LITTLE BIG HORN COLLEGE HOSTS AMERICORPS TRAINING

MTCC AmeriCorps at Little Bighorn College

The wind was unforgivingly whipping across the plains while a young native woman with long black hair flowing in the wind rode a bare back on a horse up a hill riddled with white markers at the Little Big Horn Battlefield.  The stories of the battle echoed throughout the rental car over the radio speakers synced to a cell phone. Each historical marker had a corresponding stop number which changed the story to that location. Being surrounded by the narrative of this clash of cultures and being placed in the story by proximity, “over the ridge to your left, the soldiers advanced.  The cluster of white markers mark were the soldiers fell…” made for a surreal experience. The Crow People were not part of the battle at Little Big Horn that was the Sioux and Cheyenne, but that does not stop the Crow people from wanting to learn more about this struggle for independence as one Crow woman shared she focused her college thesis on the Native American perspective of the battle.  She was instrumental in setting up this tour of the battlefield for the AmeriCorps members.

Little Big Horn College welcomed the MTCC AmeriCorps Leaders from around the state for a Close of Service Training.  The training included opportunities to learn more about the Crow people through their games, food and stories. Crow games go above simply being fun. The games teach skills for hunting to young boys while another one helps woman control their destiny.

The training also included opportunities for the Leaders to learn about teen depression from Joan Nye with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, learn more about the work and resources available via of Reach Higher Montana (formerly Student Assistance Foundation) as well as the ins and outs of the Education Awards earned with National Service. Bringing together members to reflect on their service and how they can leave a legacy for future teams deployed at their campuses is important aspect of AmeriCorps Close of Service events.  MTCC AmeriCorps Leaders are deployed at campuses around the state including Montana Tech, Bitterroot College, MSU Northern, Little Big Horn College, Dawson College and with Girls Scouts of Montana and Wyoming in Billings (MSU Billings) and Great Falls (University of Great Falls).  Those interested in hosting a College Access focused AmeriCorps team at their college should apply via the mtcompact.org website.

While watching three young boys’ race miniature horses in the courtyard of the Little Big Horn College in preparation for the Pow Wow later that night, Shakira an AmeriCorps Leader and Crow woma,n told us that when a Crow boy reaches three-years-old they begin to learn to ride bareback. Boys start on small horses to fit the child’s size, but graduate to full size horses in due time.  It was clear these boys had been riding for many years even though they couldn’t have been more than 9 or 10 years old.  They were riding fast, making sharp turn-a-rounds and switching riders quickly much like a relay race.  An older boy was coaching the younger two.  It was clear he would be moving up in horse size soon as he dwarfed the horses and struggled to keep his feet off the ground as he rode on these tiny horses.  

“Water is Life!” was the theme of the week at Crow Agency as the Crow Tribe celebrated an historic settlement for water rights.  The celebration featured a parade including floats, Crow men in headdress’ riding horses and women in native dress juxtaposed to young men wearing t-shirts and baseball caps and playing the drums and chanting.  Beautiful woven blankets covered truck hoods and beds, songs, candy, and water balloons were highlights of the parade.  It was a cornucopia of Crow people, tradition, culture all mixed together to embrace Water is Life! We were honored with the opportunity for a rare look at a celebration of the Crow culture and be sent off on our travels with a traditional travel prayer spoken in the Crow language that doesn’t say ‘good-bye’ but rather ‘when we meet again’.  Sadly, we had to miss the celebration continuing at the Pow Wow later that night, but the leaders were off to their respective campuses to complete their service and the MTCC staff was heading to MSU to spread the word about the great work the teams are doing around the state in the lives of first generation and low income students they are privileged to serve in hopes they too would like to host a team.
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Piece by Dannette Fadness, MTCC Program Manager

ERIK SWANSON, VISTA WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA AND MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY MAKERSPACE, CHECKS-IN

Erik Swanson tabling at U of M Volunteer Fair

Erik Swanson started his year of service as a Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) VISTA back in July of 2015.  Erik has made a ridiculously significant positive impact within his service site, the Missoula Public Library MakerSpace. The MakerSpace supports STEM learning, and provides resurces and tools to support innovative ideas to become reality.  Erik has grown the MakerSpace's capacity and increased its volunteer involvement, hours donated, and classes offered to levels the MakersSpace has never seen before.

Here is what Erik had to say about his service: 

What is your background and what led you to VISTA service?

The driving principal of my life is mutual aid: people help each other because it is beneficial to do so. I enjoy serving my community. It makes me happy. Before VISTA, I was struggling with my depression, and rarely left my house. Getting involved in my community helped me care about it, and become a healthier person.

Talk about what your project is about, and what you're working on?

Erik reading to students on MLK

My service is with the Missoula Public Library's Makerspace. We provide a space for community member's to learn and practice hands on 'making' skills. We do everything from 3d printing and modeling to jewelry crafting and electronics. We help people turn their ideas into physical things. The goal of the VISTA project is to provide STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills to struggling Missoula youth. These skills will help them thrive in the 21st century technology world. My main tasks are recruiting and training volunteers, and creating and overseeing educational programs. My favorite current class is our 'Computer Programming Through Minecraft.' This course teaches children the fundamentals of computer science through the lens of Minecraft, one of the world's most popular games.

How have you incorporated your campus partner into your efforts?

My campus partner is SpectrUM, (Missoula's hands-on science center) so we have a common interest in children's STEM activities. Besides referrals, I have also deepened our partnership through summer camp visits and sharing technology resources. In the spring I attended SpectrUM's Innovate UM conference as a guest tabler for the MakerSpace. 

What motivates you to serve as a VISTA?

A desire to help others and learn new things.

What are your plans after VISTA?

After VISTA I plan to serve as a Makerspace Manager and continue volunteering in my community.

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Erik will complete his service on July 17, 2016. We at the MTCC network office want to thank him for his hard work in service to the Missoula community and to our country as a whole. We wish him luck in all future endeavors! 

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!

LITTLE BIG HORN COLLEGE' S AMERICORPS LEADER: SHAKIRA GLENN

Shakira Glenn, AmeriCorps Leader with LBHC

Inspired by a quote by Plenty Coups, famous Chief of Crow Nation, "With an education you are…[an] equal; without education you are…[a] victim" Shakira L. Glenn, AmeriCorps Leader serving at Little Big Horn College, noted: “Without education we are a victim to circumstance. We as Crow people have the choice to better our well-being with education. There are many types of aid available in helping to do so; I am here for that sole purpose—to guide the people toward success, in becoming equal.” The staff and board of Montana Campus Compact welcome Shakira to service!

Shakira adds AmeriCorps to a resume that includes  LBHC Business Management and Accounting student, wife and mother. Shakira faced multiple struggles in her college experience and is an example that anything is possible no matter the circumstances noting that “If you put your heart and mind into something—with determination—you will succeed.” 

Little Big Horn College

Shakira’s National Service will earn her a $2,200 Education Award to pay some of her tuition when she transfers next fall to MSU Bozeman to complete her bachelor's year degree. Good luck Getting Things Done, Shakira! 

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Post by Dannette Fadness, MTCC Program Manager

DISABILITIES ADVOCATE INSPIRED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH MTCC AMERICORPS PROGRAM

Brittany Gwisdala, AmeriCorps Leader in Great Falls

Inspired to join AmeriCorps by a Peace Corps volunteer, Brittany Gwisdala is serving as an AmeriCorps Leader with the University of Great Falls and Girls Scouts of Montana & Wyoming in Great Falls, Montana. Brittany joined AmeriCorps to make a difference in education and believes that “Every Student, no matter their background, deserves a college education to not only benefit their own life, but to take the experiences they learn from college and give back to their communities. There is a difference between just being a student, and being a student who gets involved. Getting involved in the community is a great way to encourage others to do the same.”

A disabilities advocate, Brittany was no ordinary Ferris State (Michigan) college student. Accessing college through the Tuition Incentive Program and a financial aid package, she was involved with the Educational Counseling and Disability Services Office and became a panelist and presenter on Disability Awareness. 

Like many college students, Brittany changed her major several times before graduating with a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in French Language and Literature. During college she was frustrated, lost, confused at times, and felt like she had trouble fitting in. While struggling, Brittany put forth her best effort (even failing sometimes) and she was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate at her winter 2015 Commencement, and was later recognized as an Outstanding Senior Student, History B.A. this past spring. 

Welcome to service with Montana Campus Compact, Brittany!
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Submitted by Dannette Fadness, Montana Campus Compact

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.

MTCC ALUM ANNIE MOMBOURQUETTE CHECKS IN

Annie Mombourquette served with MTCC as an AmeriCorps VISTA from August 2014-August 2015 with Browning Public Schools and Blackfeet Community College.  She is continuing her service as a FoodCorps member with the same host site.  We wish Annie the best of luck with the remainder of her service with FoodCorps and life after AmeriCorps!
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When and where did you serve during your term as an AmeriCorps VISTA? 

I served in Browning, Montana with the Browning Public Schools Food Service Nutrition Education and School/Community Garden Program. I also partnered with Blackfeet Community College as my campus partner. 

How did your year of service impact your life? 

When I started as a VISTA, I planned to go to grad school to study plant genetics. I'm now pursuing public health with a focus on health behavior and chronic disease prevention. More importantly, VISTA brought me to Browning, MT where I've grown as a professional, community member, and person. It has been a privilege to work with the school system and in the community for the last two years. And, I am excited for what's to come. 

What did you do after your term as a VISTA? 

I am currently a FoodCorps Service Member with the Browning Public Schools. FoodCorps is a national network of AmeriCorps leaders connecting kids to real food so they can grow up healthy. 

Where are you now and what is your daily work life like? 

My service varies from day to day. On most days, I teach hands-on nutrition lessons in K through 12 classrooms, maintain the school and community garden and greenhouse, and increase access to healthy food.