In closing on our celebration of 30 years of AmeriCorps, we’d like to highlight some of our own Volunteer NH board members who have used their experience and service to make the Granite State a better place. Read about how Greg Lange, a former AmeriCorps VISTA member, first fell in love with contributing positively to his communities and how he continues to keep in touch with his service roots as a VNH board member.
Q: Why did you join AmeriCorps?
A: I recall writing in my application in the AmeriCorps portal something along the lines of, “after working for a few years in a business setting after graduating college, I’m looking for a new opportunity where the end goal isn’t just growing the bottom line.”
I think I really developed the sense, during that post-college time frame, that I wanted my work to contribute to positive outcomes in a community. I had started to think more about the longer term and wanting to work in the nonprofit or public sector; I saw AmeriCorps service as a great chance to get my foot in the door.
Q: What has your post-service education and career pathway looked like?
A: After completing my service as a VISTA and then VISTA Leader at Families in Transition, I joined the Derryfield School community as a member of the Philanthropy & Engagement team, where I have worked since, managing a number of our community events both on- and off-campus each year, producing digital media content, and working with students in various capacities as an advisor and coach.
Utilizing my Segal Education Awards (for two VISTA terms) plus with assistance from Derryfield, I worked toward my Master’s in Public Administration from the UNH Carsey School of Public Policy, graduating in 2022.
Q: What was most helpful to you when you left AmeriCorps and made the next steps to begin your career?
A: I think the community and professional connections I made during my service had some of the greatest impact on my next steps post-AmeriCorps. Derryfield student groups would (and still do) volunteer at FIT and so there was a level of familiarity that I had with the school that allowed me to make an easier connection with staff and those involved in the hiring process.
Additionally, and I recognize that not every organization may be like this, the culture at FIT with regards to the VISTAs who served there was one of offering numerous opportunities to try new things, work on different projects, and get involved in areas of the organization you may not have expected when you began your service. But being a part of a team and organization that was willing to trust you and allow you to branch out made a huge difference in my professional development and growth.
Q: Why are you passionate about service?
A: I have a passion for service because I believe in the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone and in the positive impact an individual’s efforts can have on improving their larger community.
Q: How do you stay connected to national service? And how does this tie into your work as a board member at Volunteer NH?
A: Honestly, my time as a board member at VNH has served as my primary connection to National Service. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the group responsible for stewarding and advocating for national service in our state and striving to make the changes needed so that all who want to serve have the capability to do so.
Q: Can you tell us about the best moment in national service you’ve ever had?
A: I think the most memorable moments from my time as a VISTA always came out of the statewide service days, because it truly gave you a sense of the impact all of us had in areas around New Hampshire, and provided you with the chance to bond over shared experiences with someone serving in the North Country, Seacoast, or Upper Valley.
Q: What would you say to other people who want to get involved with helping their communities, but don’t know how to start or feel like they can’t?
A: One piece of advice I’d share is that you don’t have to start big and contribute oversized amounts of your time, talent, or treasure. It is perfectly acceptable to start small, be it by volunteering at an organization for 2 hours once a month, to going out and picking up trash in your neighborhood once a week, to donating 10 dollars. Every act, every gift makes an impact and may inspire others to serve or give alongside you. We are all super busy and have our own hobbies, families, jobs, etc.; there is no shame in being able to “do less” than someone else or in wanting to protect your free time or funds; every little bit makes a difference.