Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Kelli Beavers

Kelli Beavers, from Flushing, Mich., is a member of Cedar 6 in NCCC’s Class 19. She arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start her 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Cedar 6 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.

“I chose to do a year of service because I have always desired to dedicate my time and my resources to helping people and bettering our communities,” Kelli said. “I also chose to do this as a way to find perspective regarding my passions and finding where I would like to begin a career.”

Kelli brings several skills with her to NCCC, which help her be successful throughout her term with the program. She has an ability to connect and bond with all people. She also has experience in using that ability for public outreach.

Prior to joining NCCC, Kelli was an organizing intern for Organizing for America. She graduated from Michigan State University in December of 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.  She also graduated from Hill-McCloy High School in 2008. After finishing the program, Kelli plans to return to Michigan and continue service work to better her local community. She also plans to return to graduate school within a few years to receive a Master's degree in political science.

Kelli was strongly influenced by her time as an organizing intern at Organizing for America. “I spent my time as an organizer on the Michigan State University campus where I registered voters, recruited volunteers, did voter outreach, and worked with student organizations,” she said. “It was this work, especially the voter registration, that made me realize the importance of public service and involvement.”

Cedar 6 recently finished a service project that ran from October 18 to November 2 with YMCA Camp Wapsie in Coggon, Iowa. The team made facility upgrades to the camp. They concentrated on staining the main lodge, building low challenge course initiatives and clearing storm debris from a trail.