Can you tell us about a day being out in the field? What was it like?

My first field project was like something straight out of a feel-good movie. On a crisp February morning host supervisor from L.A. Works and I met with the National Park Service (NPS), the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, and eight youth volunteers from South LA to restore a canyon impacted by the 2018 Woolsey Fire. At first, two of the teens wanted nothing to do with planting but by the end of the day, they were our most enthusiastic planters! Watching those students connect with the land and realize that the national park was theirs to enjoy and protect was a defining moment. It reminded me that one act of service can grow into something much bigger.

Why do you think it’s important to continue being active as an Alumni Fellow, especially in today’s landscape?

I believe there is immense power that comes from being a member of a community. Belonging to a community, whether organizational or social, is tremendously beneficial during tough times, when one may need to lean on others for support. It also helps leverage the strengths and bonds that unite the community for greater good.

An Alumni Fellow embodies service to their community and advocates for a mindset that combines a willingness to give back with a passion for issues of importance to their community. These qualities are critical to weather rough tides, like those we are in today.

Being among like-minded individuals, such as other Alumni Fellows, boosts morale, harnesses the diverse strengths of the group, and fosters an environment where positive change is actively pursued with the support of peers and allies. This not only uplifts the community we are part of, but it also transcends boundaries through the ripple effects of our actions on those we impact.

“ …when people come together with purpose, they create ripples that reach far beyond what they can see. The power of one isn’t just about individual effort; it’s about how one action, one choice to care, can inspire others to keep building something better — together.”

What did you do as an Alumni Fellow (what kind of projects or activities did you undertake)?

I was actively involved in working with teams within the cohort to create community engagement opportunities for the wider community of California Service Corps Fellows. My team, known as the Social Stewards, aimed to foster a sense of community where social bonds could be forged.

We created a DIY Toolkit Reference to support Alumni in their efforts to organize social pop-up events with other Alumni and piloted a virtual pop-up event with cohort members and California Volunteers Fund staff. It was a great way to connect and share personal stories that helped us bond.

We also developed other communication tools like welcome letters, event calendars and created a structured social media communications model to engage Alumni interested in building social connections within the community.

It was a great way to learn from my peers and also further helped me with building my own leadership skills.

Why should California Service Corps alumni to stay involved in the service community and alumni network?

When it comes to service, I believe in the power of one – one person, one experience, one idea to inspire lasting transformation. [If we each are doing something,] when people come together with purpose, they create ripples that reach far beyond what they can see. The power of one isn’t just about individual effort; it’s about how one action, one choice to care, can inspire others to keep building something better – together.