Lead For America

Where we live shapes our access to people, places, and possibilities—and right now, Hurricane Helene is putting that truth into stark focus across the Southeast. Our ACC AmeriCorps Members are facing this challenge head-on, embodying the resilience of the communities they serve. From Florida's record-breaking surge to Appalachia's historic flooding, Helene's impact is unprecedented. But in these trying times, our members are bridging divides and connecting communities like never before. Caroline in South Carolina shares, "We're making the best of what we have." Jonah adds, "Today's service may be more focused on clean up as we can do no digital equity work without power." Their words remind us that service adapts to meet the moment. Scooter in Georgia underscores why our work is crucial: "Internet services are down, showing that it's more than just a service but a needed utility." In crisis, digital connection becomes a lifeline, expanding possibilities even in the darkest hours. As we support each other through recovery, we're witnessing the power of locally-rooted leaders. Our members, with their deep community connections, are uniquely positioned to help their neighbors navigate this challenge. In the wake of Helene, our work becomes more crucial than ever. Our members are already coordinating with local partners to restore digital connections, provide resources, and support community-led recovery efforts. This experience reinforces why we do what we do—because when communities are connected, they're better equipped to face any challenge. #HurricaneHelene #CommunityResilience #ACC #AmericanConnectionCorps

📣 Hey Lead For America Alumni! 📣 The 2024 Alumni Survey is now open! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gQE7SK_D Our goal for alumni engagement is to support you in doing what you do best: serving your community and growing into the best person you can be. To do so, we need your input! Take 10 minutes to have your voice heard through the 2024 Alumni Survey. If you complete it before the deadline of Oct 31, you'll receive a super cool, limited edition alumni sticker AND be entered to win an Alumni Exchange. Your insights make all the difference — it's key to showcasing the long-term impact of national service and shaping 2025 alumni engagement that meets your unique needs. We appreciate all you’re doing to live out our shared core values and make your communities better places to work, live, and play. 

Calling all community leaders and organizations! 🏘️ Are you ready to bridge the digital divide and open up new possibilities for your community? Join us for our webinar: "Introduction to the American Connection Corps: Connecting People, Places, and Possibilities," on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET. In this hour-long session, you'll discover: ☀ ACC's mission and program goals 🤝 The vital role of host sites in connecting digitally disconnected communities 🏘 How hosting an ACC member can boost your organization's capacity 📝 Step-by-step guidance on applying to become an ACC host site Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of digital inclusion and community empowerment. Whether you're from a rural town, a bustling city, or somewhere in between, ACC has the resources to help you make a lasting impact. Register now and take the first step towards transforming your community's digital landscape. We can’t wait to meet you! https://lnkd.in/gQzKbVRC #AmericanConnectionCorps #DigitalInclusion #CommunityEmpowerment #ACC

Today we are sharing a special message from Lead For America’s CEO and Board Chair on the organization’s next chapter. We want to thank and honor Joe Nail for his vision, commitment, and effort to shape LFA from just an idea into the organization that it is today and for his leadership over the last seven years. We also want to congratulate Taylor Stuckert, AICP on being named interim CEO. 

We love seeing our alumni and Members recognized nationally for their incredible impact and service! Yesterday, ACC and LFA Alumni JJ Kapur, received the Innovative Service Award at the AmeriCorps symposium in Washington, DC! This honor recognizes individuals who bring creativity and originality to their service roles, making a real impact in their communities. JJ embodied the spirit of service during his two terms with Lead for America. As an American Connection Corps member with CultureALL, he leads the Open Book Project, a groundbreaking initiative that opens up inclusive and accessible digital media experiences for rural Iowans. By connecting diverse individuals and sparking meaningful conversations, JJ is helping to prepare Iowa’s workforce for success in our multicultural economy. We’re so proud of JJ’s incredible storytelling and commitment to bridging divides. We were lucky to have him serve with us for two terms, and now we get to cheer him on as he enters his next chapter of impact and service. Congratulations, JJ! #AmericanConnectionCorps #ACC #AmeriCorps #InnovativeServiceAward #DigitalEquity #CommunityImpact #LFAAlumni

We're about to kick off our next program year with the American Connection Corps, and what better way to do that than to welcome a new team member to the ACC family! Please help us warmly welcome Erin Moore, our newest ACC National Program Officer. Erin grew up in a farming community in Western Massachusetts and has strived to be a dedicated, civic-minded member of the communities she has since called home. She received a BA in Politics and Gender Studies from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, which gave her the knowledge and connections to serve young people and many diverse communities as a three-time National Service Member. Erin was an AmeriCorps Massachusetts Promise Fellow with Boston Public Schools, an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader with United Way Worldwide, and a Community Organizational Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Kosovo. Each role gave Erin the opportunity to grow as an advocate and coach for her neighbors, focusing on their goals in youth and community development, social justice, and economic empowerment. Outside of the office, Erin loves to pick up new hobbies, spend time with family and friends, and be bossed around by her cat. Welcome, Erin!

We're #hiring a new Member in Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new American Connection Corps Member in Mexico, Missouri. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We're #hiring a new American Connection Corps in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Meet Digital Navigators Alyssa and Said of Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County We love this video peek into what our new American Connection Corps Members will be doing at one of our new host sites this coming program year! https://lnkd.in/g5Hpixgb