The VISTA Members marked their halfway point of their service year at the end of February, and their work continues to become more connected to each other. Collectively this month, our VISTA Members focused on resource mobilization and grantwriting training to help their organizations build capacity via resources. In addition, our VISTA friends at LiteracyMN hosted area VISTA Cohorts for a Midwinter VISTA Gathering so that VISTAs could experience an afternoon of reflection, sharing stories, and connecting art with their work so far.
Check out the VISTA Members’ individual monthly highlights here!
Colton: My highlight for the month is that for the first time I led a tenant meeting by myself and it went smoothly. We were able to organize future doorknocking and plan a future community event. However, the most memorable part was actually at the end of the meeting, we had extra food and the residents kept giving it to me, I now would like to report that I have five Tupperware containers full of rice crispy bars, cupcakes, and scotcheroos. My refrigerator looks like a midwestern potluck and that’s because it is. They told me you look like you could use some food and now I have enough to feed a small family. This is definitely not me complaining though, I will probably annihilate the rice crispy bars by the time you read this highlight, or more accurately after I finish writing this because I’m chowing down right now. Till next month, Colton
Isa: I loved getting together with other VISTAs at the Midwinter Gathering. It was nice to enjoy snacks and journal prompts with others, getting to know the paths of others to AmeriCorps and spending some time reflecting on my own journey. Also – spending Valentines Day with my cohort is exactly what I needed. I’m so full of gratitude.
Lucid: My highlight of February is helping facilitate one of the first organized meetings of community organizers across the Twin Cities.
Hannah: My February highlight was hosting a screenprinting event at PWNO’s (Phillips West Neighborhoods Organization’s) Winter Social!
Ramia: In February, I gained skills in utilizing research strategies for finding possible sponsors for the organization’s programs and in exploring opportunities for in-kind resources and support. Sharing the information obtained during in-person VISTA training with my colleagues has also helped me grasp the significance for shifting the narrative and perspective while seeking sponsor support for our projects.
Austin: My highlight for the month of February was attending the housing town hall in Duluth. It is always inspiring to see the community come together to talk about new housing solutions, and Duluth is always beautiful.
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