A Little Trip Down Memory Lane

Earlier this week, I had the absolute joy of recording a podcast with my new BFF, Nicki Fiocco. Nicki is an AmeriCorps powerhouse — an enthusiastic alum and the creator of the AmeriCorps Connections Podcast, where she interviews fellow alums about their service journeys and the paths they took afterward. She’s also just a ton of fun to talk to.

Prepping for the podcast sent me right down memory lane. I found an old Boys Hope Girls Hope AmeriCorps alum Facebook group (Boys Hope Girls Hope is the organization where I did my service year), which stirred up a flood of memories. That led to digging through old-school photo albums, flipping through my journals (22-year-old Sarah apparently spent a lot of time writing at Starbucks), and reminiscing about my time as a houseparent in a home with six teenage girls.

That year was transformative — full of highs, lows, and a ton of stretching and growth. I remember driving our blue Ford Aerostar van all over the place, dance parties in the kitchen, working on school projects, taking the girls to the beach, to Hollywood, and even to Mexico to help build a house. It was a crash course in responsibility; I was partly in charge of six kids (!). But more than that, it completely changed the trajectory of my life.

I’ve said it before in this newsletter and I’ll say it again: AmeriCorps altered everything for me. It stunned me, stretched me, humbled me, and ultimately helped me figure out who I wanted to be…not just in my career (goodbye, journalism), but as a person.

I feel incredibly lucky that my university promoted service opportunities. Otherwise, I might never have learned about AmeriCorps or other service year programs. I wish more colleges would highlight service years as a meaningful, viable, post-grad option. But that’s a soapbox for another day.

So, all this to say:

• Take a trip down memory lane to your early 20s (it’s wild!)

• Consider AmeriCorps — you can apply at any age; Nicki served when she was 36

• And for sure, lean into experiences that stretch you. Because you just never know where they might take you. 🌟

With love and appreciation,

Sarah

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✍️WORKSHOP FOR EARLY CAREER TALENT IN ORANGE COUNTY

Speaking of service, my colleague Daniel Horgan from CoLabL and I will be delivering “The Impact Multiplier” on Saturday, May 10 at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire in Santa Ana, California.

The Impact Multiplier is an interactive, in-person workshop designed for early-career professionals who have engaged in volunteer service initiatives.

Through hands-on activities and guided storytelling, participants will learn how to translate the skills they’ve gained through service into compelling career narratives that resonate with employers, co-workers, and professional networks.

I know I’m biased, but this will be an awesome event. If you’re in SoCal and you’re early in your career, please join AND please spread the word. The registration link is here.

😺ARE YOU CURIOUS?

Ok, I’m just a little obsessed and completely inspired: About 10 days ago, the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity announced The Curious 100, a celebration of 100 leaders in the U.S. who harness the transformative power of curiosity to solve today’s most pressing problems. Do you recognize any of the visionaries on this list? 👀

💻SHARING THE NONPROFIT AI POLICY BUILDER

Fast Forward is a very cool, 11-year-old nonprofit focused on scaling tech nonprofits. And so it makes sense that the organization recently launched its Nonprofit AI Policy Builder, a free tool designed to help all nonprofits using AI.

As the name suggests, the Nonprofit AI Policy Builder helps nonprofits create responsible AI policies quickly and easily. It provides step-by-step guidance, customizable templates, and a user-friendly interface. It’s also gonna save nonprofits a lot of time.

Want to take a look and give it a spin? Click here.

💘NONPROFIT LOVE

About 30 years ago, Jane Leu, a social entrepreneur and Assistant Director of Resettlement at a major national resettlement agency, toured a New York poultry processing plan that was considered a model employer for refugees. The plant owner introduced her to two stand-out employees: One had been an engineer in Iraq and the other a surgeon in Bosnia.

The meeting was eye-opening to Jane: How many other internationally trained professionals were working in subsistence jobs that didn’t use their professional skills? And what did these individuals, and the country, lose with these missed opportunities?

One impressive business plan later, Jane founded Upwardly Global in 2000. Upwardly Global is the first and longest-serving organization focused on advancing the meaningful inclusion of immigrants and refugees with international credentials and work authorization into the U.S. workforce. To date, Upwardly Global has helped more than 11,000 work-authorized immigrants, refugees, and asylees obtain thriving-wage careers that contribute $100M+ annually to the U.S. economy.

There are so many ways to get involved in this organization, from volunteering to joining the National Leadership Council to supporting Ukrainian professionals to hiring immigrant and refugee talent. Check out Upwardly Global!