Category: 2023

Tidings From Titus | October 2023

Posted on by egronert

Tidings from Titus graphic, featuring a head shot of smiling Titus!

Dearest RARE Family,

Sure hope this message finds each and every one of you amazing humans in the best of spirits. It’s been a little while since you have received one of our newsletters and I am personally excited about the opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and share a few of programmatic updates with you folks!

I can’t help but start by looking back to 2022-23 service year, which offered up another impactful experience for all involved. The list of accomplishments from the 32 current members who served throughout our 29th year of service is extensive. Whether it was launching a digital directory and online marketplace, updating an array of long-range planning documents, supporting small businesses and famers looking to increase use of renewable energy technologies… it’s clear that our members continue to “get things done” for rural Oregon, all while growing personally and professionally throughout the service year. I am proud to say that we continue to hit the mark with our dual mission of providing critical capacity to rural Oregon communities, all while building up the next generation of leaders.

Having been involved with RARE for over 15 years, well, I have watched this program go through a lot of change. Now here we are, having just embarked on our 30th year of service, which we kicked off early September with RARE Orientation. It’s been a wild ride getting to this point, one that has come with many ups and downs, but I truly believe we as a Program are in better place then ever before. We have updated systems, expanded the program, new funding streams in place, developed (and actively apply) an equity lens, work with an array of new statewide partners, and so much more. We have a lot to celebrate and are already looking forward to hosting a 30 Year RARE Reunion in August of 2024… More to come!

Finally, I want to give a massive shout out to my colleague, friend, and all-around amazing human, Victoria Binning, who served as Program Coordinator over the last 3.5 years. It’s all about the people we meet along the way, and I am forever grateful to have gotten to serve rural Oregon alongside that amazing human. You can read more about her next adventure in this month’s newsletter. Wishing Victoria nothing but the best as she opens a new chapter with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Forever honored to be part of this wonderful network!

In Service,

Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director

Tidings from Titus | January 2023

Posted on by egronert

Tidings from Titus graphic, featuring a head shot of smiling Titus!

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