In this episode of the AmeriCorps Connections Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Middleton, a passionate social impact leader whose AmeriCorps service year in 2001 sparked a lifelong journey in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and corporate volunteerism.

Sarah shares how a single year of service shaped her future—from house-parenting at Girls Hope, to launching a global employee volunteer program at PIMCO, to starting her own consultancy, Mission Up. We explore the real-world impact of volunteering, the need to rebrand service as essential—not just "nice," and the importance of building networks and translating service into career momentum.

✨ Plus, Sarah shares exciting details about a hands-on workshop for service-year alums and early career professionals happening May 10th in Orange County!

📢 If you’ve ever wondered how a service year can catapult your personal and professional growth, this episode is for you.
🎧 Hit Subscribe, comment below, and join us in celebrating the power of service.

👉 Learn more about Sarah at: https://www.missionup.co
💼 Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: Sarah Vagley Middleton
🗓️ Want to join the May 10th workshop? Reach out for details!

#AmeriCorpsAlumni #NationalService #SocialImpact #Volunteerism #CareerGrowth

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Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

🌟🌟Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production. Thank you, Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)

{supporters}

In this episode of AmeriCorps Connections, we sit down with Griff Ryan Roberts, an AmeriCorps NCCC, NCCC Leader & VISTA alum, who’s now in his final year of law school. Griff shares the honest, often humorous, and deeply impactful story of how a surprise call from Vinton, Iowa changed his life trajectory—from selling iPhones to becoming a passionate advocate for national service.

We talk about:
🤝Life in NCCC: From 10-person crews to living in church basements
🤝Lessons in leadership as a team leader and unit leader
🤝His shift from direct service to systemic change
🤝The bold proposal he’s working on: A 21st-century GI Bill for civilian service
🤝Why service builds empathy, resilience, and national unity

Don’t forget to subscribe—60% of viewers haven’t, and we need your help getting these inspiring stories out into the world. 💙

🔗 Connect with Griff on LinkedIn
📖 Read his law review article

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
#americorps #americorpsalumni #nationalservice #podcast #communityengagement #CivicLeadership #volunteerism

🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝
Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

🌟🌟Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production. Thank you, Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)

{supporters}

🚀 New Episode! The Legacy & Future of AmeriCorps with Bill Basl 🎙️
Join us for an incredible conversation with AmeriCorps legend Bill Basl, a VISTA alum from 1970 and a pioneer of national service. Bill has shaped service programs at every level—from founding the Washington Service Corps & Veterans Corps to serving as Director of AmeriCorps at the White House.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ The early days of VISTA & lessons from the 1970s
✅ The birth of AmeriCorps & the power of service
✅ How national service can unite communities & inspire the next generation
✅ The vision behind the National Museum & Center for Service
Bill’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and impact. Whether you’re an AmeriCorps alum, a service enthusiast, or just curious about the power of civic engagement—this episode is for you!
📌 Learn more about the National Museum & Center for Service: https://www.nmcfs.org/
There is a current installation at the DC Library - https://www.dclibrary.org/service-everywhere-dc
Exhibit Dates and Locations:
January 9—March 2025: Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library
April 1—June 30, 2025: MLK Library

🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
#americorps #americorpsalumni #nationalservice #podcast #communityengagement #CivicLeadership #volunteerism

🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝
Alumni Connections

• AmeriCorps Alums LinkedIn Group
• AmeriCorps Opportunities
• Schools of National Service - Find an institute that will match/ honor or offer other incentives toward your Segal Education Award -
• Employers of National Service - Find employers who prioritize AmeriCorps Alumni service in their hiring

🤠Shout outs!
🌟🌟Podcast Marketing support provided by Do Good, Be Good - they provide training for AmeriCorps programs and are staffed by AmeriCorps alumni.

🌟🌟Hosting and podcast consultation provided by Producer Dan Metivier of Time or Money Production. Thank you, Dan! (p.s., he's an NCCC AmeriCorps Alumni)

{supporters}