Blog

True North AmeriCorps members did truly amazing things over the last year. Individuals from all walks of life and a full range of experiences joined together to make a difference in our community. None of us could have anticipated the challenges a global pandemic would bring to this program year. When faced with unprecedented adversity,

Serving with AmeriCorps is a special way to support your community. One that is selfless and requires one to think of others and live modestly. Most individuals who choose to serve fulfill their contract and move on to other things. It takes a dedicated individual to sign on for an a second term, a truly

National and Community Service programs, such as True North AmeriCorps, facilitated by the Duluth Area Family YMCA, address issues that impact Northeastern Minnesota’s citizens. While the Northland is rich in green spaces, lakes, good people, and opportunity, too many of our neighbors face obstacles that disrupt their quality of life. Children are especially vulnerable to

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which people understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. True North AmeriCorps is excited to increase focus on social emotional learning skills in the new program cycle starting August

  In this time of “virtual communication” many adults have turned to applications like Zoom and Google Hangouts. These are great tools for holding meetings or conference calls, and are finally starting to feel a little less awkward than they did a month ago. While Zoom and Google are great, it seems that the youth

“This is what we do in Duluth. We show up for each other!” — Mayor Emily Larson On April 7, 2020 over 75 people gathered for a virtual celebration of National Service Recognition Day in Duluth. This annual event typically takes place within City Halls across the county. Due to the widespread stay-at-home orders caused

AmeriCorps members across the county are stepping up to provide relief in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. With guidance from the Corporation for National and Community Service and Serve Minnesota, we’ve been able to provide our members with a variety of opportunities to safely get involved. True North AmeriCorps Members are tackling new challenges:

True North AmeriCorps members change lives. Below, members are participating in The Brain Architecture Game. Created by Harvard Educators and facilitated locally by Superior Middle School faculty, this hands-on activity shows the impact early childhood trauma (poverty, parental instability, abuse) AND positive experiences (caring adults, emotional support, consistency) on brain development. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Laura, our True North member at the Little Y, has the youth at her site getting ready to revamp the community garden! As part of their Global Youth Service Day project, the kids have been busy planning out what vegetables they want to plant this year, taking down the old fence to build a new