For 25 years we have changed the world through play. Four AmeriCorps members are invited to come to Maine and play with us. It's your turn.
Service Activities
Mentoring with six cohorts of 6th-12th graders (70 kids total.) Meet with kids in school and take them on field trips across the state to know who they are and where they are from with the goal of helping them learn where they are going. Play non-electronic games, cook and eat Maine food, meet interesting people from around the state, understand the people, places, ecology, history, economy, challenges and assets of Maine. Perform informal mentoring at the Game Loft after school programs. Assist with recruiting, training and nurturing volunteers.
Community Need Addressed
Raise aspirations and increase assets for rural youth. Young people who live in rural communities struggle with isolation and lack of opportunity. Frequently, their families are stressed by a variety of social-economic factors. When kids struggle with these challenges they frequently act out and make poor choices leading to another cycle of academic and social failure.
Position Outcomes
Increase academic involvement, increase aspirations in middle school students, increase bonding to peers and adults, increase knowledge and interest in the state of Maine. Ultimately, our youth will have hope for the future and believe that success is possible.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
We will help members secure housing and if necessary provide a small housing allowance as well as partial reimbursement for use of phone. Flexible schedule with leeway for personal time off.
Education Benefits
College Degree
CPR, First Aid, Volunteer management training
Skills you will gain
Professional behavior and expectations in a social service position, ability to work with people across generations income and education levels, knowledge of the state of Maine, youth leadership, outdoor recreation, acceptance of many different life-styles and political points of view among service population
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment