PSO

I've just returned from spending most of the week in Chicago at AmeriCorps Pre-Service Orientation. It was, as its name implies, much more an orientation than training. In many ways, that was inspiring. We talked a lot about the war on poverty - trying to define what poverty is, what causes it, and what can be done about it. We also learned much more about the organization - under which circumstances we're considered federal employees, etc.

AmeriCorps*VISTA is a branch of AmeriCorps that is solely devoted to the mission of eradicating poverty. VISTA was established a year after JFK started the Peace Corps, so that its missions could be carried out at home, as well. This, of course, meant that LBJ did the founding; it was after Kennedy's assassination. VISTA is an acronym meaning Volunteers In Service To America. In 1993, President Clinton started AmeriCorps through the Corporation for National and Community Service. VISTA was absorbed into the AmeriCorps umbrella as one of its three major service programs. See? I did learn something! :)

I also learned a lot about myself and the assumptions I make about people in my first impressions. I hate being judgemental. I hate when I catch myself falling into stereotype beliefs and making assumptions based on appearances, because I disagree with making those assumptions so much. Still, I caught myself this week making judgments.In the end, though, it was so important for me to recognize this behavior in myself as I try to learn how to value people's differences while treating them as equals. Judge not, lest ye be judged, huh?

Now I'm working to try and keep myself entertained until my actual position of service begins. I'm still living alone in an unfamiliar city full of strangers, and my to-do list is dwindling. Thanks so much for all your kind thoughts, emails, prayers, phone calls, and comments. I appreciate the support more than you know.