Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

April is National Poetry Month


National Poetry Month*
Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month (NPM) is now held every April, when schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, and poets around the country come together to celebrate poetry and its vital importance in American culture.  Thousands of businesses and organizations participate through festivals, readings, workshops, book displays, and various other events.

What is National Poetry Month?
30 Ways to Celebrate NPM
Celebration Highlights

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the following is a poem I wrote.  Enjoy!

MY POETRY

My imagination runs wild,
As I grab a pen and write away.
The emotions linger about,
Pushing me to set it free.
It shall be set free in the words that I write.
It shall be set free in the feelings that I express.
It shall be set free, just by knowing it is mine.
My own thoughts,
My own words,
My own feelings --
That in itself is poetry,
Whether it is liked by others or not;
I know this to be true,
That as long as it is dear to my heart,
It's as special as can be,
And no one can deny that it is poetry!
©mnrivera


*Source: www.poets.org

Friday, April 06, 2012

A Message to All AmeriCorps Alumni


Dear AmeriCorps Alumni:

Each year more than 80,000 Americans, just like you, serve their community and their
country throughAmeriCorps.  Since the program launched in 1994, more than 775,000
Americans have
served as AmeriCorps members. 

Your example of service and leadership is an important catalyst for others to serve and a 
resource for those currently serving in AmeriCorps.  You are a remarkable community of
leaders and we want to help you connect with each other and share your current leadership
experiences. 

Your experience as an AmeriCorps member helping communities tackle some of the toughest 
and most crucial challenges of our time has given you invaluable life and work skills and an understanding that one person can make a difference.  

As an alumni, AmeriCorps can continue to work for you too. We’d like to help you stay 
connected to other individuals who share a common service experience and continue to
highlight
your leadership.  
Please take a moment to:
Thank you for your service – you exemplify what is best about America.  We look forward to connecting you with current members and alumni.

Sincerely,

Rosa Moreno-Mahoney
Acting Director, AmeriCorps