Moment #6: LISC AmeriCorps National Conference

Every year the local LISC AmeriCorps get to meet their fellow colleagues from across the country at the LISC AmeriCorps National Conference. In March 2017, our six full-time AmeriCorps members made the train trek to sunny San Diego to meet 115 of their colleagues, serving at sites across the United States.

Members were able to engage in a poverty simulation, a best practices café of community development topics, affinity groups, and workshops on: cultural competency, mindful leadership, conflict resolution, and Team Building. Members were excited to network with eachother and to realize how similar the issues are in the communities that they are serving in. Los Angeles AmeriCorps members reflected on the unique ability feel a shared-sense of passion and investment to provide opportunities to their neighborhoods.

LISC AmeriCorps members participating in the National AmeriCorps Day of Service in San Diego

The conference culminated with members observing the AmeriCorps National Day of Service and working collectively to support local San Diego nonprofit, Space 4 Art in the Sherman Heights neighborhood. Members worked closely in teams on the vacant lot to remove rubble and activate the space where Space 4 Art will develop a permanent home. The permanent home will feature: 9 artist studios, 21 affordable artist work/live units, 18 affordable work only studios, indoor gallery with adjacent event space, indoor theatre, outdoor amphitheater, and performance areas, outdoor exhibition spaces, community meeting rooms, educational facilities, and a communal rooftop garden.