Seriously. One more month and counting.
This month's hightlight- HandsOn Leaders on the loose. I've helped develop the curriculumn, I've delivered it, they've participated in the training, I've given them ice cream and beer (the key to any programmatic success), they've found projects, and now they are on the loose developing their own volunteer projects! I'm excited to see what these amazing people come up with.
Finishing up my final Bridge training. Ah The Bridge. Full of interesting people, looking to make long term and meaningful impact in their community, and exploring the possibility of serving on a nonprofit board, what's not to like there?
Now to document, organize, and pass the torch. So much to do, so little time. September 3rd will be here before I know it!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
sand, shoes, and friends
If Lee is a planet. And, I am a planet. Are you a planet? (NO)
But listen, if my living stipend is a planet. My education award is a planet. Are my college loans a planet? (YES)
July 2010
Taylor's VISTA experience...= bonfires on the beach, difficult ice breakers (see above), tents, teens, StaR-TripPInG, one awesome aglet, and bags of trash.
Best month yet. I got some sun. I established friendships with local teens. I removed shoes, bottles, lighters, hammers, rope, human poo, and other treasures from one of the most beautiful beaches in Washington.
Giving back and having fun one day at a time.
But listen....
Taylor Schraudner
NOYC Coordinator
North Olympic Volunteer Center
But listen, if my living stipend is a planet. My education award is a planet. Are my college loans a planet? (YES)
July 2010
Taylor's VISTA experience...= bonfires on the beach, difficult ice breakers (see above), tents, teens, StaR-TripPInG, one awesome aglet, and bags of trash.
Best month yet. I got some sun. I established friendships with local teens. I removed shoes, bottles, lighters, hammers, rope, human poo, and other treasures from one of the most beautiful beaches in Washington.
Giving back and having fun one day at a time.
But listen....
Taylor Schraudner
NOYC Coordinator
North Olympic Volunteer Center
Thursday, July 15, 2010
It's the small things...
I have decided it is most definitely the small things in life that keep me going day-to-day. For example...
...the fact that I just discovered the Glee Soundtrack on United Way's media drive...
...by having a simple coversation with a local cafe owner, I now receive discounted tea. It may or may not be laced with drugs, but hey, it's still a discount!
...catching a glimpse of Rainier and being surprised everytime.
...ridiculous YouTube videos passed amongst co-workers... what a great invention.
...how gracious Charlotte and Jim from the Banana Stand are to give a poor VISTA a free frozen chocolate-covered banana every week. YUM.
...how at the end of the day I am living in one of the most beautiful places in the country, in a city filled with some of the most quirky and caring people I have ever encountered, all while being on a mission to do GOOD. Wowza!
Now to make some friends... hmm... ;)
But on a somewhat serious note, I'm starting to feel at home in Tacoma and at the United Way. This whole 9-5 business is a bit more taxing than I had anticipated, especially during these gorgeous summer months, but I'm finally starting to see some progress with my VAD goals. What a concept! Currently, my focus has been directed toward establishing a Youth United Alumni Program for our recently graduated students during their first couple years out of high school. It has definitely challenged my technological skills, but I'm on the up and up!
More to follow soon! Until then, happy VISTA-ing!
Vanessa
...the fact that I just discovered the Glee Soundtrack on United Way's media drive...
...by having a simple coversation with a local cafe owner, I now receive discounted tea. It may or may not be laced with drugs, but hey, it's still a discount!
...catching a glimpse of Rainier and being surprised everytime.
...ridiculous YouTube videos passed amongst co-workers... what a great invention.
...how gracious Charlotte and Jim from the Banana Stand are to give a poor VISTA a free frozen chocolate-covered banana every week. YUM.
...how at the end of the day I am living in one of the most beautiful places in the country, in a city filled with some of the most quirky and caring people I have ever encountered, all while being on a mission to do GOOD. Wowza!
Now to make some friends... hmm... ;)
But on a somewhat serious note, I'm starting to feel at home in Tacoma and at the United Way. This whole 9-5 business is a bit more taxing than I had anticipated, especially during these gorgeous summer months, but I'm finally starting to see some progress with my VAD goals. What a concept! Currently, my focus has been directed toward establishing a Youth United Alumni Program for our recently graduated students during their first couple years out of high school. It has definitely challenged my technological skills, but I'm on the up and up!
More to follow soon! Until then, happy VISTA-ing!
Vanessa
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Keeping it up!
Things are going well here at the Whatcom Volunteer Center. I feel like I'm in a good stride. I feel like I have a handle on coordinating the furniture bank. Our program was recently featured in the Bellingham Herald, (here is the link..
Because of the article in the paper we have received tons of furniture donations. This is great because we are able to help more of our recently homeless customers fill their homes but it also means we are scheduling deliveries several weeks out. The program desperately needs more volunteers. I have spoken with numerous neighborhood associations and faith-based organizations about getting volunteers to support our program. It just seems like everyone has something to donate but then they do not have the interest to volunteer.
Perhaps it is the beautiful sunny weather that is keeping volunteers away. For now the program is going well, I have recruited some new volunteers that will start deliveries next week.
Sometimes I get really overwhelmed by my job. I stress because it is my job to find people beds to sleep on. Maybe I care too much but I think you have to care to make a difference. Hopefully as time goes on I will learn to manage this stress.
Lisa Hust
Whatcom Volunteer Center
House 2 Home Network
Bellingham, WA
Get out and soak up some sun
I don't know about you, but I've been going through some serious sunshine withdrawals. Here's a suggestion of how to take advantage of the beautiful weather during the work week.
We're fortunate to be able to both work remotely, and to be provided with laptops that makes it easy to do so. Here's a list of parks in the Seattle area that have free wifi. If you're not in the Seattle area, which you're probably not, try googling it.
You could convince your team to join you on a blanket outside for an afternoon. Who knows, maybe it will inspire some organic conversation!
Freeway Park: 700 Seneca Street
Occidental Square: Occidental Ave South & South Main Street
Victor Steinbrueck Park: 2001 Western Ave.
Westlake Park: 401 Pine Street
Note: All parks are open from 6am - 10pm. Use seattlewifi for the ssid.
Grab your floppy hat and get outside. Oh ya, you should probably clear this with your supervisor before.
We're fortunate to be able to both work remotely, and to be provided with laptops that makes it easy to do so. Here's a list of parks in the Seattle area that have free wifi. If you're not in the Seattle area, which you're probably not, try googling it.
You could convince your team to join you on a blanket outside for an afternoon. Who knows, maybe it will inspire some organic conversation!
Freeway Park: 700 Seneca Street
Occidental Square: Occidental Ave South & South Main Street
Victor Steinbrueck Park: 2001 Western Ave.
Westlake Park: 401 Pine Street
Note: All parks are open from 6am - 10pm. Use seattlewifi for the ssid.
Grab your floppy hat and get outside. Oh ya, you should probably clear this with your supervisor before.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A perhaps-innapropriately detailed day in the head of a wannabe VISTA
I regularly wonder whether I'm cut out to be a VISTA. Usually this occurs around 8:00 a.m. on a weekday, when I'm getting ready to commute to one of my sites. Barely awake, blurry-eyed and stumbling to the stove, or toilet, or maybe the shower, if I can get the synapses to fire I think to myself, "I feel awful. This isn't how VISTAs are supposed to feel in the morning. VISTAs start their day feeling refreshed and confident, springing out of bed fully groomed, nourished, and eager to manhandle whatever thankless frustration their project demands, delaying the day's progress only long enough to throw on their cape and tights and kiss the framed picture of Grandma atop the dresser before darting out the door," or some variation thereof.
By the grace of Big Caffeine, morning despondency is temporary. After two or three coffees I feel much better. I think to myself, "Man, I feel great. Much better than earlier. I feel much more like a VISTA. Heck, I feel better than a VISTA. I can do just about anything I want. I should climb a mountain today. Maybe I'll run a marathon this week. How many miles are in a marathon? Twenty-Six? I'll be twenty-six soon. It's a few years down the line, but you know how time sneaks up on you. One day you're barely able to walk, sitting in your Batman jammies playing peacefully with your Megabloks, then BOOM you're twenty-three, out of college and taking responsibility for things that matter. Twenty-three...I'll be old before too long. Better get that marathon done before then..."
Rarely does the same rush last more than a few hours, though, that's what I've learned. By 12:30 or so I'm thinking, "Man I'm hungry. I need to eat some lunch. Why, though? Everyone knows VISTAs don't break for lunch. VISTAs don't eat, they just keep finding differences to make and capacities to build. Why can't I pull this off? What is wrong with me???"
The shame of being inappropriately hungry at lunch time is only the beginning, however - it gets worse. For only after gorging myself on a delicious and sizable meal of sandwich and soup do I realize I've fallen for a trap - I'm really, REALLY sleepy now. The caffeine has worn off and all my blood is rushing away from my brain and toward my stomach, leaving me feeling like a zombie in VISTA clothing. "I thought I was done with this sleepiness after that coffee this morning. This isn't supposed to happen to VISTAs. It's not fair! It's not fair!!!! Why, Big Caffeine, why?"
Only by concentrated force of will am I able to make myself continue with the activities necessary to my project. And only by continuing with the activities necessary to my project do I feel any better. Making the small, slow steps of progress necessary to my project- maybe that means locking down a volunteer reader, or finishing part of a grant proposal, or a blog - I realize a very important thing. I realize that even a slow, tired, regular-person-in-a-VISTA-suit like me can fulfill the duties normally reserved for a full-blown VISTA superperson. Sure it takes a whole lot of effort (and coffee), but, by God, I can do it. And what's more, fulfilling my goals as a VISTA helps others as well, which feels really, really good. With this new, more optimistic outlook I receive the productive burst of energy I never thought would come. The once-small, hindered voice in my head is now roaring, "I AM VISTA!!! I AM VISTA!!!! I AM VISTA!!!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWRRRRR......"
I go home, I sleep, and in the morning the cycle begins again. It seems a little depressing to have to wake to the same sleepy uncertainty every day, but that's also part of the fun. Finally hitting your stride after feeling unsure feels great - like Christmas - and if you ask me, it keeps you human. Besides, if you were absolutely confident in everything you do from beginning to end, everyone else would hate you.
The End.
xoxoxo,
Chase Hill
By the grace of Big Caffeine, morning despondency is temporary. After two or three coffees I feel much better. I think to myself, "Man, I feel great. Much better than earlier. I feel much more like a VISTA. Heck, I feel better than a VISTA. I can do just about anything I want. I should climb a mountain today. Maybe I'll run a marathon this week. How many miles are in a marathon? Twenty-Six? I'll be twenty-six soon. It's a few years down the line, but you know how time sneaks up on you. One day you're barely able to walk, sitting in your Batman jammies playing peacefully with your Megabloks, then BOOM you're twenty-three, out of college and taking responsibility for things that matter. Twenty-three...I'll be old before too long. Better get that marathon done before then..."
Rarely does the same rush last more than a few hours, though, that's what I've learned. By 12:30 or so I'm thinking, "Man I'm hungry. I need to eat some lunch. Why, though? Everyone knows VISTAs don't break for lunch. VISTAs don't eat, they just keep finding differences to make and capacities to build. Why can't I pull this off? What is wrong with me???"
The shame of being inappropriately hungry at lunch time is only the beginning, however - it gets worse. For only after gorging myself on a delicious and sizable meal of sandwich and soup do I realize I've fallen for a trap - I'm really, REALLY sleepy now. The caffeine has worn off and all my blood is rushing away from my brain and toward my stomach, leaving me feeling like a zombie in VISTA clothing. "I thought I was done with this sleepiness after that coffee this morning. This isn't supposed to happen to VISTAs. It's not fair! It's not fair!!!! Why, Big Caffeine, why?"
Only by concentrated force of will am I able to make myself continue with the activities necessary to my project. And only by continuing with the activities necessary to my project do I feel any better. Making the small, slow steps of progress necessary to my project- maybe that means locking down a volunteer reader, or finishing part of a grant proposal, or a blog - I realize a very important thing. I realize that even a slow, tired, regular-person-in-a-VISTA-suit like me can fulfill the duties normally reserved for a full-blown VISTA superperson. Sure it takes a whole lot of effort (and coffee), but, by God, I can do it. And what's more, fulfilling my goals as a VISTA helps others as well, which feels really, really good. With this new, more optimistic outlook I receive the productive burst of energy I never thought would come. The once-small, hindered voice in my head is now roaring, "I AM VISTA!!! I AM VISTA!!!! I AM VISTA!!!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWRRRRR......"
I go home, I sleep, and in the morning the cycle begins again. It seems a little depressing to have to wake to the same sleepy uncertainty every day, but that's also part of the fun. Finally hitting your stride after feeling unsure feels great - like Christmas - and if you ask me, it keeps you human. Besides, if you were absolutely confident in everything you do from beginning to end, everyone else would hate you.
The End.
xoxoxo,
Chase Hill
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Summer Means Farmers Markets
Mmmmm....
The sun is finally out and it's grilling season (or for me, pretend grilling on the stove). Whatever your method of cooking food in the summer, we all know fresh fruit and veggies are irresistible.
So I venture into my local farmer's market, yum. Fresh greens, homemade breads and my favorite (especially for warm weather), ice cream. BUT, all of the veggies and fruit are priced higher than the grocery stores, and all I want is to do my part to buy local (and eat delicious food). No worries! Most farmer's markets take EBT cards now! Even the nationally known Pike Place Market takes EBT!
Here's a list of just a few of the Seattle Area farmer's markets that take EBT:
Broadway (Sundays, 11am - 3pm, May 9 through Dec 19, 2010)10th Ave E and E Thomas, behind the Broadway B of A on Capitol Hill
Columbia City (Wednesdays, 3pm - 7pm, April 28 through Oct 20, 2010)4801 Rainier Ave S, at S Edmunds
Lake City (Thursdays, 3pm - 7pm, June 3 through Oct 7, 2010)NE 125th and 28th NE, next to the Library off Lake City Way
Magnolia (Saturdays, 10am - 2pm, June 5 through Sept 25, 2010)Next to the Magnolia Community Center at 2550 34th Ave W
Phinney (Fridays, 3pm - 7pm, May 28 through October 1, 2010)67th and Phinney Ave N, in the lower lot of the Phinney Neighborhood Center
University District (Saturdays, 9am - 2pm, Year-round)Corner of 50th and University Way NE, in the University Heights lot
West Seattle (Sundays, 10am - 2pm, Year-round)California Ave SW & SW Alaska, in the heart of the Junction
There are more markets out there that take EBT, just ask.
It is important to note that some markets have a token system where you swipe your EBT card at the market center and then get tokens to spend at each booth.
Give it a try. Treat yourself to some fresh local yumminess.
The sun is finally out and it's grilling season (or for me, pretend grilling on the stove). Whatever your method of cooking food in the summer, we all know fresh fruit and veggies are irresistible.
So I venture into my local farmer's market, yum. Fresh greens, homemade breads and my favorite (especially for warm weather), ice cream. BUT, all of the veggies and fruit are priced higher than the grocery stores, and all I want is to do my part to buy local (and eat delicious food). No worries! Most farmer's markets take EBT cards now! Even the nationally known Pike Place Market takes EBT!
Here's a list of just a few of the Seattle Area farmer's markets that take EBT:
Broadway (Sundays, 11am - 3pm, May 9 through Dec 19, 2010)10th Ave E and E Thomas, behind the Broadway B of A on Capitol Hill
Columbia City (Wednesdays, 3pm - 7pm, April 28 through Oct 20, 2010)4801 Rainier Ave S, at S Edmunds
Lake City (Thursdays, 3pm - 7pm, June 3 through Oct 7, 2010)NE 125th and 28th NE, next to the Library off Lake City Way
Magnolia (Saturdays, 10am - 2pm, June 5 through Sept 25, 2010)Next to the Magnolia Community Center at 2550 34th Ave W
Phinney (Fridays, 3pm - 7pm, May 28 through October 1, 2010)67th and Phinney Ave N, in the lower lot of the Phinney Neighborhood Center
University District (Saturdays, 9am - 2pm, Year-round)Corner of 50th and University Way NE, in the University Heights lot
West Seattle (Sundays, 10am - 2pm, Year-round)California Ave SW & SW Alaska, in the heart of the Junction
There are more markets out there that take EBT, just ask.
It is important to note that some markets have a token system where you swipe your EBT card at the market center and then get tokens to spend at each booth.
Give it a try. Treat yourself to some fresh local yumminess.
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