Hanna Haggarty is an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving in Blue Earth. SMIF recruits, connects and matches members to site service partner positions in our region. Hanna recently shared some of her experiences with us. Above photo: REV community event in Blue Earth. Hanna is seated fourth from the left.
Where are you from?
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Where do you serve?
I technically serve with the Blue Earth Economic Development Authority but I also have close working relationships with the City of Blue Earth, the Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV)* group, and the Blue Earth Chamber of Commerce.
Why did you want to serve through AmeriCorps VISTA?
I was unable to complete my Peace Corps service due to Covid-19. I was most drawn to this position because it appeared to be the most similar to what I would have been doing in the Peace Corps. I was in the community and economic development sector of the Peace Corps in Costa Rica because I also speak Spanish. Those are the elements that originally drew me to this AmeriCorps position. Community development, economic development and the opportunity to connect Spanish speakers to the community.
Describe what you do as a VISTA member.
My role has changed a lot since I first arrived in Blue Earth. At first my sole focus was connecting Spanish speakers to resources and the community in general. Since then, my role has expanded to focus on general inclusion and diversity efforts, and a big part of that is defining what that means in a rural setting such as Blue Earth.
A fall festival in Blue Earth which Hanna helped plan and host. A volunteer fair at the festival connected community members with local volunteer opportunities.
A community survey and business visits showed that more residents wanted more welcoming events and programs in town. One thing that came from all the conversations since then is a partnership with Region Nine Development Commission to be a part of their Welcoming Communities Project. This is a seven-month project that begins by completing a readiness assessment that assesses how inclusive different parts of the community are. After that is completed, different community stakeholders will meet virtually with professionals so that they can provide resources and frameworks for how to address and improve different aspects of inclusion.
I also work very, very closely with the Blue Earth REV group, one of SMIF’s economic development programs for small towns. Together we have hosted two different community events. One was an ice cream social to get to know your neighbors and connect with other people in town. The second was a fall festival that had a volunteer fair to connect community members with local volunteer opportunities.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually spend the day in either my office or attending different community meetings and business visits. Every day is different but each day involves conversations about what Blue Earth could be doing to be more welcoming. Some days involve more webinars and virtual meetings and other days I attend community events that build connection and capacity.
VISTA positions are all about building capacity. How are you building capacity in your organization and community?
I have connected Blue Earth to other organizations in the area to partner in different ongoing projects and I have created initiatives and events that will be repeated and continued on into the future. I have also translated numerous city documents and information into Spanish.
What have some of your favorite experiences been so far?
I have had a wonderful time working with all of the people in my community. Everyone has been so kind and open to hearing what I have to say.
What have been some challenges that you have experienced so far and how did you handle them?
Sometimes I participate in some difficult conversations about what diversity and inclusion mean, especially in relation to a rural setting. I handle these conversations by explaining and teaching in a genuine manner to which people can relate to and understand.
How has SMIF supported you throughout your service term?
Blue Earth REV was awarded a $2,500 Small Town Grant through SMIF which helped me create the welcoming initiative and welcome basket program. There are currently 20 welcoming baskets that are filled with an assortment of different local items from retail stores in Blue Earth. Most of the items are small housewarming gifts. The welcome baskets will be given to new homeowners in town as a way to not only welcome them to Blue Earth in a more personal way, but also create connections between new residents and long-standing ones. The baskets will be delivered by either a member of REV or a community ambassador within the neighborhood.
Has AmeriCorps influenced your future plans?
It has opened my eyes to different career possibilities that I had not previously explored. I did not know previously that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was a part of community and economic development and that those things are areas of specialty within the field.
What have you learned about yourself through this service position?
That I am very capable of making a positive difference.
*SMIF’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program helps rural communities create more vibrant economies by finding and supporting local entrepreneurs – from business startups to existing businesses that want to grow. SMIF currently supports 13 REV communities.
Are you interested in a year of service? We are currently recruiting for several AmeriCorps VISTA positions. To learn more click here or contact Barbara Gunderson, AmeriCorps director, at 507-455-3215 or barbarag@smifoundation.org.
