Voices of Service: Interview with Community Outreach VISTA Brittany Blakely

“AmeriCorps has shown me that there are so many ways to care for people beyond work, beyond jobs.”

Brittany Blakely has recently concluded her AmeriCorps VISTA year. AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program where members build the capacity of organizations fighting poverty.

What made you decide to do your year of service at LearnServe?

I was at a pivotal moment in my career at the time, trying to figure out the demographic I truly wanted to work with. This was a unique opportunity to work with youth, as I had been working with adults in behavioral health prior to this year.

What are some skills you’ve developed during your time here?

I would say that I advanced my time management skills as I had a lot of tasks on my plate as a VISTA. I provided program support while managing larger projects on my VISTA assignment description and LearnServe’s day-to-day activities. Working within the different departments of LearnServe also taught me to be flexible.

Could you describe your proudest accomplishments?

I look back on my development of the venture mentor program as a whole. Prior to my work as a VISTA, these volunteer mentors received far less onboarding and orientation. I wanted to introduce people to LearnServe, our work, and give them the time to ask questions and get acclimated to our community. This was also to ensure they felt valued. I worked to build systems that would improve mentor retention.

I created a volunteer handbook as one of my volunteer capacity-building responsibilities. There wasn’t a place where all volunteer opportunities were listed in one space. I designed this resource to give the space and opportunity for volunteers to have the same resources as our students and program facilitators. Likewise, I created a venture mentor handbook specifically for that volunteer opportunity. We recruited many volunteers from Howard University, which I am proud of. I also developed program standard operating procedures which helped me learn more about LearnServe as a whole.

I designed this resource to give the space and opportunity for volunteers to have the same resources as our students and program facilitators.

I would also highlight that I added to my event management experience: I led the planning of the winter retreat for our DC Fellows. This was such a great opportunity to organize a much more free and dynamic event.

Do you think you’ve adopted new perspectives on youth leadership or development, and if so, what?

I was taught that working professionally with teens was similar to working with adults. However, something I became perceptive of over my time here was the importance of meeting students where they are. Removing unnecessary formality can make messages go a bit further, while still having clear relationships.

Taking away that barrier was almost like removing a layer of plastic. The less formality I used, the deeper the connections I was able to make, and the more willing students were to approach me and ask for help – such as to help them set up a GoFundMe. They felt alright telling me, “I don’t get,” or “Can you show me?” – talking to me like a person.

Any particularly memorable stories or moments?

I don’t remember the specific event, but during one of our wellness workshops, we were talking about our ages with the students. When they heard I was 31, multiple students gasped. It was just funny. Did they think I was younger, or did 31 sound very old?

I also remember this community building activity where students began sharing about their ventures and whether they were ready for their pitches. I got the opportunity to see students in their element, their personalities.

Finally, I’m thinking back to the Community Retreat at the Botanic Gardens this September. I led an active listening and word-play game called the Wright Family, and everyone seemed to really get into it. It was nice to see students’ engagement and enthusiasm.

As an AmeriCorps VISTA, do you have any reflections to share on the value of national service?

I do this work because I see myself in a lot of these kids. I see a lot of my experiences in their lives. I got my start around my church home where my uncle was a pastor – serving the community during Christmas gift drives, back-to-school bookbag giveaways, and church-wide breast cancer walks. I always had a love for service: to see needs, and to fill that need. I’ve always had a passion for giving back and caring for others.

I do this work because I see myself in a lot of these kids. I see a lot of my experiences in their lives.

AmeriCorps has shown me that there are so many ways to care for people beyond work, beyond jobs. There was this actual feeling of seeing something in real action with AmeriCorps.

I wish LearnServe was around when I was a kid, because I would have loved this. I had a lot of ideas, opinions, but nowhere to put it. LearnServe provides a place for people who see what’s going on and want to make change. Students are the adults of today; they’re doing adult things today.

I wish LearnServe was around when I was a kid, because I would have loved this. I had a lot of ideas, opinions, but nowhere to put it.

What advice would you have for someone considering a year of service?

Make sure you are doing as much research as you can about the organization. Ensure that you take care of yourself so you can sustain yourself through your service year. There’s a very important balance between doing a lot to support capacity-building, and also making ends meet. It’s crucial that you have a community of support around you, especially if you decide to relocate. Also, be prepared for anything!