Dear Diary,
Eli #ServieBadger again, WOW! What a whirlwind adventure! It seems like just yesterday that I was speaking on the Town Hall panel in Indianapolis during the North Central Regional training. I'm glad we were able to share our best practices, though I was a little bummed that no one asked me a question. Though, my ICC friend Lynnsey did great showing everyone how to make sure that their members have access to the exit survey!
After a year of helping to get things done for America, I was ready for a little R&R on vacation in Connecticut with Nellie (my new Program Officer friend from Serve Colorado). I finally took my first plane ride! They weren't lying about the free peanuts - flying rules! My time in Connecticut was just what I needed. I kicked back with my paws in the sand at Compo Beach and enjoyed being able to wander the stacks at the Westport Library. I tried to go with Nelie to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, but apparently they only let in service dogs NOT service badgers. I did enjoy a real NYC bagel and an authentic hot dog from the street!
After taking some time to relax and reflect on my year visiting members in service, I was excited to head to Colorado with Nellie to learn more about how AmeriCorps gets things done in the Rocky Mountains! I spent a good chunk of time with the Serve Colorado staff - boy are those ladies smart! Any office that has baked goods at their staff meetings is a place that I want to be! While in their office I was introduced to my service mascot mentees - Colorado's Servasaurus'! Though they may be orange, winged, and have pointy heads, we are united in our passion for National Service and love of pins. I spent the week teaching the Servasaurus' the ropes, including how important it is to make the same face each time you pose for photos!
I even found time to take a quick weekend jaunt up to the mountains in Silverthorne, CO, with Serve Colorado's Executive Director, Jenn Jones! (more pictures coming soon!)Those Coloradans really seem to have that whole "work/life balance" thing figured out...
Then I went with Nellie and Servasaurus on a site visit down in the San Luis Valley. I learned a lot about the struggles that rural and mountainous Coloradans face and how AmeriCorps members are making an impact in those communities. We built in time for a quick hike in Del Norte, CO, and I said my goodbyes to the Rocky Mountains.
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| Pictured here are the two friends discussing the impact of National Service in rural communities while on a site visit in Del Norte, Colorado. |
While I enjoyed making new friends and learning more about how National Service works across the country, boy am I excited to get back to Wisconsin! You can take the badger out of Wisconsin, but you can't take the Wisconsin out of the badger.
Got to go pack for my epic road trip home with Serve Wisconsin's Program Officer, Casey! Thanks for coming to pick me up buddy!!
~ Eli ServieBadger
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