Dearest RARE Family,
I can’t help but start by wishing each and everyone of you the best as we all get moving and grooving with 2023! It remains an honor to be affiliated with such an amazing network of individuals who are dedicated to making positive change happen across Oregon and the country as a whole. It’s this network, those whom I have met along the way, that continue to keep me inspired and motivated to make sure the RARE AmeriCorps Program is doing the best we can be for our members, host sites, alums, and the communities we serve.
It’s amazing to think we are already through the most challenging stage of the 2022-23 service year. We are just over 4-months in, and our members are settled, trained up, and positioned for success. As you might recall, it’s those first few months of service that tend to be the most challenging; to be expected when you pick up everything and move to a new community. Our 32 members have risen to the occasion every step of the way, illustrating grit, tenacity, and an unbelievable willingness to “get things done” for rural Oregon. I am grateful to be surrounded by such a passionate and driven cohort.
The last few months have also come with a good bit of change here at RARE HQ. We wished our previous Program Assistant, Kate Coenen, a hardy farewell at the end of October. Kate was a wonderful addition to our team, and we truly wish her the best as she opens a new chapter. After a few months of that positioned being vacated (thank to Julie Foster for stepping up!), I am proud to announce that we have hired Ken Ward as our new Program Assistant. Ken comes to us with a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Oregon and several years of experience within the software development arena. In addition, he is a 2x AmeriCorps Alum, bringing a strong passion for service to the table. We already feel like Ken is a stellar fit for the job at hand and are extremely excited to have him on the team.
Lastly, I can’t help but note that recruitment season is somehow upon us once again! If there is one thing I know, well, it’s that word of mouth remains to be our best method of recruitment. With that, I can’t help but ask a favor to all who are reading this newsletter! Please help us spread the good word by reaching out to prospective members who might be interested in the life changing experience that is truly unique to serving rural via the RARE AmeriCorps Program. Share a copy of our flyer, pass along the link to our website, share a social media post, etc. Every little bit helps ensure continue to have topnotch members serving our rural community partners!
In Service,
Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director