In a recent Psychology Today article entitled, “My Country, Tis of Me,” Dr. Thomas Hendricks argues that Americans by-and-large pursue selfish lives. He writes, ” ..our society does allow us, indeed, encourages us, to pursue that narrow vision of life.” And, a 2015 Pew Research Center poll confirms Hendricks’s claim, where “(68%) [of Americans surveyed] say the term “selfish” also applies to the typical American very or fairly well, and half of the public says that the typical American can be aptly described as “lazy.”
Standing in stark opposition to this selfish and lazy way of life, Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps AmeriCorps members embody the spirit of service, selflessness, care, concern for community, work ethic, and love for others. In other words, they “get things done” to address critical needs in education, environmental stewardship, and community wellness. In 2023, PMSC AmeriCorps members are currently serving 29 local Elementary, Middle, and High Schools–directly supporting 1,393 students in literacy and math, improving over 73 miles of PA public trails, and directly serving 820 underserved youth and adults in housing, food, mental, and health crises. As of January 31, 2023, PMSC AmeriCorps members have already served 38,687 hours in Education, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Wellness across Southwest and Southcentral, PA and have engaged 168 Volunteers in 8,000 hours of volunteer service. And, these PMSC AmeriCorps members still have 4 months remaining in their terms. More members will join the team to serve summer terms as well –increasing impact across the region.
Members are making lasting influence on their communities and on individual lives across the Southwestern and South Central, PA region. Recently, a member shared her experience serving a local 8-year-old student. She wrote, “This student could not spell or write their name, had no exposure to letters recognition/sound and obviously could not read… My initial task was to teach her the alphabet. She needed to recognize the letters and know the sound each one made. I also needed to teach her to write her first name. Within a few weeks this student new most of her letters, the sounds they made and could write her first name. Then we began working on sight words. This was more of a struggle and the student came to me with a defeated mindset every day. She just wanted to do the letters. These sight words were no fun. So not only were we working on the education side of things, but I needed to convince her that making mistakes and struggling were part of learning. Our motto became “I can do hard things!” … All the hard work (both hers and mine) really paid off. I will forever remember the first time she sounded out a word and another word and another until she read a full sentence…And when she finished the sentence, her eyes got so big and lit up and she looked at me in astonishment asked, “Wait, did I just read?!” “Yes, yes you did!” I could have cried right there I was so happy and proud of her… She continues to grow every day and my heart bursts with pride that I have had a small part in this.”
Not only do members benefit young readers, but they steward the precious landscape of the nation as well. An Environmental Stewardship member reported, “I’m so thankful that I get to work with a passionate team of conservationists on a property that will be held in its most natural possible state into perpetuity. The skills that I’ve learned and employ in protecting this land, mitigating threats to its delicate ecosystems, and maintaining recreational accessibility to offer anyone with the desire to explore have fueled my personal growth.”
And, a member who serves a local non-profit mental health and wellness organization reported the impacts of his service as well, saying, “We do a wide range of activities that really get the community involved. Although I am sad this is my final term, knowing I have made a difference in the individuals I have encountered makes the goodbye hurt a little less.”
So, why should Americans choose AmeriCorps? Because it’s not just a motto– these incredible Americans actually do “get things done” for America. PMSC AmeriCorps members are actively serving to move a nation of “me,” toward a nation of “thee.” PMSC AmeriCorps members really do “bring out the best of America,” to expand the vision of life. PMSC AmeriCorps members are the boots on the ground to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. They bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. When faced with apathy, they take action. When faced with conflict, they seek common ground. When faced with adversity, they persevere. Not simply a motto; a way of life.
You can serve, too! #chooseAmeriCorps www.pmsc.org
Sources: Hendricks, Thomas, Psychology Today, “My Country, ‘Tis of Me,” 06.2021; Pew Research Center, “Patriotic, honest, and selfish: How Americans describe…Americans,” 02/2015; AmeriCorps Pledge, https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers