CPCS News Archive

July-August 2005

From the UMASS Boston Special Commencement Issue, Volume 9, Number 2, Summer 2005:

More Outstanding New Alumni

Service Connections - The E-Newsletter of the Massachusetts Campus Compact   August 15, 2005
The Joshua Project
Michael Gallerani, an AmeriCorps member with Scholarships for Service, an AmeriCorps Education Award Only program run by MACC.

“Two hands - one black and one white - one helping the other over the wall. Doesn’t matter which one is which.” Calvin Johnson

My AmeriCorps experience came at a time in my life when I was at a personal crossroads. At no time in my life was I confronted with such a great deal of personal change; I found the lens through which I saw myself and the world around me changing so rapidly.

I found the resolve deep within to return to school when most my age (51) are on the golf course, the decision gave me the courage to stretch who and what I am. The opportunity to participate in AmeriCorps gave me a chance to bring my new college experience beyond the class room. Although we always have that spark within, I knew that I was no longer a young man who would enjoy the things of that my much younger classmates would.

I chose my AmeriCorps project from many that were suggested when I approached the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) with my idea to do something that would utilize my abilities beyond the typical community service. I am a professional economic and community development practitioner. There were issues surrounding my fears and personal beliefs that needed to be confronted. The experience helped me in my journey of self discovery, there I was able to learn things about myself and may have found a future professional path. Until now I was complacent and satisfied applying my skills in suburban settings and would be satisfied when a project came together that would improve the physical nature of the community, create jobs for locals and wealth for developers and investors. AmeriCorps opened my eyes and mind to other possibilities.

The title The Joshua Project of the project reflects the biblical reference to blowing down of walls. In this case the “walls” (perception and image, race differences, hopelessness, making a difference, of challenge, of caring and of giving) are those surrounding a community in the inner city.

A team of UMass Boston/College of Public and Community Service students served to bring the project to reality and completion. They researched current programs that target the youth of the Bowdoin Geneva neighborhood and surveyed local businesses to determine their interest in being part of a pro-active effort to reduce crime, mentor young people and support the goals and ambitions of the young Dorchester residents that will be leaders in and the fabric of the City of Boston during the coming years.

The Joshua Project brought forward a strategic plan – YES! Youth Empowerment Strategy - that is intended to bring together the resources available to families and local businesses in a manner that is efficient and that can provide benefits to the neighborhood, its residents and the people that shop and visit an important part of Boston.

As I move beyond this experience, I find that I have stretched professionally and personally. When AmeriCorps was created by President Bill Clinton I am sure that this is what he hoped, that Americans of all ages, races, ethnic and cultures would look around and help others who share our path.