza delivery driver for five years and I was tired of working 40 hours a week. I was kind of in-and-out of school. I thought this would be good way to have a more productive year and have something to show for it. Armando - I’ve always been interested in doing community service type projects. I’ve always thought that community service is an important part about being a human being. Not to mention I’ve always wanted to travel.Noel - Helping others has always been a passion in my life and this would be a great opportunity to continue that. Katie – It was something that was completely different and it took me away from Ohio.

So far, what has been your best experience? Addy - I got to work the majority of one week with the Mennonites and we were able do most of the roofing on one house. Putting up the tin roof and the trusses. Kind of like a jungle gym. Armando - Hitting things with hammers. The work that I am doing is stimulating and I’m doing something different everyday. I’m able to lead volunteers while with Habitat for Humanity, which helps my leadership skills. Katie – The day that our Site Supervisor left, he was only in town for two months. He was the one who taught me how to paint and cut into the ceiling. On the day that he left he gave me his favorite paintbrush.

What was your reasoning for applying for the construction team?Addy - One of my main interests, as far as AmeriCorps NCCC, is that I really wanted to build things. I went to school for building construction for a semester and a half and got my feet wet. Cam was even my temp team leader so I was excited to apply.Armando - My father is a superintendent for a construction company and all throughout my childhood he has been making additions to the house. I was kind of the kid who handed him tools and swept after him. I figured that the construction team would be a great way to hone in on my skills and be more adequate with construction when it comes to my family and I could bond with my dad more. Noel - I took architectural drafting my freshman year of college. It appealed to me in the sense that when you own your own house your going to need to know general skills to maintain it.Katie – It was the most challenging thing for me that I could do. I wanted to have some high goals and I know the construction team could help me accomplish those.

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What’s your Life After AmeriCorps plan? Addy - I haven’t quite figured it out, but I know that I do want to do something with construction. Back home we have a Habitat for Humanity and maybe I’ll see if I can get involved with them. Maybe I’ll go back to school for construction and finish it out.Armando - No idea. Finish college. Move in with my girlfriend. Maybe become a teacher.Noel - Hopefully after this year I will be going back to school for construction management specifically somewhere in Connecticut, my homeland.Katie – I’m going to move out of Ohio and hopefully find a job in between that time. I am an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) so I hope to continue with that.

What’s it like to live with 10 other people in one house? Addy - I feel pretty lucky because our team gets along well. All of the guys play Magic The Gathering together. It’d definitely cramped at times, but when we get home we mostly just chill. Armando - Cooking is different for me. It’s difficult cooking for 10 others. I’ve been paired up with someone who knows how to cook so I usually do the dishes and maybe grate the cheese sometimes. We play a lot of Magic the Gathering. 6 out of the 11 people play. As you can imagine it is all the males. Our schedule looks like this --wake up, breakfast, work, maybe PT, magic the gathering, sleep, repeat.

Cameron Wood, River 1 Team Leader making a couple cuts for one of the three houses they were working on that day!

If someone were writing a biography of you, what would the title be? Armando - Probably Human. Katie – “A Heart Breaking Work of Staggering Genius” has already been taken. It would probably be like “Opaque Comments” or “I Lost My Wallet Again.”

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Contact Us!

AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region2715 Confederate AveVicksburg, Mississippi 39180

Phone: 601-630-4040 @AmeriCorpsNCCC Our website! AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region