SPARROWS NEST'S FIRST RESIDENT STARTS COLLEGE!

Estevon Torres is a CAT!

For the past four years an emerging nonprofit called Sparrows Nest of Northwest Montana has been making headway on addressing teen homelessness in the Flathead. Sparrows Nest does some incredibly necessary work there helping homeless teens with safe housing so they can continue and complete their studies, work, and live. We've helped provide four AmeriCorps VISTAs over the past four years, and they are on the home stretch with the support we can provide. Over the years, we've seen them go from a good idea hatched by caring community members to an organization with a board, staff and volunteer pool. I remember the first call I got from Marcie Bumke, who was a volunteer and board member for Sparrows Nest. She'd been in touch with Wendy Jeschke from Flathead Valley Community College, and Wendy had told her what they were doing was well-suited for a VISTA.

Marcie was so excited to get things going, and had missed our deadline for project submissions. I knew that they had immediate needs, a work station in a partner church's rectory, and they were ready to go. So we bent the rules a bit, and got to work setting them up, got the project approved, got a work plan set up and the next thing I knew Cat, Sparrows Nest first VISTA, was in Montana, rolling up her sleeves and getting things done. It seemed to happen in just a couple of weeks.

MTCC VISTAs Cat Lehnis, Claire Anderson, Molly Neu and now, Jamie Pollard have served with Sparrows Nest, and have helped build new capacity and deeper partnerships in the Flathead, so homeless teens have better access to services, and support.

We just read this great article in Kalispell's Daily Interlake about Estevon Torres. Estevon recently started college at Montana State University this fall. Estevon was the first resident of Sparrows Nest Whitefish shelter! Great work Estevon. Keep it up.

FVCC STUDENT JADE WILLIAMSON REPRESENTS MONTANA AT THE COLLEGE DEBATE 2016!

Jade Williamson, FVCC student

College Debate '16,  just held its national student convening at Campus Compact affiliate institution Dominican University, in San Rafael, California. Montana was lucky to send Jade Williamson, a student from Flathead Valley Community College, to the event. Student delegates representing colleges and universities from all 50 states and DC met on the Dominican campus to plan strategies for using social media to expand conversations with young voters nationwide about the issues that matter most to them. Using social media and campus-based discussions, student delegates catalyzed discussions among young voters across the country to make their voices heard in the 2016 presidential debates and election.  The College Debate initiative offers student delegates the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the social issues that matter most to student voters, practice essential civic skills through leadership and collaboration, and the chance to engage in political discourse and promote civic engagement.

Jade recently reported back on her experience at the event:

Dr. Syb Brown, who is a professor at Belmont University, and also an accomplished journalist, was one of the speakers during our three-day seminar. She spoke with us specifically on social media trends and the digital footprint that each of us leaves. Social media and digital marketing affects our personal lives as well as professional lives. Dr. Brown was lively and animated which immediately engaged our attention. It is known that social media can help market products, people, and even new ideas. However, we did not learn solely learn the positive benefits of social media marketing but the drawbacks it can also have as well.

Another speaker, whom I got to speak with personally, was the Secretary of State of California, Alex Padilla. He voiced the importance of getting citizens, especially America’s youth, out to the voting booths. While his speech was non-partisan, he told us of his story. Secretary Padilla grew up without much opportunity in a lower economic community, but he was determined to make opportunities for himself. He worked hard through school and graduated from MIT with a degree in engineering. Later, he became concerned with the political issues that stricken California. Once again, he worked his way to success starting his journey in the Los Angeles City Counsel, to the State Senate, and as of 2015 to the role of Secretary of State. Secretary Padilla inspires me to chase after what I am passionate about and reiterates the importance of young Americans being involved in politics. He especially inspired me because of his background and his perseverance as a minority, of which I can relate.

I would also like to talk about Julie Winokur’s mission. She is the Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media, a magazine writer, and a documentary filmmaker. Her work has appeared on PBS, the Documentary Channel, MediaStorm, National Geographic Magazine, and Discovery online, as well as in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, and MSNBC.com! She is beyond talented, and Winokur works extensively with nonprofit organizations to develop their messages, and she is also on the faculty of the International Center of Photography. Her current project is called “Bring It to the Table” which I hope to bring to our campus for our student body to participate in. This project consists of a short documentary, webisode series, online platform, and community engagement campaign aimed at bridging political divides and breaking down partisanship. The Table is a citizen’s antidote to political ranting. Anyone game enough to sit at The Table is invited to discuss pressing national issues, such as taxation, the economy, same-sex marriage, civil rights, abortion, religion, and immigration. People are asked to explain the roots of their beliefs, so we understand WHY they believe WHAT they believe. This idea is precisely what the goals of the Coalition of Political Awareness strive to achieve, and my hopes are that this sort of setting will help students, teachers, and staff at FVCC ease into discussing the political issues we face.

Julie and her crew are interested in learning which of our beliefs cross over to the other side of the political spectrum and how have our opinions evolved over time. They ask questions like “What does the other side get right?” At The Table, “ordinary” citizens are given an opportunity to speak their minds, openly and authentically. No ranting. No rhetoric. Just straight, honest talk that reveals the value systems behind our personal political views. I hope to do this with the citizens of FVCC.

I feel so privileged and grateful for the opportunity that the FVCC Foundation has given me. This seminar was only part one of a two-part trip. In September, when I return to Dominican University, the stakes will be even higher! There will be national media coverage as all the delegates are trying to make the college debate a national movement, and FVCC—and the state of Montana—are on the front lines of this undertaking. Not only am I learning life long skills but I have also formed lifelong relationships with other delegates who are passionate like me. I look forward to bringing back even more phenomenal ideas to our college campus!
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Thanks for representing your campus, community and our state, Jade! We look forward to hearing more from you this fall!

MTCC VISTAS GIVE BACK THIS 9/11

Bozeman Fire Fighters and MTCC AmeriCorps VISTAs

On September 11^th National Day of Service and Remembrance 2015, MTCC AmeriCorps VISTAs gave back to their communities all over Montana and  northeastern Wyoming.  Every year Compact VISTAs participate in the September 11^th National Day of Service, and this year they did not disappoint. From Gillette, Wyoming up to Havre, Montana VISTAs volunteered at special events and led and supported local service projects.  Here is what our amazing VISTAs did:

Bozeman: Cards, Letters and Treats to First Responders
VISTA members In Bozeman created a program that engaged 500 local children to create thank you cards for their fire stations. They were able to garner free supplies from local businesses (ACE Hardware, The Children’s Museum, Costco and Staples) to create cards and received a donation of free donuts from Granny’s Gourmet Donuts. On September 11^th they delivered all of the cards and treats to four Fire Stations in the Bozeman area; the fire fighters were very grateful for the recognition.

Bozeman: Community Café Clean Up and KidsPack lunch preparation

The rest of the VISTAs in Bozeman participated in the KidsPak program, which benefits students who lack access to healthy/proper amounts of food. They also helped organize the local Community Café’s food pantry which benefits low income schools by providing lunch and dinner services to a few low income schools.

MTCC VISTA members and a Food Corps AmeriCorps member in Kalispell.

Dillon: In Case of Emergency
Down in Dillon the MTCC VISTA planned a disaster preparedness simulation. The goal was to educate the staff at her organization, the Women's Resource/Community Support Center on how to react in a disaster situation, while also engaging the Montana Western college students as mock victims of a disaster.

Kalispell: Red White and Blue Run
The VISTAs in Kalispell volunteered at Flathead Valley Community College’s Red, White, and Blue Color Run that was held in honor of the 9/11 day of service. Proceeds from the event benefited the Veteran’s Association Endowment Fund.

Billings: 14^th Annual Community Celebration of Life 
The MTCC VISTA member in Billings participated in the Annual Community Celebration of life, where in, community members helped clean-up the south side park and then attended a ceremony that included speeches from military members and awards given to those in service.

Gillette, WY: Girl Scouts American Heritage Badge
The MTCC Girl Scout VISTA in Gillette, Wyoming helped a local troop gain their American Heritage Badge. This included educating the girls on what happened on 9/11 and then helping them reflect on the importance of the event to our country.

Havre: Havre Remembers

Our members in Havre put together a service event at MSU-Northern to honor Havre’s service members and also victims of 9/11. Their local Salvation Army addressed the current forest fire disaster and collected donations for fire fighters and victims. Finally our members received 1500 American flags, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which they used to decorate their campus on September 11^th.  

Missoula: Disaster Response Simulation

Several of the MTCC VISTAs based in Missoula put together a disaster seminar to address the proper way to address an emergency situation. Keynote speaker Sgt.  J.C. Denton discussed the importance of safety when involved in a high stress/emergency situation.

Missoula: Veteran Scholarship Fundraiser for Montana Code School

The rest of the members in Missoula raised funds to create a scholarship to the Montana Code School which will begin its Pilot Class this year. They solicited donations from local businesses including; the University Center at UM, The Dram Shop, The Montgomery Distillery, Five on Black and the Big Sky/Sentinel High School Booster Clubs.  They were able to gather $1,644.89; this amount will benefit a veteran scholarship at the code school.

Hamilton: Veterans Benefit Materials

The VISTA in Hamilton with UM Bitterroot College collected information from veterans organizations all over Ravalli County and created a display at Bitterroot College. The college now has a centralized location with all of the services/benefits available to veterans.

Great Falls: Great Falls Community Food Bank

The MTCC VISTA member in Great Falls helped out the Great Falls Community Food Bank by helping to unload trucks and organize donations. She also helped with the creation of 200+ backpack meals for students with limited access to food.

Overall, MTCC's members made positive impacts in each community where they serve.  I hope these examples of exemplary service and program creation inspires everyone to step-up and become a larger part of their community. 

MTCC WELCOMES 16 NEW VISTAS TO SERVICE!

Montana's July 2015 VISTA Class with Lieutenant Governor Angela McLean

The Montana Campus Compact welcomed sixteen new AmeriCorps VISTA members into year-long terms of service with affiliate campuses last week.  These brand new MTCC VISTAs come from cities across the country as well as right here in Montana.  Staff and VISTA leaders spent five days in Helena helping to train, orient and  prepare these inspiring folks for their service.  

Following Montana's Pre-Service Orientation and Swearing In Ceremony with Lieutenant Governor McLean in Helena, MTCC's VISTA class spent two and a half days at the Montana Learning Center on Canyon Ferry for Campus Compact orientation and training, and learning the expectations of service with the Campus Compact network. Staff and members participated in a service projects with Helena Food Share, got familiar with one another, and MTCC's staff and VISTA leaders.  
On Saturday, July 18th we said our goodbyes and sent them on their way to their communities across the state. We wish them the best of luck during their service.  Our July 2015-2016 members and projects include:

Yaritza Aguilar- Dawson Community College Student Success- Glendive
Claire Anderson- Flathead Valley Community College and Sparrow's Nest- Kalispell
Olivia Carney- UM Blackstone LaunchPad- Missoula
Sara Feilzer- The University of Montana and spectrUM Discovery Area- Missoula
Lauren Hall-Montana State University and Montana After School Alliance- Statewide
Deanna Linn- Montana State University and the Girls STEM Collaborative- Bozeman
Jill McIntyre- MSU Blackstone LaunchPad- Bozeman 
Kelsey O'Donnell- UM Blackstone LaunchPad- Missoula
Alexandra Opie- Montana State University and the Children's Museum- Bozeman
Alanna Reid- The University of Montana and Girl Scouts- Missoula
Kelsie Severson-The University of Montana and Big Sky High School- Missoula
Erik Swanson- UM and the Missoula Public Library MakerSpace- Missoula
Jennifer Thimell- MSU Northern Lights Student Success- Havre
Michelle Van Meter- MSU Northern and HRDC IV- Havre
Brylee Zumpf- The University of Montana Western and Women's Resource Center- Dillon
Austin Terreri- VISTA Leader- Statewide, from MTCC Network Office

Keep checking back as we will be posting about the successes and strides our members are making in communities across the state!

CURRENT MEMBER CAT LENIS CHECKS IN FROM SPARROWS NEST

Cat Lenis is serving as a Montana Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA with Sparrow's Nest of Northwest Montana.  I was lucky enough to get in touch with her and ask questions about the amazing work she has done and is continuing to do for the Flathead Valley.

What is your background that led you to serve as a VISTA member?
I was born, raised and went to undergrad and grad school in Worcester, Massachusetts.  Although I love it there I was ready for something new once I graduated with my Master’s in Community Development and Planning.  I knew some people that did a year of VISTA and it seemed like a good post-college transition and opportunity to test out my skills. For some reason-- although I knew no one here, Montana popped into my head. So I looked for positions here. I’ve worked with youth in various capacities—from teaching middle school girls to working at a residential youth home for teens with various mental health challenges, so knew I’d want to work within that realm. I liked that VISTA wasn’t direct service and I liked that the organization I ended up working for—Sparrow’s Nest of NW MT, was a startup at the grassroots level.

Describe a typical workday at your host site.
My day typically runs 9:00-5:00 but there are the occasional community presentations at varying times: e.g. a 6:45 am Rotary meeting or a 7:00pm Women’s group potluck. My office is on the second floor of a local church’s parish house so when I’m not there (which again, really varies) I’m often at a meeting or presentation or picking up or dropping off donations (both monetary and not).
When I am at the office I answer a lot emails, social media messages and phone calls as I manage those three contact portals. I’m also always trying to stay up to date on federal and state policy surrounding youth homelessness as well as best practices. There’s also the occasional grant-writing, agenda writing, newsletter making, planning and just general organizing.

How have you incorporated your campus partner into your work efforts?  

Our campus partner liaison, Wendy, at FVCC has a seemingly endless supply of knowledge regarding volunteer recruitment, creative donation drives and cool fundraising ideas. She has also helped supply us with some great college student volunteers. There are so many more ways we can partner with FVCC and we plan on doing so in the very near future: mainly our upcoming April awareness campaign of which I will not currently divulge. 

What are your motivating factors that justify this type of work?
With great power comes great responsibility. No, but seriously. I was privileged enough to go to university and work at some amazing places and don’t want to “waste” my education or experiences. Also, there’s a lot of injustice in this world and I can’t possibly sit idly by. There are so many innovative and great ways to solve issues and I just love seeing communities using their unique strengths to aid their current needs. The possibilities are endless and just so beautiful.

What are your plans after VISTA?
Travel! Hopefully. Move farther West or abroad. Work for a place that I believe in. Do a lot of activities outdoors, build something, continue to meet inspirational people… challenge myself towards something that means something for something infinitely larger than myself. Or something.

Keep up with Sparrow's Nest of Northwest Montana and all of the amazing strides they're making on FaceBook.  We wish you the best of luck with the conclusion of your service as well as your future endeavors. We know you'll do amazing things wherever you go.

FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: HONORS STUDENTS, BUILDS COMMUNITY

Flathead Valley Community College

On Friday I was lucky to help honor some of Flathead Valley Community College's exemplary student leaders, volunteers and service learning students at the campus's Arts and Technology building. Each year, Campus Compact awards its Newman Civic Fellows Awards to students whose work addresses root causes of problems and help develop effective means to address problems creating lasting change. This year, FVCC's Newman Civic Fellow was Scott Brooke, a second year student and Navy veteran who helped build the base of support for the Veterans Association and an endowed scholarship to help benefits-ineligible student veterans pay for college. I spoke with Scott and was impressed by his love of his work, gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and drive to make his campus a welcoming and supportive place for student veterans to learn. The Flathead Daily Interlake recently ran this piece on Scott. It's hard not to be inspired reading it.

A few things struck me about FVCC's event:

1) Community-supported. The room was full with partners, parents, grandparents, spouses, children and family all their in support of college students. 

Scott Brooke, 2015 Newman Civic Fellow

2) It drew on support from across campus: the event was collaborative, with probably ten offices participating, and taking on unique roles in celebrating students accomplishments. FVCC's top administrator and MTCC's board chair Jane Karas attended and opened the event.

3) Diverse. FVCC's Leadership awards were made to service learning and AmeriCorps students, as well as intramural athletes, theater students and other student clubs. FVCC defines leadership broadly, gives students lots of opportunities to develop their civic and social responsibility and improve community life.

4) Authentic. Each advisor spoke for a few moments about student accomplishments and brought genuine appreciation, humor and gratitude to their award.

Congratulations to FVCC's and all of Montana's classes of 2015!