SPOTLIGHT ON COMPACT AMERICORPS MEMBER: MEGAN BROWN

Megan Brown, supporting a community beautification project.

Megan Brown relocated from Washington state to serve as an MTCC AmeriCorps Team Leader at MSU Northern in Havre, MT. Megan is part of Campus Compact's inaugural college access AmeriCorps program, and leads a team of college student AmeriCorps members supporting college going culture, and supporting educational needs on Montana's Hi-Line.

Mentoring at the Boys and Girls Club has been a rewarding experience for her and the young people. She notes, “My bond with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club is very meaningful.  I take great pride in knowing that I have built strong bonds which is shown when I see the kids outside of the Boys and Girls Club and they are excited to see me and run up to give me a hug.”  Megan also tutors young kids with reading and spelling which has taught her patience and an appreciation for teachers.  Megan mentioned success with one Kindergarten girl she tutors—“Over the months I have observed an increase in confidence associated with reading for this young girl and an increase in understanding and frequency of reading sentences without errors. I am pleased to recognize my ability and skills in teaching reading to children.”  

Megan supports the Junior Staff Program (8th and 9th graders) at the Boys and Girls Club.  The Junior Staff mentors younger children at the center. They take the time to learn more about their mentees, their skills and passions, so they can better meet the needs of the centers where they serve.  Six –of the ten total- Junior Staff members have consistently demonstrated increased confidence, leadership skills and abilities to mentor youth. As they increase their dependability and understandings of their skills and abilities, they are able to mentor individual children at the center on an ongoing consistent basis.

Besides working directly with children, Megan helps coordinate service projects to meet community needs in Havre.  In honor of Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service, Megan and four other Hi-Line AmeriCorps members coordinated a Havre Cleanup Day.  Megan worked alongside Havre Mayor Tim Solomon on this project and engaged volunteers in service including pruning trees and shrubs.  The Mayor was pleased to recognize the AmeriCorps Members engaged in National Service in Havre.

Although Megan’s AmeriCorps service ends this summer, Megan has expressed interest in continuing serving with MTCC AmeriCorps in a new community next year.