When I first came across the job description for the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, I was immediately interested. Upon further research, I fell in love with the mission of GNOFHAC and felt qualified and confident in the position’s responsibilities: social media, web design, and educational outreach via tabling and attending community events. I began the application process right away, which steered me to a different organization entirely — Serve Louisiana, Louisiana’s oldest service organization through the national organization Americorps.

My time thus far as GNOFHAC has been invaluable, and I’m only a quarter of the way into my service term. So far, I’ve been able to establish connections with prominent figures and organizations in the community, learned to facilitate Fair Housing trainings, provided fair housing outreach materials to hundreds of individuals, as well as take on long term projects like designing a new website and revamping our social media and blog. I am more than passionate about the work that this organization does, and I am proud to be able to contribute to its mission on a daily basis.

In addition to the experience so far at my placement, Serve Louisiana has also contributed to my professional growth by providing professional development summits, trainings, and access to conferences through connections that I wouldn’t have been able to make alone. Our monthly member meetings allow corps members to put into practice their skills in facilitation, event planning, and networking, and the entire corps provides a network of various organizations and circles that individual organizations may not have access to.

My service at GNOFHAC has been a glimpse into my dream job, and has helped me in designing a vision for my professional future. I love Fair Housing work and contributing to my community full time, and am excited to see what the rest of the service year brings.

GNOFHAC is currently looking for a Community Engagement Coordinator to serve with us through Serve Louisiana for a ½ year term beginning on February 1st. Corps members receive a living allowance and educational award at the end of their term. For more information or to apply, visit www.servelouisiana.org.