Now Recruiting

The Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 team. For application and reference forms, click here.

Searching for York

In light of CAN's recent MLK Day cultural diversity fair, I thought it would be appropriate to post a link to OPB's documentary "Searching for York." York was the slave of William Clark and an unofficial member of the Corps of Discovery (the famous Lewis & Clark expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase). The documentary puts York back into the story from which he has been largely omitted, showing that this important part of our history involved more than just white men.

If you watch it, I'd love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment!

Longview Daily News Article about CAN's Cultural Diversity Fair

Cynthia Washington reflects on city's changes at diversity fair
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:53 PM PST
By Tony Lystra
The Daily News --Longview, WA

Cynthia Washington wishes her grandmother had lived to see it: The first African American sworn in as president of the United States.During a speech at Monday’s diversity fair in honor of Martin Luther King Day, the granddaughter of the late Longview civil rights leader Victoria Freeman, called Monday’s holiday and Tuesday’s inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama “a wow factor.”“Look at our great nation,” she said. “Freedom. Democracy. You can get an education like anybody else and go far.”Washington, 63, of Longview, reflected on how far the city has come since her childhood.“Forty years ago, we all wouldn’t be sitting together,” she said. “Forty years ago I would be walking through the back door of a restaurant, not the front door.”Many minorities, Washington added, wouldn’t even own businesses.“Look at us now. Isn’t that awesome? Look at us now!” she said. “We are now in Dr. King’s vision. We are now in Obama’s upcoming everything.”Speaking at the McClelland Arts Center bordering the Longview park established by and named for her grandmother, Washington told her audience: “I want you to remember one thing: We’re free ... We’re growing, people. We’re growing.”So, a celebration? You betcha this is a celebration. “That’s how come I have the wow feeling. Wow, we have come a long way, baby.”Tuesday’s diversity fair was organized by Cowlitz Americorps Network and Longview Recreation. The event included demonstrations by Mexican and Polish dancers as well as presentations by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Parents’ Place, the Lower Columbia College Mulitcultural Club and the Ethnic Support Council.

From Drop Box

From Drop Box

Americorps makes MLK day a dayon, not a day off!

Kids are out of school, some lucky folks get the day off of work. What does it mean to make Martin Luther King day a day on? Just as we spend veterans day in observance of those that have fought for America and all that it stands for, Martin Luther King's day is a time to remember his life and accomplishments and to act on his message. He spoke of a just America in which the human rights listed in the constitution were not withheld from any person, regardless of their skin color. He understood that poverty and hate were cycles that couldn't be overcome with violence. He knew that knowledge was the power to change circumstances in America. As Americorps members, our team works daily to improve the lives of people in our community through education and a hand up. We promote volunteerism and service even as we ourselves serve. This is what made King a great man; he served others even when it wasn't in his own best interest, even to the point that his life was taken from him, which he knew was a possibility every day that he pressed on.

The Cowlitz Americorps Network team will spend the morning of MLK day serving a local school and visiting nursing homes. Following this CAN in partnership with Longview Recreation will hold a diversity fair at the McClelland Arts Center (951 Delaware Ave.) featuring cultural performances, special guest speakers, as well as activities for teaching tolerance to honor the life and accomplishments of Dr King.

Family Volunteer Day

The Cowlitz Americorps Network team invites families to join them and volunteer together on National Family Volunter Day. This year the team has partnered with the North Lake Elementary PTO's Backpack Buddies program. This is a food assistance program for children who would not otherwise have a sufficient source of food over the weekend. Members and volunteers will be collecting and sorting donations of ready-to-eat foods (requires no preparation since it is for young children). The drive is also accepting donations of backpacks to prepare for expansion of the program. Backpack buddies is currently funded solely by PTO members and serves 50 children on a regular basis.
If your family is interested in donating food or backpacks, or if you'd like to help spread the word or assist in collecting and distributing donations please contact Americorps member Angela Goodon at the United Way of Cowlitz County:
Phone #: 360-423-5320
Email: agoodon@cowlitzunitedway.org

Launch

This Friday the Cowlitz Americorps team will be attending the statewide WCNCS launch at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion in downtown Seattle. Members Melissa Hutcheson and Tasha Ouellette will be part of the AmeriChoir which will sing the national anthem for the event.

Coming up soon, the CAN team will be announcing their service project for Family Volunteer day, which they will invite area families to participate in. Family Volunteer day is an opportunity for families to participate in volunteer activities together, for one generation to pass on to the next the spirit of volunteerism.

Members will begin CERT training next week with the Cowlitz Department of Emergency management. This training is open to all members of the community, if you are interested in receiving this training contact Jennifer Engkraf at EngkrafJ@co.cowlitz.wa.us. The classes take place in 6 sessions before certification is achieved, the dates are available on the CAN Calendar.

October

It's October, which means the Cowlitz Americorps team is starting their second month together. Now that members have adjusted to their new jobs and host sites, they are ready for the next challenge: They have been divided into three groups to plan this year's service projects. Each group, consisting of 10 members, will be responsible for planning either Family Volunteer Day (November 22), Martin Luther King Day(January 19), or Americorps Week (May 9-16), and all team members will be involved the day of the event.

Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) training for members also begins this month. Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. When people band together and respond to the need for volunteers in a disaster situation, often the lack of training and leadership leads to additional injuries and deaths. The goal of CERT training, then, is to prepare members of the community to respond appropriately and effectively when this duty calls. This training is provided for free by the Cowlitz Department of Emergency Management, a division of the Sheriff's Department, and is availabe to all citizens.

If you want to stay up to date about upcoming community events, check out http://www.cowlitztoday.com/. This community calendar is maintained by the organizations (including us) facilitating the events and is probably the most comprehensive collection of information for this area.

Here is what we have on the agenda for October:


Friday
Oct 10
National Depression Screening Day - Cowlitz County Guidance Association - 921 14th Ave. Longview, WA
12pm
CAN Team Meeting - Americorps office

Thursday
Oct 16
12pm
CAN Team Meeting - Americorps Office

Saturday
Oct 18
Free Shredding Day @ Fibre Federal - 796 Commerce Ave (Fiber Credit Union Parking Lot)

Thursday
Oct 23
12pm
CAN Team Meeting - Americorps Office

Friday
Oct 24
Americorps State Launch: Seattle Center - Seattle Center: Seattle, WA

Saturday
Oct 25
Make a Difference Day

Sunday
Oct 26
2pm
Cat Walk - Tam O Shanter

Tuesday
Oct 28
3pm
CERT Training

Wednesday
Oct 29
3pm
CERT Training

Thursday
Oct 30
3pm
CERT Training

Friday
Oct 31
Reflection Due- Americorps Office