New member orientation on August 30 for United Communities AmeriCorps, a program of the United Community Action Network (UCAN), was a dynamic mix of learning about the history of national service, civic engagement, and active citizenship, as well as team-building for strong future ties among members. There are 19 members in our service area, with 14 being new this year and 5 returning from last year.

Jordan Jungwirth, the AmeriCorps Program Manager here at UCAN, feels “hopeful and inspired. Each year the team brings passion, excitement, and energy and this year is no exception. At orientation, our members opened up with one another to share their commitment to their projects and their reasoning behind joining a year of national service. The agencies in which they work are very thankful.”

Members came from as far away as Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado to focus their time and attention on promoting education, economic opportunity, and healthy futures in the communities in which they serve. They will be working in programs such as the Douglas County Partnership for Student Success, the Elkton Community Education Center (where the butterfly garden is located!), Coos Watershed Association, the UCAN Food Bank, the Early College Program at Phoenix Charter School, and many more.

“We couldn’t be prouder of AmeriCorps members serving in our communities,” said Jungwirth.

Submitted by UCAN