Good Works Indiana Shining the Spotlight: Shannon Burke AmeriCorp*State Member

Shannon was born and raised in St. Louis, MO., and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. She graduated with dual degrees in journalism and political science, and became very interested in public policy and social justice issues. Shannon moved to South Bend, IN, shortly after graduated in May 2007, and found a position with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County as the AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator. The affiliate is on track to build nine houses this year, including their first two-story and have worked with more than 1000 volunteers so far in this build season. Shannon's hobbies and interests include reading, crafts, spending time with her black lab, Bella, rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou Tigers and cooking.

When asked what attracted her to the AmeriCorps program she said that she felt that each person should make time in their life to serve, and she really believed that AmeriCorps was a great opportunity for her to do that. As a recent college graduate, she needed a job and source of income, but knew that she belonged with a nonprofit organization and really felt like her skills and talents would be put to good use as an AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps was attractive to her because the program is a way to serve her country and community while making very tangible and practical differences through service.

What was her most memorable AmeriCorps moment? At her affiliate, she assistedin starting a new build for high school students called Rock the House. She was really involved in many aspects of the build, and the project, it soon felt like her baby.

At the family’s house blessing, it dawned on Shannon that without the work she put in, that family’s dream of home ownership might not have come true. It made her realize that even the tiniest, seemingly insignificant tasks can really add up and make a huge difference for the people served. For her it was a really powerful moment to realize that small acts do make a difference, and although she believed that before that moment, she actually felt it, and that is something that she will take with her.

Starting in September, she'll start another AmeriCorps term with her affiliate as the Community Outreach Assistant. She's also applying to graduate programs in public policy, with plans to matriculate in Fall 2009. She hopes for a career with nonprofit organizations that address social justice and human rights issues.

How does Shannon sum up her AmeriCorps experience? "Challenging, but incredibly rewarding!"

Congrats Shannon!

And keep up the Good Work!