Greetings Everyone!
An exciting week this past week at NJYC of Phillipsburg! We began a new cohort and the energy at the YC building is infectious (I know, terrible choice of words). Being back as close to “normal” as we have been in the past year is invigorating, and the timing could not be more serendipitous to our program or our partners.
We celebrated three of our Graduates last week: Kai W., Matthew M., and Gavin W.. Obtaining your High School Equivalency isn’t something that is easy - especially during a pandemic. With testing centers all around us closed, NJYC of Phillipsburg staff got creative and created a space for CM’s to utilize the HiSET at-home version of the test, and in no time at all - these three young men were able to pass the needed sections to obtain their diploma. Join us in congratulating them!
Work wrapped up in Walters Park at the pavilion. Phillipsburg Parks & Recreation asked us to help them remove the fixed concrete and wood benches and tables under the pavilion here in Walters Park to make way for improvements to a newer paved surface and new picnic tables. Crews have worked on and off over the past month, trudging through the snow to get to the job site, and we finished on schedule. Tough work, but satisfying to get completed!
NJYC of Phillipsburg staff attended The Corps Network’s National Conference this past week. Traditionally held in Washington DC in February- this year’s event was all virtual. TCN did an amazing job to bring the energy, enthusiasm, and excitement that the in-person conference provides! With speeches from the Corpsmembers of the Year, to learning best practices from some of the most dynamic Corps Programs all across America, to hearing from the White House on new initiatives to develop a Civilian Climate Corps - it’s safe to say we all came away feeling energized and focused.
The Closing Session of the Conference was titled ‘Walking With Purpose’ a presentation by Paul Schmitz, CEO at Leading Inside Out, LLC. Paul is a member of The Corps Network Board of Directors and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Corps Movement. In his presentation, which talked about mindful leadership he spoke on the difference between asset-based language and deficit-based language, how if affects our community building and problem-solving, and how self-knowledge in your leadership style can be one of the biggest assets you can bring to the table. He says ‘if we are confident about what we bring and humble about what we don’t - that’s the magic of leadership - that’s the sweet spot.” These words will sit with me for a while (along with everything else he spoke about) - but don’t take my word for it, you can listen to his presentation here, it’s fantastic.
Today, we’ll induct another eleven CM’s into the NJYC of Phillipsburg Family. They’ll begin taking the first few steps toward obtaining their education, serving their community, and developing a path to their future in the #CorpsNewEra. Lets wish them well, and remind them to ‘Walk with Purpose’.
More next week - until then, stay safe - be well!
Michael