Meet Ohio’s ServeNext Organizer

Why did you want to become a ServeNext Organizer? Nicole Schmidt

I saw the benefits of National Service first hand during my two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA. I believe that National Service plays a vital role in meeting the needs of our communities and also raising up future leaders who love our country.

How do you think the work you will do as a ServeNext Organizer will be valuable to the national service movement as a whole and for your local national service community as well?

One of my passions in life is to educate people about the great work being done by National Service members. I feel that once more people become aware of the benefits of National Service we will have such a strong circle of protection around these important programs. Once people have the facts, they realize these programs are worth fighting for!

What 1-2 major things do you hope to accomplish as an Organizer?

I hope to build an awareness of the great work being done by National Service Members across Ohio and to make sure our members of Congress are well aware of the importance of National Service as a solution to local challenges.

What do you see as the biggest threat to the national service movement today? 

I feel the biggest threat to national service is the lack of education. Our members of Congress need to hear more about the important work being done by ordinary people serving their country in extraordinary ways!! I believe the programs funded by the National Corporation for Community Service speak for themselves. They are cost effective solutions to some of our country’s biggest challenges. Now is not the time to be talking about cutting programs like AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps---there is too much at stake for our country.

How can other people help?

Get involved. Check out our website at www.servicenation.org. Call your member of Congress and let them know these programs are important to you! If you are a former National Service member---speak up! We want to hear about your service and how it impacted your life and your community! Your stories have an impact.

Nicole can be reached by email at nschmidt@servenext.org or by phone at 567-224-7113.
Please also take some time to meet the rest of our 2012 organizers.