Winter 2009
Recap of National Mentoring Month 2009
Aaron Eilerts Day of Service February 24
College Student Helps Document the Impact of AmeriCorps Members in the Spring Disasters
Governor Culver, Lt. Governor Judge Thank Iowans for Service on MLK Day
2009 Learn and Serve Community-Based Funds and Applications are Available
Service Spotlight- AmeriCorps Member Norma Boge
Governor’s Volunteer Award Nominations due March 9
4th Annual Volunteer Awareness Day to be held in Capitol on Feb. 25
Federal Issue - Serve America Act
Federal Issue - AmeriCorps funding in the House Economic Stimulus Plan
Other Federal News - President Obama Urges Service
Service Spotlight- AmeriCorps Member Norma Boge
“Everyone can be great because everyone can serve” — The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Guest Article by Mike Hoenig from the Center for Disabilities and Development at the University of Iowa )
A motto of AmeriCorps*State is “Everyone Can Serve.” Norma Boge signed up as an AmeriCorps member this year. She works with clients served through Iowa Legal Aid's Legal Hotline for Older Iowans and is proof that this is more than just a slogan.
“I call clients to see if they've followed up on our attorney's recommendations,” said Norma. “If they have not, I determine what barriers are getting in the way and suggest solutions to the client. If the issue has been resolved, I recommend that the case be closed,” she explained.
Hundreds of Iowans like Norma sign up to serve each year with an AmeriCorps program, usually with a grassroots nonprofit organization or governmental agency. AmeriCorps, sometimes referred to as the domestic Peace Corps, enables participants to make a difference in their communities and also make a change in their own lives.
“I learned about this opportunity from my Iowa Department for the Blind counselor,” Norma said. “Since I have a strong interest in law and previous work experience in advocacy, serving with Iowa Legal Aid sounded like the perfect fit for me.”
“Once we had scheduled my first interview with Iowa Legal Aid, I disclosed my blindness,” Norma said. “Gail Klearman, the Legal Aid AmeriCorps program director, was great. She emailed all the required forms to me in accessible format, and I was able to fill them out easily.”
Then, prior to Norma's start date, an Iowa Department for the Blind Technology Specialist conducted an IT assessment at Iowa Legal Aid to ensure the organization had the right accommodations to ensure Norma had the tools she needs to be successful.
“The technology specialist noted that most computer applications used at Iowa Legal Aid are compatible with my screen reading program, and made some helpful recommendations to make my service easier,” Norma said.
Norma's duties at Iowa Legal Aid will soon expand to include outreach activities. She will visit senior centers and other programs serving people age 60 or older, explaining such programs as the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans and Medicare Part D enrollment.
“Everyone at my national service site has been great, and I'm feeling more comfortable in my role every day,” said Norma. “Regardless of what happens in the future, this is a fantastic experience!”
AmeriCorps*State members serve in every county in Iowa working with programs such as the Keepers of the Land through the Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Legal Aid, Habitat for Humanity, Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Graceland University, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of themississippi Valley and the City of Dubuque. Members earn a monthly living allowance (which does not affect SSI benefits) and an education award at the end of service. other benefits include health coverage, child care assistance (based on eligibility), and educational loan forbearance.
If you're interested in learning how you can join Norma and themore than 300 other AmeriCorps state members currently doing national service in Iowa , visit www.americorps.gov .
If you have questions, or need additional information, please contact the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, at 1.800.308.5987 or americorps@iowa.gov .