VOICES OF TENACITY
Bronwyn VoglerAlumni Services Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA
"A Journey of My Thoughts Turned Into Action"
By the end of my senior year of college, I knew that I wanted to spend my first year out in the real world doing something that would be challenging, dynamic, and somewhat counter-cultural.
Being a product of a Jesuit education played a prominent role in my decision to become involved in a service-oriented position. Throughout my four years as an undergraduate at Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, I was involved in community service projects that ranged from working with the poor, disabled, people living with HIV/AIDS, children, and the socially marginalized not only in our own county, but abroad as well. In each capacity there was a wealth of knowledge to be learned about the people with whom I was working; and consequently, for me, there was never a dull moment. Collectively, these experiences have become the foundation upon which I have realized that in giving of myself to others, there is a hope that I can do my part to effect change.
With all this tumbling around in my mind, I began to research domestic service programs until I decided to apply to become an AmeriCorps member. We often shy away from reflecting upon the fact that in varying degrees there are just as many forms of structural violence and social injustices burdened by those in our own backyard and amidst our own nation as there are in the distant places we only see on the news and read about on the internet.
It is hard to place ourselves there, but we are all more inherently connected to one another than we would like to believe. AmeriCorps then, would be the perfect catalyst for which I would be able to stand face to face with some of these inequalities not only to better recognize them, but work to promote a more healthy and intellectual way of encouraging dialogue and searching for an approach towards a feasible solution.
In 1964, three short years after Congress authorized the establishment of the Peace Corps as proposed by President John. F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson created VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) as a response to America’s “War on Poverty”. Such a response stemmed from a vision of national service in which the youthful population would be enlisted to fight societal injustice with the hopes that numerous other goods to the commonwealth of the nation would follow.
During this time, also known as ‘The Great Society’, President Johnson propelled a host of domestic service programs which would help combat issues surrounding poverty. Each initiative of the Great Society would not be to simply raise the incomes of the poor but to help them better themselves through education, job training, and community development. Central to its mission was the idea of community action, the participation of the poor in framing and administering the programs designed to help them.
For over forty years, VISTA members have worked tirelessly and exclusively to build the capacity of non-profit organizations helping to create or expand community-based programs, services, and systems that help individuals in poor communities improve their lives for the long term. In addition, VISTA members totally immerse themselves in their communities and projects- seven days a week, 24 hours a day, living and working among the population they serve.
To serve as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member has thus far, been nothing short of an exceptionally challenging and motivating experience. My understanding of the past ideologies that surround the VISTA mission and experience have enabled me to find my niche not only within my new Boston community, but my niche as a member of a socially conscious American society—one which is seeking to bring about social and communal reform as well as restore the dignity of its marginalized.
In simple eloquence, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The curse of poverty has no justification in our age.” I believe these words stand to challenge us, but furthermore, they encourage us to reflect upon the times in which we are living. They stand to entertain dialogue and immerse ourselves with the views and opinions of others. They are also words which we can live by, day to day in our own small way. Responding to such a call is a privilege and heavy obstacle. Thus, my journey and response has brought me here to Tenacity, serving as Alumni Services Coordinator for the newly-formed Alumni Services Program.
When I first learned about Tenacity, I was struck by its vigor and enthusiasm towards the population which it serves. I knew I had to apply and take my chances that they would need someone like me. When I first visited the organization, I knew there would be no better place to spend my year of AmeriCorps service. Every day brings about its own set of different obstacles. Each project I work on requires a strict quota of gumption, thinking outside the box, and essentially doing whatever it takes to complete the task at hand—proficiency and resourcefulness is the name of the game. I am excited and privileged to be part of such a positive and proactive organization, committed to transforming not only the lives, but the lifestyles of our youth into responsible, resilient, and confident members of their community.
I believe that the work we do at Tenacity is not only important, but necessary, just as I believe the mission of a national service organization such as AmeriCorps is necessary. Being given the ability to synergize the spirit of each—Tenacity’s unwavering commitment to “improving the scholastic, character, and physical development of urban youth”, and AmeriCorps’ dedication to “getting things done for America”—has been a powerful force in helping me to fully comprehend that such programs are a necessity throughout our communities across the nation.
By the end of my year of service, I know that I will walk away with new skills, experiences, and wisdom that will have transformed all senses of my former conventionality. I look forward to furthering my knowledge of effective problem solving with the limited resources to do so. I am excited to push the limits and be perpetually challenged while challenging others. As one person, I do not expect to completely eradicate poverty. I do, however, hold myself to the utmost standards of working to focus my ambition to include the aspirations and needs of others, for the benefit of all.
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