On Tuesday, October 22, AmeriCorps service members from across Nebraska convened at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Community Engagement Center for the 2024 AmeriCorps Kickoff Conference. The annual event, hosted by ServeNebraska, offered a robust lineup of activities designed to help AmeriCorps members refine their skills, connect with peers, and broaden their understanding of AmeriCorps’ role in supporting communities.
With a welcome from Cathleen Plager, executive director of ServeNebraska, the event began with a keynote presentation on personal branding and communication by Michael Delzotti, president of the University of Nebraska Kearney Markey Cancer Foundation. His interactive session on creating an impactful elevator pitch left members with a polished pitch of their own—a tool for building connections and advancing their work in service.
The conference highlighted a diverse representation of agencies, including Partnership 4 Kids, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, Conservation Nebraska, and Recognizing Increased Skills in Education (RISE), showcasing the range of service fields within AmeriCorps.
College Success Director Emily Wilber expressed appreciation for the exposure to these organizations, saying, “AmeriCorps members from across the state had the opportunity to learn about other organizations doing good in the state in a variety of ways, such as health and wellness, the environment, probation, and program development. The scope of good being done through AmeriCorps service and its lasting impact were recognized and reinforced for participants.”
To deepen their practical knowledge, each AmeriCorps member attended one of three breakout sessions covering topics such as financial management, utilizing the Segal Education Award and life after AmeriCorps, and suicide awareness, which was led by the Kim Foundation.
Following the recitation of the AmeriCorps pledge, an alumni panel provided invaluable perspective, sharing stories that illustrated how AmeriCorps service can shape career paths and open doors. Alumni described how their service years became a stepping stone to meaningful careers, inspiring many attendees.
