Category: 2024

Dearest RARE Family,

“Never stop learning, never stop growing” is a mantra that I often repeat to myself and share with others during periods of significant change. The ability to embrace the change that constantly surrounds us, especially when change presents a challenge, is something this group of humans knows all too well. Our collective ability to welcome such change, rising to the occasion for the greater good, that makes us who we are – RARE Family.  

In many ways it’s our ability to see change as an opportunity for growth that sets us apart. We know the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward, and that by working together we can make a difference. The RARE AC Program provides our amazing members the opportunity to prove to themselves they can overcome, no matter how big the challenge. Rising to the occasion and proving to ourselves that WE CAN make a difference is what makes the RARE experience so meaningful, special, and is why so many of see our year(s) of service dear.  

If there has been one thing that has been reaffirmed over these last few months, well, it is that so many of us hold this the RARE AC Program dear. To have a shared love of the people and places tied to this Program is something I don’t take lightly. I am forever grateful to have found my fellow movers and shakers, change agents, my tribe… my family 😊. See, for me, it really is all about the people we meet along the way!  

The connections we share are real, genuine, and I will forever hold each of you whom I have gotten to serve alongside dear. I have seen the power of these connections at play at our Year 30 End of Service Retreat where this year’s cohort shared heartfelt reflections regarding their admiration for the cohort; at our 30 Year Alumni Reunion where 80+ individuals gathered to honor the RARE AC Program’s legacy; to Year 31 Orientation and Fall Training where our current members are learning and growing together. Let us never forget about the beauty of building community with likeminded humans who share a purpose. Together we can make a difference! 

As you will see in this edition of our Alumni Newsletter, there has been a lot of change taking place at RARE HQ. We have two new Program Coordinators in place, having welcomed Willow Ryon and Laura Ray to the team over the last 6+ months. Both are already doing great work with much thanks to our previous Program Coordinator, Liz Gronert, for playing a critical role in positioning these two for success. Shoutout to Liz for going above and beyond to make sure the RARE AC Program is set up for success well into the future!  

Lastly, and on a more personal note, I am now a father. I have no doubt that I will be repeating the mantra noted above many times over in the weeks, months, and years ahead – “never stop learning, never stop growing”. It’s been a long time since I have had to personally embrace such immense change. Fortunately, I have a wonderful community of folks supporting my partner and I as we gear up for this big ole life adventure. If there is one thing RARE has taught me over the years, well, it’s that it takes a community 😊.  

In Service,

Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director

RARE Family,

Sure hope this message finds all of you amazing individuals happy and healthy as we gear up for Summer Solstice and all of the wonder that lie ahead. There is never a dull moment here at the RARE AmeriCorps Program and I am personally excited to share a few programmatic updates that speak to the impactful work we are taking on.

I can’t help but start by giving a massive shoutout to this year’s cohort who continue to give their all to create catalytic change in the rural communities we serve. From reinvigorating a farmers market in Dallas, to helping wildfire impacted communities along the McKenzie River corridor recover, to supporting agricultural producers and small businesses who are interested in leveraging renewable energy technologies, this year’s cohort is clearly “getting things done”. For those who are interested in learning more about the impact this year’s cohort is having across rural Oregon, please make sure to check out our Stories from The Field blogpost series.

And just like that, we close in on the end of one service year and gear up for another. I am pleased to announce the RARE Team is currently work through this year’s placement process, all with the hopes of sending 35 passionate and driven individuals out to rural Oregon for a year of service. We have individuals coming from across the country who will be serving rural communities ranging from Enterprise to Bandon, from Lakeview to La Grande, etc. I am beyond excited about what the future has in store and can’t help but express a massive amount of gratitude to the RARE Team for all the love and intention they pour into our annual placement process. It’s clear to me that we are gearing up for another very impactful service year!

Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank all our wonderful alumni for the support that each of you have and continue to provide. It’s the people, our deep relationships, that have always been behind my love for the RARE AmeriCorps Program. Each of you have played a role in helping make this Program be the best it can be for our members and community partners. With that, I am excited to personally invite you to our 30 Year RARE Reunion that we are gearing up to host here in Eugene on August 3rd. As I reflect on my journey with the RARE AmeriCorps Program, the collective impact we have had across rural Oregon, all the wonderful people I have met along the way… it’s clear to me this network has a lot to celebrate!

Onward and Upward,

Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director