Rep. Snyder: Sacrifice, commitment and love of country define character of those who answer call to serve

That’s one of the definitions of “corps.” And it’s one we all certainly instinctively understand, but I personally benefited from being reminded of this broader definition by Rep. John Snyder during his inspiring talk to Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County’s newest cohort of AmeriCorps members before conducting their swearing in.

It was an honor to host Snyder, who knows well the more commonly recognized definition of “corps,” as he served in Afghanistan in the U.S. Marine Corps. He drew appropriate parallels in acknowledging each AmeriCorps member’s commitment to their country and community, willingness to face risk in service to others and the significance of what they will achieve by working in unison for a higher calling.

During the earliest days of the covid crisis—even as our clubs closed down—our AmeriCorps members organized, staffed and served tens of thousands of free meals to children and families in need of nourishment. Amid the transition to online learning, our AmeriCorps members got involved, employing important techniques to minimize learning loss for at-risk students struggling with the adjustment.

In 2019, we undertook an effort to place as many AmeriCorps members as possible in area elementary and middle schools to assist students struggling with reading, math and science. Even as the virus slowed our subsequent deployments, our AmeriCorps members achieved great results.

Last school year AmeriCorps helped 135 students at Port Salerno Elementary, 91 percent of whom improved from interim 1 level to interim 4—an excellent improvement. Of the 60 students we helped at JD Parker, 79 percent jumped from interim level 1 to 4.

We now have a good-sized class of 37 AmeriCorps members. Serving for a year in exchange for a modest stipend and college scholarship, each member will take part in our expanded reach. AmeriCorps members will position in all five Martin County middle schools and Hobe Sound Elementary in Hobe Sound, Port Salerno Elementary, JD Parker in Stuart and Warfield Elementary in Indiantown. Members will work closely with all students in need of help, not only those who attend one of our four clubs.

We know that individualized attentiveness makes a difference. It’s not just the investment of time, but its intentional approach that produces quality outcomes. Trust is built, enabling learning and retention. Consistent encouragement is offered along the way, inspiring confidence.

Showing up, day in and day out, giving their best no matter their own concerns, and modeling loyalty and reliability—these virtues often prove as impactful to a child’s ability to learn as the school lessons themselves. As a unit functioning as one corps, each mentor is helping a child triumph over adversity in their own battles, training them in the skills necessary to lead an overcoming life.

And it all begins with the AmeriCorps pledge. Asking them to raise their right hand, Snyder started off and members followed, their promise resounding throughout the room.

“I will get things done for America. To make our people safer, 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.”