Skill development through service learning
Congratulations, AMY!!! Amy Smith is an AmeriCorps 'grad'. On October 30th at the Advocates in Action Annual Conference, Amy explained her experience in AmeriCorps to a small group of people who are also interested in giving back to their community.
Amy volunteered 300 hours of time between January and July 2009. She split this time between two projects. At Recycling for RI Education she was a customer-service representative: checking-in members; preparing materials for workshops; presenting workshops on recycling to high school students and other AmeriCorps members; and working on the computer. She also volunteered at the Disability Vote Project, learning how to use the AutoMark voting machine, and teaching others how to use it.
During her service, Amy found out that she really likes creating with the computer. She practiced Word, Excel, and used Power Point to outline her experiences for the Advocates in Action conference.
With the help of her support agency, Opportunities Unlimited, and the Office of Rehabilitation Services, Amy is using a $1,000 tuition voucher from the Corporation for National and Community Service to participate in a six-week computer training series, preparing for possible employment as a receptionist.
The Developmental Disabilities Council's Individual and Family Advocacy Committee encourages people with disabilities to participate in service learning. AmeriCorps invites qualified people with disabilities to apply for positions. For more information call Jen Greenwood at (401-331-2298 x 105), or visit the .