1. “I will carry this commitment with me, this year and beyond.” AmeriCorps Citizenship Training Presented by Clare Phillips Baltimore Site Director, Notre Dame – AmeriCorps Baltimore: EIC Team Spring 2005 ______________________________________ 403 Markland Avenue ● Baltimore, MD 21212 410 – 532 – 6864 x20 ● cphillips@ndmva.org

2. Objectives Explore the idea of the “American Dream” Explore the idea of the “American Dream” Revisit America’s history Revisit America’s history What does it mean to be an active citizen? What does it mean to be an active citizen? How can I become engaged in my community? How can I become engaged in my community? How can I carry my AmeriCorps commitment with me, this year and beyond? How can I carry my AmeriCorps commitment with me, this year and beyond?

3. What does the phrase, “The American Dream,” mean to you? Is living “The American Dream” possible?

4. The Declaration of Independence Written in 1776 Written in 1776 Created by the 13 original colonies Created by the 13 original colonies Composed as a statement of freedom Composed as a statement of freedom Framework for America’s government and cultural structure Framework for America’s government and cultural structure Laid the groundwork for the Constitution Laid the groundwork for the Constitution Photo from: http://stockholm.usembassy.gov/usflag/images/dunlap.jpg

5. A Place at the Table: Struggles for Equality in America Created by the Southern Poverty Law Center Created by the Southern Poverty Law Center A Project under the Teaching Tolerance Program A Project under the Teaching Tolerance Program Focuses on the history of America by exploring the cultures and identities that have helped to create it Focuses on the history of America by exploring the cultures and identities that have helped to create it

6. Why is it important for these people to tell their stories? Is there anyone in the movie with whose story you most identify? What challenges still face our nation in making the American Dream possible for everyone?

7. Citizenship 3 Main Functions Civics: Government and the service it delivers Civics: Government and the service it delivers Community Service Volunteers: Citizens who serve in their communities Community Service Volunteers: Citizens who serve in their communities Paid Public Service: Citizens who are paid for providing public service Paid Public Service: Citizens who are paid for providing public service

8. Personal Mission Statement Adapted from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey While it’s true that all things are created twice, not all first creations are by conscious design. If we do not develop our own self-knowledge and become responsible for our first creations, other people or circumstances will shape our choices for us. “ ”

9. My Personal Mission Statement “The Blueprint” In what ways was I civically engaged before joining AmeriCorps? In what ways was I civically engaged before joining AmeriCorps? How have my community/global interests changed? How have my community/global interests changed? What will I do to continue with my civic engagement? What will I do to continue with my civic engagement?

10. The AmeriCorps Pledge I will get things done for America – to make our people safe, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me, this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.”

11. Resources  A Place at the Table: Struggles for Equality in America. Hudson and Houston. Teaching Tolerance, 2000.  Corporation for National and Community Service. By The People: A Facilitator’s Guide. Washington: CHP International, August 2001.