LETTERS: AMERICORPS FOSTERS VOLUNTEERISM

To the editor:

As a current AmeriCorps member, I would like to address the viewpoint stated in the May 17 editorial. First of all, when reading the opinion, I noticed many references to the Clinton administration and its involvement in instituting the program. I wonder if the viewpoint stated is a reaction to the program itself, or is it based on a political point of view?

I would like to state my experience with the AmeriCorps program so far. I will start by pointing out that there are two groups in the Southeast Partnership. One group is in Cape Girardeau, and the other group is farther south around Sikeston, East Prairie and Charleston. I am involved in the Cape Girardeau region, and, even though I know the southern members and know of their sites, most of my opinions and experiences are based on the Cape group.

I am a first-year member who started AmeriCorps at the time that several former members were coming forward to make accusations about favoritism and miscalculated hours. I decided to go ahead with the program and rely on my own intelligence to form an opinion. During the very first week of training, it was made very clear that even though the staff would provide us with suggestions and access to gain hours, it was up to us to determine how far we would go. From the very beginning I understood that in order to be successful I had to be a self-starter, dedicated and motivated to make a difference. It was also suggested that we make personal copies of our time sheets. On several occasions we were provided with a chart stating where we stood according to their records, and we were encouraged to bring any discrepancies to their attention. I personally have had no problems with the completion or accounting of my hours. I also have encountered no favoritism.

There are currently 11 members in the Cape group. Three of the 11 are based with Caring Communities and are then placed in the public schools. The other eight are based with programs such as Trail of Tears State Park, Division of Youth Services and the juvenile office. Only one of the 11 members is full-time and eligible to receive health and child-care benefits. The rest of us were hired as part-time members and required to complete a total of 950 hours in order to receive $4,015 as a living allowance and a $2,362 educational award.

I am one of the members placed in a public school. The service that I provide there is don out of an honest desire to help. I tutor up to 20 students a week, most of whom I help to complete a project, study for a test or better understand the day's assignments. A few students require more attention, and I spend many scheduled hours tutoring, mentoring and encouraging them. I fee that I have helped these students understand that they are special and that they have the ability to be successful.

Besides the tutoring, I have also organized and supervised an after-school computer tutoring session. This gives several fourth grade students the basic understanding of computers and computer programs and also provides a jump start to their technological futures. I have also participated in several community projects. I intend to continue with these efforts and to assist in several other projects such as the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program. I feel that I and my fellow AmeriCorps members have put forth much effort and time in helping the community. Therefore, it was a slap in the face to be accused of being involved in a "no-fuss, no-bother" job. I feel that if you look at what we are accomplishing, you will perceive that we are hardworking and a benefit to the programs we are associated with as well as the community.

As far as the closing of AmeriCorps, it was my understanding that the program would have been glad to move south where help is greatly needed, but it could not receive the funding it needed in the short time it was given to decide. It was also my understanding that in the first years of the program there were many problems to be worked out, as there are with any program. I can tell you that in the seven months I have been involved with AmeriCorps we have overcome quite a few problems and, if given time, could have been completely successful. Even though I am saddened by the fact that I will be forced to stop my involvement with AmeriCorps before I am ready to quit, I feel very fortunate that I have gained the skills and experience that will benefit me in my future career. I have also learned the satisfaction that comes with helping others. I plan to devote any spare time I may have to making a difference by volunteering.

OLYMPIA McMACKINS

Cape Girardeau