Public Allies core value: Collaboration

We believe in the strength of the collective and we build consensus and empower each other to achieve common goals.

It takes a village to raise a child. As the Human Resource Staffing Coordinator (and later, the Volunteer Coordinator) for Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, I realized that it really does take a village to raise a child. There is strength in the collective power of partnerships and teamwork. Above all, I learned that crisis, obstacles and challenges are all areas of opportunity. All are blessings in disguise. It is what happens in times of crisis that leadership, collaboration and partnerships come together to create something magical and positive in the hearts of all those affected – in this case, the children of Arizona. In terms of Public Allies, everyone leads to help create a just and equitable society for each other. However, the children are the great futures that we must never allow to suffer alone. That is why it takes a village to raise a child. We cannot do it alone.

During the Arizona teachers strike, my organization was hit hard. What seemed like a small walkout turned into a statewide political movement that trickled down into localities, especially those in youth development and education – of which Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale is all about. The kids had nowhere to go during the walkout. What happened was beyond what I had imagined. It is one…

Thinking back, I had no idea where I was in life or where I wanted to be. I only knew I wanted to be in the nonprofit sector; I knew wanted to help. I have always known that to be my purpose. How I was going to get there and do my life’s purpose was up for debate. That is when I discovered Public Allies Arizona.

They took a single mother of two, who was pretty much stuck in life doing the bare minimum, and believed in me. They gave me a chance to express my talents and gifts in order to better serve the community.  They also allowed me the opportunity to connect with my purpose. I am here to help others find a way out of no way. 

Throughout all the trainings, workshops and countless social engagements, I started to remember who I was and what I brought to the “equation called life.” I brought hope that you too can dig deep and grasp anything your heart desires, anything you reach to seek no matter the situation. I realized you do not have to let your circumstances define you.

This is the mindset I chose to keep during the 10-month program. While serving at my placement, I filled my purpose by contributing to a cause.

I never want to take this experience for granted. I learned so much along the way and will carry this information with me forever.  Coming into Public Allies, I was just a stay-at-home mom; entering…

Through Public Allies Arizona, I was placed at AZCEND as the Family Resource Center Coordinator. AZCEND is a one-stop-shop for families in the Chandler/Gilbert community. AZCEND offers food boxes through their Food Bank, rent and utility assistance though the Community Action Program (CAP), and senior programs through the Chandler Senior Center and the Gilbert Community Center. In addition, they offer case management for homeless clients in the Interfaith Home Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP). At AZCEND, they aim to change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community.

Within the Family Resource Center parenting workshops, early literacy programs, Giggles, Squiggles and Squirms (G.S.S,) child watch, and community health are offered. I set up and coordinated parenting workshops, helped with G.S.S, and assisted with child watch. In addition, I attended networking and community events to do outreach for our programs.

My biggest accomplishment with my FRC team was Operation Santa. Operation Santa is an annual Christmas gift assistance program. In 2017, AZCEND provided Christmas gifts for over 480 children. Anyone can get involved with Operation Santa. Donors assist with ‘Adopt a Family’ program, donations of new…

I began working with Public Allies in the summer of 2017, just after graduating high school. A close friend of mine was already participating in the program and I admired how she was taking control of her life. I applied because I wished for a similar experience.

After the interview process, I was placed at the Arizona Commission for Post-Secondary Education (ACPE), which ironically, was my least desired match. The ACPE was my least favorite organization choice because it was out of my comfort zone. I prefer hands-on work; I did not want to work at a computer all day. However, I joined Public Allies to further develop my professional “real-world” skills; so inevitably, I was placed at the ACPE. My position title was College and Career Goal Arizona Communications and Volunteer Specialist. My roles included supporting the College and Career Goal Arizona (C2GA) programs as well as assisting the other in-house programs.

The College and Career Goal Arizona campaign was three-fold in its approach of supporting the post-secondary experience. The first step in this initiative is the Arizona College Application Campaign (AzCAC) which focuses on ensuring all eligible students complete and submit at least one postsecondary application during their high schools college application event. The second initiative is College Goal FAF$A (CGF), which supports students and families as…

After graduating college and moving to Arizona, I was unsure of what path to take in life. I knew I wanted to continue my education but I was not ready to be back in the classroom setting, I wanted real-life experience. In my search for continued learning, Public Allies quickly became an appealing way to continue my personal growth. Going into the program, I had a general idea of where I wanted to go in my career but was unsure how to accomplish my goals. I felt as though I needed more professional and personal development to become a more effective community leader and social worker in my future. Public Allies helped me accomplish this.

Throughout the placement process, I was introduced to Arizona Foundation for the Handicapped (AFH) and immediately knew that it was the type of organization I wanted to work for. I have always been interested in working with individuals with special needs and AFH provided me the opportunity to serve a population I am passionate about. During my time at AFH, I learned so many important lessons from members. They taught me about positivity, friendship, hard work and countless other lessons.

As a community engagement coordinator, I developed a volunteer program and worked toward building community knowledge about AFH and its programs. While all aspects of my positions were exciting and challenged me to reach beyond what I believed I was capable of, by…