1. Writing a So–So Story of Service G ood S o o - GREAT S !

2. First—what’s the difference between a GREAT story and reflection? See if you can distinguish between the two—on the next couple of pages, click either “Great Story” or “Reflection” Use the red buttons throughout to navigate this tutorial

3. It felt so great to help someone! Great Story Reflection

4. Well, actually... This phrase is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

5. You are RIGHT! This is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

6. With my help, Suzy increased her reading ability by one whole grade level! Great Story Reflection

7. You are RIGHT! This phrase belongs in a Great Story! Next Question, Please!

8. Well, actually... This phrase belongs in a Great Story! Next Question, Please!

9. I believe in the importance of service. Great Story Reflection

10. Well, actually... This phrase is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

11. You are RIGHT! This is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

12. I’ve decided to change my career plans to work in a service field. Great Story Reflection

13. Well, actually... This could be a phrase in a Great Story! Next Question, Please!

14. You are RIGHT! This phrase belongs in a Great Story! Next Question, Please!

15. That little boy always looks so happy when I arrive to tutor him! Great Story Reflection

16. Well, actually... This phrase is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

17. You are RIGHT! This is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

18. Before I started mentoring her, Anna missed school at least once a week. Now that we have mentoring sessions each week, she’s only been absent once in the last month! Great Story Reflection

19. Well, actually... This could be phrase in a Great Story! Next Question, Please!

20. You are RIGHT! This phrase belongs in a Great Story! Next Question, Please!

21. It is important to tell people about the importance of service! Great Story Reflection

22. Well, actually... This phrase is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

23. You are RIGHT! This is a Reflection statement! Next Question, Please!

24. I’ve convinced several friends and family members to apply for AmeriCorps positions. Great Story Reflection

25. Well, actually... This could be a phrase in a Great Story! I get it!

26. You are RIGHT! This phrase belongs in a Great Story! I get it!

27. See the similarities? Reflections tend to be about thoughts and feelings: It felt so great to help someone! I believe in the importance of service. That little boy always looks so happy when I arrive to tutor him! It is important to tell people about the importance of service! And...

28. Great stories are about a change in behavior or attitude. With my help, Suzy increased her reading ability by one whole grade level! I’ve decided to change my career plans to work in a service field. Before I started mentoring her, Anna missed school at least once a week. Now that have mentoring sessions each week, she’s only been absent once in the last month! I’ve recruited several friends and family members to apply for AmeriCorps positions.

29. They aren’t mutually exclusive! Often, you can use a reflection piece as a foundation for a great story Just take it one step further—and look for the impact! What CHANGED? What will others notice? The change can be in you, in a single other person, in a group, or in a community.

30. Why Are Great Stories so CRITICAL? They communicate the impact of AmeriCorps service To funders To legislators To National Service policy-makers To your community and partners They help to educate the public about the necessity of national service

31. And Last, but NOT Least They validate the commitment you have made to improving your community!

32. Every Great Story Must Include Who you are, and where you serve Where and when the story happened Who was involved What happened? What was the IMPACT?

33. Review Your Story Check spelling and grammar—it’s always good to have another set of eyes! Make sure no one’s privacy has been trampled on Be sure you have represented your service accurately—as service, not as a job

34. And When You’re Finished Submit your story to your site supervisor and/or Program Director as you’ve been instructed. Be sure to print a copy for yourself!

35. Let’s Build a Great Story On each page, simply click the correct option for a Great Story—just click right on the paragraph.

36. Hey; my name is Jon, and I work at Americorpse in the Big City! My name is Jon, and I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member for the Literacy First! AmeriCorps Program. I am placed at the Literacy Center of Fort Wayne.

37. Nope! Click here to try again...

39. As part of the staff, I do lots of different activities with kids. The goal of my AmeriCorps program is to increase literacy in children between the ages of kindergarten and 5 th grade.

40. Nope! Click here to try again...

42. At first, the kids were pretty shy, and didn’t really want much to do with me. I’ve been serving for nearly six months. The first few months were spent building trust and getting to know the children.

43. Nope! Click here to try again...

45. Now, it’s really fun, because they are so excited when they see me there! Not only do the children look forward to our time reading together, I’m starting to see some real changes in them.

46. Nope! Click here to try again...

48. Last week, this little tiny first grader came zooming into the room, wrapped his arms around my leg, and wouldn’t let go! I no longer have to cajole them into selecting a book. Many of them come in knowing which book they want to read that day.

49. Nope! Click here to try again...

51. The best part? This morning, that same little boy told me I am his “bestest” friend! Isn’t that cute? One particular child couldn’t even recognize the alphabet when we started reading together. Now, 6 months later, she can say the alphabet, knows the sounds each letter makes, and is starting to sound out short words.

52. Nope! Click here to try again...

54. The Resulting Story: My name is Jon, and I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member for the Literacy First! AmeriCorps Program. I am placed at the Literacy Center of Fort Wayne.The goal of my AmeriCorps program is to increase literacy in children between the ages of kindergarten and 5th grade. I’ve been serving for nearly six months. The first few months were spent building trust and getting to know the children. Not only do the children look forward to our time reading together, I’m starting to see some real changes in them. I no longer have to cajole them into selecting a book. Many of them come in knowing which book they want to read that day. One particular child couldn’t even recognize the alphabet when we started reading together. Now, 6 months later, she can say the alphabet, knows the sounds each letter makes, and is starting to sound out short words.

55. See How Easy It Is? It’s your turn now—think about your service What’s great about it? What deserves to be shared! Please press the Esc key to exit this tutorial.