Americorps bound

sunrise:  6:07

This was one of those mornings when the promising light of pre-dawn out the window makes me rush to get outside.

A. called last night with great news - she was offered a job at her top choice Americorps program in Colorado, starting in the fall.  If you haven't heard of it, Americorps is similar to the Peace Corps, but all of its programs are within the US.  Volunteers spend a year teaching, working in clinics or doing community service work of some kind. 

I went to the website, which is mediocre at best, but the concept is terrific.  I found this "Americorps Pledge" on one page, which struck me as a wonderful mantra for young people moving into the world of adult responsibilities:

I will get things done for America -

to make our people safer,

smarter, and healthier.

I will bring Americans together

to strengthen our communities.

Faced with apathy,

I will take action.

Faced with conflict,

I will seek common ground.

Faced with adversity,

I will persevere.

I will carry this commitment

with me this year and beyond.

I am an AmeriCorps member,

and I will get things done.

It wouldn't be a bad idea for every 18 to 25 year old in the country to spend a year devoted to service.  What are we all here for, if not to help make the world a better place?  

I hope this turns out to be a valuable experience for my daughter and for everyone who crosses her path (I'm pretty confidant of the latter).