Service takes many different forms. For some, it is an obligation (as in military service). For a few it’s akin to a “higher calling” (as in Mother Teresa’s service to the poor). And for others, it’s a way to give back to their community through involvement in issues that are of importance to them.
The California Conservation Corps is a service organization. It employs 18-25 year olds in a variety of conservation-related projects and provides emergency services in times of floods, earthquakes, fires and other major efforts. The corpsmembers receive education, training and valuable life-skills during their term of service.
The local Fortuna Center CCC is also home to several AmeriCorps programs. Through special partnerships with the CCC, these programs offer the opportunity for over 100 corpsmembers to provide education and assistance within the community while learning valuable skills in their program’s focus area. Programs include conservation, mentoring, emergency services and dental health.
Last Friday, TOOTH AmeriCorps (Teaching Oral Optimism Throughout Humboldt) sponsored a “Give Kids A Smile Day” at the local Humboldt Library in Eureka. After attending on Friday, I happened to see my own dentist, a man who regularly travels within the county to provide assistance for families in a remote, low-income, area of Humboldt county.Â
When I mentioned the TOOTH program, my dentist told me that a fellow dentist in the remote location had expressed his gratitude for the group, saying that they are well prepared and do a much better job of keeping the local dental consortium working than when the dental professionals attempted to do so on their own.
AmeriCorps members commit to approximately 1 year of service at approximately minimum wage. They have health benefits, and the opportunity to receive a scholarship for completing their term of service. Most members have chosen this route as a way to increase their understanding in their educational focus, and/or as a way to contribute to society in general.
There are many ways to be of service.  If you have a desire to provide service, to give back to the community, and have the time to devote, perhaps you might like to look at some of the many AmeriCorps programs that are operating in your area.
Take a look at the fun TOOTH was having in the community just a couple of days ago: