Chicago Health Corps: National Day of Service in Springfield, Illinois

post written by CHC member, Becca M.

Barely awake, raining, cold and dreary Devin, Danielle, Nina, Ayla and I waited at Dunkin Donuts for the official road trip to Springfield to begin. Like a shining star the Karen-mobile opened its doors and we were off into the wild blue yonder to meet up with the rest of the corps at another Dunkin Donuts an hour away. We were then scrambled into new cars and continued on the journey to Springfield. While meeting at 6:00 am to drive in the rain for 4 hours might not sound like fun to some, it is when you are hanging out with your CHC friends. We caught up on the past weeks adventures to Latin America, class sessions, and cooking trials, listened to music, watched movies, and found interesting commonalities: seeing the Nutcracker five times live, attending big 10 schools, similarities to Oprah, liking the pink power-ranger to name a few.

arriving in the gray, cruel morning.
Luckily we have these cuddly AmeriCorps sweatshirts to beat the cold.

We finally arrived at the state’s capitol in the dreary morning and headed to the convention center. There we were greeted by smiling faces handing us AmeriCorps goodie bags, almost as good as the ones Karen gave us that morning filled with snacks. If we were tired before it was hard to remain that way as we were surrounded by over 800 other AmeriCorps members from around the state. It was then that I was reminded of the purpose of the trip, while reconnecting with everyone was fun, we were here being honored and recognized for our service.

CHC Members: Becca, Ayla, Sydney, Lily, and Sana

Check it: the old capitol building.
Quaint, even charming, right?
Wait til you see the replacement. You're gonna flip.

CHC Members: Becca, Devin, Matt, and Nina

Governor Pat Quinn named October 13, 2011, National Service Day to honor and promote service in Illinois. While he could not join us that and other presenters had fallen sick, the news anchors were MC’s for the day and they kept the day flowing for the most part. The Mayor of Springfield talked about the importance of service, we watched videos of AmeriCorps members sharing their story and we listened to a former AmeriCorps member share what she learned in her term of service and teach us asset-based thinking. This was followed by the recognition of each AmeriCorps group specifically, while other groups jumped up eagerly when their name was called, CHC acted cool letting the suspense build after PHIMC was called and we realized this was us. At this time we were also given the opportunity to donate blood, where James let the vampire get him, and he potentially saved the lives of others in need of blood.

James: our local hero, sporting the badge
of courage from his blood donation.

practicing our smiles for
the actual group picture that
happened seconds later.

After the session ended, the march to the capital began. CHC held up the caboose of the train. The parade blocked streets as some admirers who had no idea what was really going on cheered. At the capital we were charged to all work together instead of fight in separate groups for funding. We then got our picture taken as a group. The celebration continued as CHC found a spot on the capitol lawn to reflect, share our unique qualities, and ambitiously plan to meet for dinner.

in the very back of the parade. because we're the cool kids.

After a quick pit stop for some at Starbucks, it was back on the road again for another 4 plus hour drive home. While the day in Springfield might not have been as exciting as we might have expected, it was a wonderful day none the less. I got to spend time with people I truly enjoy spending time with as our friendships continue to strengthen. We were honored and recognized for the hard tasks and difficult things we do. It was a great road-trip and it leaves me looking forward to the next one together.