AmeriCorps VISTAs serve nationally to strengthen local organizations that serve low income communities. At both Turning the Page sites in DC and Chicago, they’re fundamental to bolstering partnerships with parents and school staff and forging long-lasting relationships with local nonprofits, museums, and universities. In fact, VISTAs are a part of almost all aspects of TTP programs, and are the faces behind outreach strategy, child mentoring activities, field trips, social media, program evaluation, and research.
Here on the TTP blog, VISTAs share a little bit about themselves and their work in their own words!
Name: Jordan Richardson
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Hats I wear at TTP: I’m in charge of coordinating author visits for our Community Nights and this year’s book drive efforts. I’m also one of the VISTA leads at LEARN Romano-Butler Charter School.
Why I chose a year with AmeriCorps VISTA: I chose to serve a year with AmeriCorps because I wanted to spend my gap year between undergraduate and graduate school doing something meaningful and impactful in other people’s lives. Also, I wanted to get out of Texas for a time and experience life elsewhere.
Most interesting aspect of my service with TTP: I enjoy working and engaging with parents the most. One of my favorite parts is when parents realize how much potential and change they can make within their own communities and schools. Helping others realize their greatness has been one of the best parts of my service at TTP.