The Spirit of Service

By Deanna Miller (she/her)

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States dedicate their time to making their communities a better place. What they receive in return is a modest living stipend and a few other benefits that seem inconsequential. They volunteer anywhere from twenty to forty plus hours a week in public schools, outdoor spaces, government offices, and non-profit locations- to name a few. Some of these people work abroad in small communities who benefit from their dedication to service. You would be hard pressed to find two of these people who end up having the same experience since each position can be interpreted differently depending on who is in it. The jobs can be overwhelming at times, but these workers are bonded by their significance in their communities, a commitment of a few months or a few years, and the spirit of service. These people are your local AmeriCorps members and Peace Corps Volunteers.

When I was growing up, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. My love for animals and the outdoors led me to earn my bachelors degree in Environmental Sustainability Studies from Northern Arizona University. This academic path seemed so fitting for me, the once little girl who would bring pictures of endangered species to elementary school and try to convince my colleagues to fight the injustices they faced. That seven year old girl would be shocked to see me, a first generation student, graduate with honors from a program that would help me work towards her goal of saving the world. After years of late teenage angst and self doubt, I enrolled in my first college courses with one goal in mind- applying to the Peace Corps.

It might be surprising to some that the Peace Corps is not a very well known institution among most people I have come across. The name might ring a bell, but most people will not understand the extent of the work done by a volunteer. It has been over 60 years since John F. Kennedy founded the agency, so it might not always be as fresh in people’s minds as it once was. When asked to elaborate, I would always explain that Peace Corps Volunteers are placed in communities around the world to assist in the progress they are making towards sustainable development. Before I could be a part of this progress, I knew I had to first gain the necessary experience.

During my last few semesters at NAU, I was constantly exploring the positions available on the AmeriCorps website. Functioning as a domestic Peace Corps, AmeriCorps members work in their communities to impact sectors including education, environmental stewardship, and public health. I knew that this was the best option for me to prepare for service in the Peace Corps. It was through my searches that I found the open positions at the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation.

I served a full 11 month term as the Lead Naturalist Educator, and I am finishing up a half term as the Curriculum Integration Coordinator. Through these positions, I was able to see the direct impact that AmeriCorps members have on their communities. I was often asked why I worked overtime for a job that pays a living stipend instead of a salary, but that is what service work is. You are a part of a team of people who see more than just a job. You are there to make an impact and leave your community better than when you started. National service is not a normal job, it is much better.

The people in these positions play a very important role in today’s environmental movement. Most of the issues the environment faces today are results of human impacts. To fix a people problem, we need to address the people, and volunteering is the best way to do that. People won’t care about the environment if they do not have a connection with it. Building community by focusing on place based education will forge connections among our next generation of leaders.

It is through TMPF that I was able to start my career in community engagement and sustainable development, and they provided me with the background I needed to apply for my dream position in the Peace Corps. After months of waiting, I have finally received my clearance to serve in Panama as a Community Environmental Conservation Promoter. I will be using everything I learned as an AmeriCorps member to make the most out of this experience for myself and for the people around me.

If you want to make an impact in your community, consider browsing open volunteer opportunities- TMPF has many! If you are in the right place in your life to commit to national service, consider looking into AmeriCorps or Peace Corps positions.

About the Author

Deanna Miller (she/her)

Born and raised in Prescott, Arizona, Deanna was our Lead Naturalist Educator. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Biology, she made the move to Reno to share her passion for environmental education and community service.