DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014

POSTGRADUATENEWS ACE Declares Siena College AmeriCorps*VISTA Fellows Appreciation Week and Surprises VISTA Fellows with Tokens of Support By Jimmy Bulmer ’12, Siena AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader This year, the Siena College AmeriCorps*VISTA Fellows Program has 29 postgraduate individuals who decided to dedicate a year of service fighting poverty through indirect service. With the responsibilities of indirect service and an intense workload, most AmeriCorps*VISTA Fellows do not have the time to step back and realize the impact that they are having on the community. During the week of April 14-18, ACE and its campus-community partners gave them special thanks by dedicating a week to appreciate all that the VISTAs have accomplished. Prior to Appreciation Week, the VISTA Fellows’ site supervisors were informed of the initiative so they could partake in the celebration. The gratitude ranged from treating their VISTA Fellow(s) like royalty to whole oﬃce celebrations, including cake! Apart from the recognition of community partners, ACE planned activities for each day to thank the VISTA Fellows. The week started oﬀ simple with an electronic thank you card. The next day each VISTA was paid a surprise visit by their VISTA Leaders while at work. They received a special gift gram and delicious cupcake. On Wednesday, the ACE administrators sent out a video where each gave a personal thank you to the team. Then on Thursday, the VISTA team gathered in Washington Park for a picnic with food, laughter, and a competitive soccer match. Finally, the week concluded with a slideshow capturing the week and reminding the VISTA Fellows that this was all for their hard work and dedication to help eliminate poverty. Even though we have dedicated a week to the VISTA Fellows for all that they do, it is important that they be reminded daily about the impact that they’re having. So if you see a VISTA or someone who is dedicating their time to helping others, remind them that they are appreciated and say thank you. Thanks again Siena College AmeriCorps*VISTA Fellows! DEEP Service Magazine | Page 23

DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 23