OCT 18 Monday
So today I did some random things. By that I mean I got a flu shot (TGC paid for it, actually.), I asked for my first day off ever (the day before Thanksgiving), and you guessed it...DATA ENTRY!
Yes, if you're curious, my life is that amazing, allowing me to do data entry again. In reality, it's a pretty decent job. I sit at a desk and listen to Pandora all day, while serving in whatever way I am assigned.
Today, I began work on organizing Bridgeway surveys and realizing what shape the current databases are in, which is to say the shape they're in is nothing special. In reality, all of the databases need to be combined and refitted.
OCT 19 Tuesday
Today I continued doing the same as Monday.
NEW DEVELOPMENT: Earlier this week, Joe had asked me to request Excellence Hall for a training to be held on a Friday in December. (THE TRAINING WILL BE IN EXCELLENCE HALL ON DECEMBER 10,2010 FROM 10-4.)
Joe then asked me to run the Training Committee.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
AMERICORPS GEAR TO BRING FOR FRIDAY EVENTS
This is a great time to inform you of what you may want to bring for Friday Service Events.
If you know me at all, you'll figure out real quick that I am a Boy Scout. An Eagle Scout, in fact actually. What I am getting at is that I am typically prepared for Friday events with supplies.
Now these supplies aren't amazing things but they do get the job done.
For example, EACH WEEK I HAVE THESE SUPPLIES WITH ME:
-a back pack
-a hat
-a pair of gloves or 2
-a water bottle
-my insurance card, just in case
-my ID and some cash, just in case
-maybe even a snack?
-safety glasses
-sun block/insect repellent?
WHAT YOU MAY WANT TO WEAR:
-AmeriCorps shirt (whether a t-shirt or hoodie)
-pants you don't care what will happen to them (ie paint, ripping, etc)
-shoes capable of getting dirty or destroyed, but they must also be able to keep you safe
THIS MEANS NO FLIPPY FLOPPIES.
-Again, I wear a hat because of working outside.
-No matter what, make sure you're dressed in layers.
If you know me at all, you'll figure out real quick that I am a Boy Scout. An Eagle Scout, in fact actually. What I am getting at is that I am typically prepared for Friday events with supplies.
Now these supplies aren't amazing things but they do get the job done.
For example, EACH WEEK I HAVE THESE SUPPLIES WITH ME:
-a back pack
-a hat
-a pair of gloves or 2
-a water bottle
-my insurance card, just in case
-my ID and some cash, just in case
-maybe even a snack?
-safety glasses
-sun block/insect repellent?
WHAT YOU MAY WANT TO WEAR:
-AmeriCorps shirt (whether a t-shirt or hoodie)
-pants you don't care what will happen to them (ie paint, ripping, etc)
-shoes capable of getting dirty or destroyed, but they must also be able to keep you safe
THIS MEANS NO FLIPPY FLOPPIES.
-Again, I wear a hat because of working outside.
-No matter what, make sure you're dressed in layers.
OCT 11-15
OCT 11 Monday
So data entry isn't really exciting stuff. I'll admit it, but it's crunch time so we're all busy doing this lackluster type of thing.
Specifically, I spent the better part of the 11th and 12th writing this half year's report for Project: EXCEL.
Basically, I took the format from the last report. Then, I took new data, analyzed it, and then input it into the new report. I did this for most of two days.
I even had the responsibility to take part of another file and incorporate that report's format in the EXCEL report.
OCT 12 It was a Tuesday...
Like I said above, Tuesday was pretty much the same as Monday, except I had a better understanding of what exactly I was doing.
Oct 13 Wed
YES, IT WAS AWESOME. In reality, it was not, but you have to try and liven it up some how. What I am referring to is me having to sit in NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION. Now why a returner (granted I only served over the summer, but I sat through the same training in JUNE) has to sit with most of the new members is beside me, because I was the only returner, but that is life.
It's a long day. Granted, it's only 3.5 hrs, but try telling those who sit through it that it's helpful.
BTW, AmeriCorps took up a majority of the seats at the training. That was kind of exciting.
If and when you go to trainings such as these, dress comfortably/appropriately, as in layers, but also DO NOT ASSUME HUMAN RELATIONS WILL PROVIDE FOOD OR COFFEE in the AM.
VCE/CFE trainings typically do, but DON'T ASSUME there will be such things, so plan ahead and bring stuff to munch on or drink.
I also had the fun experience of going to the River Rouge Board of Education meeting that night. Now, this isn't really work-related (well let's say it's not related to this position, but it is related to my summer position in Prevention, part of School-Based.).
GO TO EVENTS LIKE THIS. Now, I'm not saying they're a free movie or anything, but the BOE meeting was pretty much a soap opera.
QUICK TIP: If you are involved in a community, say at Walter White Community Resource Center or serve at an Ecourse Latchkey program, go to their community events. School board meetings or city council meetings could be very informative and possible networking events.
So, four of us were present from TGC and tension is in the air. Suffice it to say, a new member was brought onto the BOE, the BOE announced the closing of Sabbath Middle School, and the overall horrible position River Rouge schools are in, both financially and academically. If the scores do not raise in RR, the State of Michigan Department of Education will come in and take over the district.
Let that sink in and realize how sad that is to think about, along with the impact on the community.
OCT 14 THURSDAY
Throughout Wednesday afternoon and all of Thursday, I touched up reports and reviewed them. Specifically, the reports I reviewed were the Project EXCEL, Prevention, Parenting Program, & YAP reports. I even helped to review Project SUCCESS.
In case you were curious, those are all of programs School-Based has within it's realm. Basically, I did grammatical editing, spell checking, fact checking, figure checking, and even more data entry. After a while, you find you do not want to even look at the numbers anymore, but one thing it has shown me is that all of the School-Based programs require more participation to make their statistics stand out more than what they currently do.
Matt and I left Thursday knowing Jess and Heidi would have the reports finished for the due date and time on Friday.
FRIDAY THE 15TH OF OCTOBER
Habitat for Humanity in Monroe
We set aside time from 8-4 for this event, but we were there till about 130pm or 2pm.
Yes this was an early morning kids, so needless to say most of the group was behind schedule.
The site we worked on was a rehabilitation of a foreclosed house. We even got to meet Michelle, the new homeowner.
We did some priming, wallpaper removal, taping to prime, yard work, and even some demolition work in the kitchen.
If you're not familiar with HFH, you should have been there. The general contractor met us there and explained the basic format of how one does a reformat and how what we were doing today would benefit the homeowner.
At this point, 80% of the houses the HFH-Monroe chapter are currently working on are actually rehabs.
So data entry isn't really exciting stuff. I'll admit it, but it's crunch time so we're all busy doing this lackluster type of thing.
Specifically, I spent the better part of the 11th and 12th writing this half year's report for Project: EXCEL.
Basically, I took the format from the last report. Then, I took new data, analyzed it, and then input it into the new report. I did this for most of two days.
I even had the responsibility to take part of another file and incorporate that report's format in the EXCEL report.
OCT 12 It was a Tuesday...
Like I said above, Tuesday was pretty much the same as Monday, except I had a better understanding of what exactly I was doing.
Oct 13 Wed
YES, IT WAS AWESOME. In reality, it was not, but you have to try and liven it up some how. What I am referring to is me having to sit in NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION. Now why a returner (granted I only served over the summer, but I sat through the same training in JUNE) has to sit with most of the new members is beside me, because I was the only returner, but that is life.
It's a long day. Granted, it's only 3.5 hrs, but try telling those who sit through it that it's helpful.
BTW, AmeriCorps took up a majority of the seats at the training. That was kind of exciting.
If and when you go to trainings such as these, dress comfortably/appropriately, as in layers, but also DO NOT ASSUME HUMAN RELATIONS WILL PROVIDE FOOD OR COFFEE in the AM.
VCE/CFE trainings typically do, but DON'T ASSUME there will be such things, so plan ahead and bring stuff to munch on or drink.
I also had the fun experience of going to the River Rouge Board of Education meeting that night. Now, this isn't really work-related (well let's say it's not related to this position, but it is related to my summer position in Prevention, part of School-Based.).
GO TO EVENTS LIKE THIS. Now, I'm not saying they're a free movie or anything, but the BOE meeting was pretty much a soap opera.
QUICK TIP: If you are involved in a community, say at Walter White Community Resource Center or serve at an Ecourse Latchkey program, go to their community events. School board meetings or city council meetings could be very informative and possible networking events.
So, four of us were present from TGC and tension is in the air. Suffice it to say, a new member was brought onto the BOE, the BOE announced the closing of Sabbath Middle School, and the overall horrible position River Rouge schools are in, both financially and academically. If the scores do not raise in RR, the State of Michigan Department of Education will come in and take over the district.
Let that sink in and realize how sad that is to think about, along with the impact on the community.
OCT 14 THURSDAY
Throughout Wednesday afternoon and all of Thursday, I touched up reports and reviewed them. Specifically, the reports I reviewed were the Project EXCEL, Prevention, Parenting Program, & YAP reports. I even helped to review Project SUCCESS.
In case you were curious, those are all of programs School-Based has within it's realm. Basically, I did grammatical editing, spell checking, fact checking, figure checking, and even more data entry. After a while, you find you do not want to even look at the numbers anymore, but one thing it has shown me is that all of the School-Based programs require more participation to make their statistics stand out more than what they currently do.
Matt and I left Thursday knowing Jess and Heidi would have the reports finished for the due date and time on Friday.
FRIDAY THE 15TH OF OCTOBER
Habitat for Humanity in Monroe
We set aside time from 8-4 for this event, but we were there till about 130pm or 2pm.
Yes this was an early morning kids, so needless to say most of the group was behind schedule.
The site we worked on was a rehabilitation of a foreclosed house. We even got to meet Michelle, the new homeowner.
We did some priming, wallpaper removal, taping to prime, yard work, and even some demolition work in the kitchen.
If you're not familiar with HFH, you should have been there. The general contractor met us there and explained the basic format of how one does a reformat and how what we were doing today would benefit the homeowner.
At this point, 80% of the houses the HFH-Monroe chapter are currently working on are actually rehabs.
October 4-8
Oct 4 Monday
Holy crap, JIS Data Collection Sheets kick ya in the teeth.
As a way of refreshing my abilities on SPSS, I was tested through the use of JIS Data Collection Sheets. I can't get into too great of detail other than to say it was my job to take the info from some printouts and put it into an SPSS file.
Oct 5 Tuesday
Same as yesterday, except I added several variables to the SPSS file.
Also, yesterday was the beginning of Inclusion Week, so in my awesome form, when we were asked to watch webinars, I missed Monday's but I did watch Tuesday's and have the PowerPoint to prove it.
The topic was National Service Disability/Inclusion Week Webinar and it was somewhat inspiring. The main thing one can take from something like this webinar is that anyone can do pretty much anything, if accommodations can be made. Now this is not an eloquent statement, but basically it let those who listened know about mini-grants to help with inclusion. An example would be get funds for a wheelchair accessible van to move a member from site to site.
To make a more obvious association with our actual organization would be to get a paved ramp/pressed gravel from the parking lot to the Walter White Community Garden.
Oct6 Wednesday
Same as Tuesday, as in I input data from JIS Data Collection Sheets and created new variables for the SPSS database.
I also did another webinar, with the title of Learn and Serve. I did not get the PowerPoint, but I can tell you it was worth it. It highlighted what one may gain from serving in AmeriCorps, even with a disability.
QUICK TIP: TAKE BREAKS WHEN STARING AT A COMPUTER FOR A LONG TIME.
Really, you should, because it helps you avoid headaches and becoming prematurely tired. If you don't listen, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Oct 7 Thur
I did some work with an Excel sheet based on the data amassed throughout the work of my associate Matt Ballew.
Again, I did another webinar, but this time it was called Mentor Michigan.
The webinar highlighted the ability to use mentoring to be more inclusive. Again, I didn't get the PPT, but I would encourage you to check out the PPT from the Michigan Community Service Commission.
FRIDAY OCT 8
Today we volunteered with the Hamtramck Community Initiative. The location is 2101 Joseph Campau St. in Hamtramck.
What we basically did was neighborhood revitalization. Specifically, I removed graffiti and painted. We also engaged with members of the community (only about 5, but they were happy to have us in the community) by having them show us where graffiti was located, and we would paint over it. I also was able to show other members proper use of certain products, such as acetone.
I was even able to engage in a feat of strength, by proving to a local member of the community I could move a dumpster.
Check out pics from this event and other events on our Fbook group: Downriver CARES Oct 2010 Events.
Holy crap, JIS Data Collection Sheets kick ya in the teeth.
As a way of refreshing my abilities on SPSS, I was tested through the use of JIS Data Collection Sheets. I can't get into too great of detail other than to say it was my job to take the info from some printouts and put it into an SPSS file.
Oct 5 Tuesday
Same as yesterday, except I added several variables to the SPSS file.
Also, yesterday was the beginning of Inclusion Week, so in my awesome form, when we were asked to watch webinars, I missed Monday's but I did watch Tuesday's and have the PowerPoint to prove it.
The topic was National Service Disability/Inclusion Week Webinar and it was somewhat inspiring. The main thing one can take from something like this webinar is that anyone can do pretty much anything, if accommodations can be made. Now this is not an eloquent statement, but basically it let those who listened know about mini-grants to help with inclusion. An example would be get funds for a wheelchair accessible van to move a member from site to site.
To make a more obvious association with our actual organization would be to get a paved ramp/pressed gravel from the parking lot to the Walter White Community Garden.
Oct6 Wednesday
Same as Tuesday, as in I input data from JIS Data Collection Sheets and created new variables for the SPSS database.
I also did another webinar, with the title of Learn and Serve. I did not get the PowerPoint, but I can tell you it was worth it. It highlighted what one may gain from serving in AmeriCorps, even with a disability.
QUICK TIP: TAKE BREAKS WHEN STARING AT A COMPUTER FOR A LONG TIME.
Really, you should, because it helps you avoid headaches and becoming prematurely tired. If you don't listen, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Oct 7 Thur
I did some work with an Excel sheet based on the data amassed throughout the work of my associate Matt Ballew.
Again, I did another webinar, but this time it was called Mentor Michigan.
The webinar highlighted the ability to use mentoring to be more inclusive. Again, I didn't get the PPT, but I would encourage you to check out the PPT from the Michigan Community Service Commission.
FRIDAY OCT 8
Today we volunteered with the Hamtramck Community Initiative. The location is 2101 Joseph Campau St. in Hamtramck.
What we basically did was neighborhood revitalization. Specifically, I removed graffiti and painted. We also engaged with members of the community (only about 5, but they were happy to have us in the community) by having them show us where graffiti was located, and we would paint over it. I also was able to show other members proper use of certain products, such as acetone.
I was even able to engage in a feat of strength, by proving to a local member of the community I could move a dumpster.
Check out pics from this event and other events on our Fbook group: Downriver CARES Oct 2010 Events.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
september 27- october 1
So this week was a bit of blur as it was the first week at the site, so how about a highlights reel?
Monday
I got a desk and a phone. Yes, that's right, they gave me a MOBILE EXTENSION. You can call me anytime at extension 7415.
Besides this, I also got a quick overview of the office at CFE and the VCE components. (It was a great deal of new people to me, and I have trouble with names, so I decided to create a name tag.)
So the important stuff: the databases were explained to me including how we use Excel & SPSS.
I did a great deal of group survey review. If you have no idea what it's like to look over surveys and try to match them, trust my word that it is quite difficult.
Tuesday
Monday
I got a desk and a phone. Yes, that's right, they gave me a MOBILE EXTENSION. You can call me anytime at extension 7415.
Besides this, I also got a quick overview of the office at CFE and the VCE components. (It was a great deal of new people to me, and I have trouble with names, so I decided to create a name tag.)
So the important stuff: the databases were explained to me including how we use Excel & SPSS.
I did a great deal of group survey review. If you have no idea what it's like to look over surveys and try to match them, trust my word that it is quite difficult.
Tuesday
1ST wEEK OF tRAINING September 20-25
OKAY, so I am quite behind on posting but here goes.
September 20 Monday
9am Ice Breaker-Awesomeness ensues. In reality, we did an around the room type introduction and covered what the week would be like for us.
10am Orientation Video? Did I miss this movie? In all seriousness, I do not remember watching this film, but I am sure it was motivational.
11am HR Paperwork This is where I do remember having a "lovely" time. Paperwork, as I am betting you can imagine, is quite important. It's how we get money and how TGC/AmeriCorps keeps track of our progress, so as much as it is not so fun, it is a required component.
Noon Working lunch was useful.
1pm-4pm TRAININGS GALORE We had some some useful trainings talking about conflict resolution, member development, volunteer recruitment, and most importantly (how these are all tied together) interaction/communication. Debbie Drick gave the performance about the topics above. She had a great deal of info to give in a small amount of time, and we all learned quite a bit about our personalities. Maybe she'll be back for a 3rd yr...
SAD NOTE: I went to the Kernan Funeral Home for the showing of Trevor Cash at 5 or so. He was a great kid and served as a great junior camp counselor this summer at the Walter White Community Resource Center.
I knew him due to my summer term this past summer, though this is my first and only full term.
September 21 Tuesday
10am We met in the parking lot and had some great ICE BREAKER experiences.
More Paperwork...awesomeness continued. Again, it is a necessary part, and it's also how we get our AmeriCorps gear.
At lunch time, I had the very interesting experience of telling my AmeriCorps Supervisor I would like the open position in Research. Due to this, I subsequently met with my current supervisor and had my interview ending with the knowledge I wanted this position.
Lunch was had with current members and past members.
1pm-3pm We had Program Goals, OnCorps, Service Project Planning, and Policy/Procedure trainings. Frankly, after going through them once, one tends to know what this section was like. Now you need to remember, these are still important to know, as they pretty much run what we do. But like paperwork, it's kind of boring.
September 22 Wednesday
I didn't have to go to training today. SA-WEET!
This is due to Joe Spain determining the lack of need for the returners to engage in trainings we have previously gone through.
If I had been there, I would have heard talk about National Service, Diversity Training, Volunteer Services, and even how to document your service term. These topics again are important and tend to come up or are handy.
Take for instance, the "HOW TO DOCUMENT YOUR TERM OF SERVICE." Fun fact: Get a binder and put stuff in it. This stuff is important.
The diversity piece would have been my favorite part though, and hopefully Lisa Horvath did the potato presentation.
September 23 Thursday
We're back to training. This time it is all about CPR for adults and kids, along with FIRST AID. FUN FACT: The instructor will call my AmeriCorps Supervisor a name we aren't supposed to call him, but I cannot resist. It's as if she is baiting me all day to call him Joey, so I do. In any case, you can find her (Rebecca Reed) on Fbook, and I would recommend her as an instructor. She pretty much gave us an intensive crash course in 1st Aid and CPR. Worth it, and she gives a discount to those for their first re-up.
At 2 we were supposed to have had more INCLUSION & Diversity Training, but I had a doctor's appointment, so I was not present.
Hope it was good, though Joe left early too for a meeting, so I guess it was important.
September 24 Friday
1st AmeriCorps Event with the newest hires
It was a team meeting of our AmeriCorps group DOWNRIVER CARES. (You can find us on FACEBOOK.) After this team meeting and tour of Aquinas, we did a sweet ICEBREAKER/GROUP ACTIVITY. Ok, it's called the blanket drop in which you have 2 teams of members pair off and when the blanket/tarp drops the first to yell the other's name, wins. As we have such a newly large group, we did a circle of names, fun fact, and placement prior to the blanket drop.
Following this, we went to the All Agency Meeting for TGC. Basically, it was a "State of the Company" address. It was a great deal of information, but there were some new insights that were of interest. Also, we got candy and there were raffles.
JOE WON A BIKE!
After the TGC all staff meeting, there was a cookout at CFE. Good food and some of us even moved some tables around to assist with proper food flow.
September 25 Saturday
Okay, so I went to IN for a wedding, so again I was not present, but 2 events went on. The NAMI walk, which we had a team and volunteers involved in the day.
We also had a 2nd Community Cookout at the Walter White Community Resource Center. There were good foods created and the garden was harvested some more. THIS EQUALS GOOD TIMES!!
September 20 Monday
9am Ice Breaker-Awesomeness ensues. In reality, we did an around the room type introduction and covered what the week would be like for us.
10am Orientation Video? Did I miss this movie? In all seriousness, I do not remember watching this film, but I am sure it was motivational.
11am HR Paperwork This is where I do remember having a "lovely" time. Paperwork, as I am betting you can imagine, is quite important. It's how we get money and how TGC/AmeriCorps keeps track of our progress, so as much as it is not so fun, it is a required component.
Noon Working lunch was useful.
1pm-4pm TRAININGS GALORE We had some some useful trainings talking about conflict resolution, member development, volunteer recruitment, and most importantly (how these are all tied together) interaction/communication. Debbie Drick gave the performance about the topics above. She had a great deal of info to give in a small amount of time, and we all learned quite a bit about our personalities. Maybe she'll be back for a 3rd yr...
SAD NOTE: I went to the Kernan Funeral Home for the showing of Trevor Cash at 5 or so. He was a great kid and served as a great junior camp counselor this summer at the Walter White Community Resource Center.
I knew him due to my summer term this past summer, though this is my first and only full term.
September 21 Tuesday
10am We met in the parking lot and had some great ICE BREAKER experiences.
More Paperwork...awesomeness continued. Again, it is a necessary part, and it's also how we get our AmeriCorps gear.
At lunch time, I had the very interesting experience of telling my AmeriCorps Supervisor I would like the open position in Research. Due to this, I subsequently met with my current supervisor and had my interview ending with the knowledge I wanted this position.
Lunch was had with current members and past members.
1pm-3pm We had Program Goals, OnCorps, Service Project Planning, and Policy/Procedure trainings. Frankly, after going through them once, one tends to know what this section was like. Now you need to remember, these are still important to know, as they pretty much run what we do. But like paperwork, it's kind of boring.
September 22 Wednesday
I didn't have to go to training today. SA-WEET!
This is due to Joe Spain determining the lack of need for the returners to engage in trainings we have previously gone through.
If I had been there, I would have heard talk about National Service, Diversity Training, Volunteer Services, and even how to document your service term. These topics again are important and tend to come up or are handy.
Take for instance, the "HOW TO DOCUMENT YOUR TERM OF SERVICE." Fun fact: Get a binder and put stuff in it. This stuff is important.
The diversity piece would have been my favorite part though, and hopefully Lisa Horvath did the potato presentation.
September 23 Thursday
We're back to training. This time it is all about CPR for adults and kids, along with FIRST AID. FUN FACT: The instructor will call my AmeriCorps Supervisor a name we aren't supposed to call him, but I cannot resist. It's as if she is baiting me all day to call him Joey, so I do. In any case, you can find her (Rebecca Reed) on Fbook, and I would recommend her as an instructor. She pretty much gave us an intensive crash course in 1st Aid and CPR. Worth it, and she gives a discount to those for their first re-up.
At 2 we were supposed to have had more INCLUSION & Diversity Training, but I had a doctor's appointment, so I was not present.
Hope it was good, though Joe left early too for a meeting, so I guess it was important.
September 24 Friday
1st AmeriCorps Event with the newest hires
It was a team meeting of our AmeriCorps group DOWNRIVER CARES. (You can find us on FACEBOOK.) After this team meeting and tour of Aquinas, we did a sweet ICEBREAKER/GROUP ACTIVITY. Ok, it's called the blanket drop in which you have 2 teams of members pair off and when the blanket/tarp drops the first to yell the other's name, wins. As we have such a newly large group, we did a circle of names, fun fact, and placement prior to the blanket drop.
Following this, we went to the All Agency Meeting for TGC. Basically, it was a "State of the Company" address. It was a great deal of information, but there were some new insights that were of interest. Also, we got candy and there were raffles.
JOE WON A BIKE!
After the TGC all staff meeting, there was a cookout at CFE. Good food and some of us even moved some tables around to assist with proper food flow.
September 25 Saturday
Okay, so I went to IN for a wedding, so again I was not present, but 2 events went on. The NAMI walk, which we had a team and volunteers involved in the day.
We also had a 2nd Community Cookout at the Walter White Community Resource Center. There were good foods created and the garden was harvested some more. THIS EQUALS GOOD TIMES!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)