Central Arkansas Library System Presents Americorps Week Celebration

Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) AmeriCorps members will participate in National AmeriCorps Week (March 7-13) by breaking ground on a community garden at Millie Brooks MicroLibrary, 13024 Highway 365, Wrightsville. The service project will take place Thursday, March 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Volunteer registration link is below.

Each year, community members, along with AmeriCorps members across the country, join with local organizations to celebrate AmeriCorps and national service members in their communities.

According to Megan Bellfield, AmeriCorps Vista USDA Meal Specialist working with Be Mighty Little Rock, the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity for service members to think creatively in order to engage the community.

“In times like this, the internet becomes an extremely useful resource,” said Bellfield. “Social media has allowed me to directly reach the community without losing engagement. Virtual food demonstrations, promoting nutrition education, and building new partnerships have been a major part of my service.”

Farm Corps members will assist volunteers in constructing four raised garden beds at Millie Brooks. Lunch will be provided at noon with a Cooking Matters nutrition education lesson facilitated by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

The week-long celebration is sponsored by EngageAR. EngageAR has invested $6,305 in seven service projects across the state for this year’s AmeriCorps Week celebration. Project focus areas range from addressing food insecurity, partnering with municipal leaders, getting communities involved in serving their neighbors and supporting essential workers. This year, EngageAR is celebrating national service members through their “Faces of Service” social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram. Follow along during AmeriCorps week using the hashtag #FacesOfServiceAR.

Register to Volunteer

About EngageAR

The mission of EngageAR is to foster a culture of service to strengthen communities and solve local problems. In addition to managing the State AmeriCorps sub-grant program, the office works to build collaboration across federal and state agencies, community-based organizations, and national service programs to improve lives and strengthen communities. For further information about EngageAR, please visit https://www.volunteerar.org/about-us.