Induction = Reverse Graduation

This is the last entry that I will be making under the “CTI” category, because as of 1:00 pm today, CTI is over!!!

The last official morning of this experiment in “training” us to be true NCCC members began with a shocker at breakfast: frost on the grass.  Ice crystals enveloping each blade.  Enough to leave footprints as I walked to the kitchen across from my dorm hall.  Frost is not a new experience for me, but seeing this struck me hard.  It reminded me that even here in California, there is the potential for nights cold enough for winter-esque weather conditions.  Thank goodness I am leaving for Mississippi on Monday.  I need to get further south than I currently am.  I am bound and determined to avoid “winter” as much as I can this year. 

So, naturally, on the first morning of frost we’ve had out here, the first thing we are asked to do is dress in our short-sleeved polos and stand in the middle of an open field for half an hour while a group photo is taken from above.  The ratio was laughable from an organizational standpoint, 500 corps members/ team leaders : 1 photographer with a megaphone.  If nothing else, the end result should be a photograph of an accurate representation of what a mass of like-attired and cold people with the average age of 21 looks like.

Each team then had their pictures taken.  These will be framed and hung inside the administration building as our first legacy in the program.  People seeking out the Director’s office will walk past us and hopefully stop to take a look at all our smiling faces.  Needless to say, I shaved extra nice this morning.

At 10:00, we all were ushered into the theater that is across the street from campus where the official Class XIV Induction Ceremony was held.  It was a nice program that recognized the completion of the first phase of our year and marked the moment when everyone became recognized as full members in the program.  Yes, this was a sort of trial-period for everyone.  Some people find they aren’t willing to accept or live with what the lifestyle calls for.  Other people are asked to leave.  It’s rare that either will happen within the first month, but it does and has happened. 

I’m still here.  I took the pledge this morning.  And each day I find another reason why this was the right choice for me to make.

Speaking of which, I thought I would share with you all the mission statement, pledge, and oath that we are asked to take.  The first two we had to memorize, and we say them repeatedly during CTI, but they sum up nicely the philosophy of the program and I think they will give some insight into why I’m here.  And, they just seem a nice way to give closure to this part of the blog. 

Mission Statement:  “AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps will strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service.”

Induction Oath:  “I, Daniel Nikolits, do solemnly pledge that as a member of the AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps, I will serve as a leader and active citizen of my community and my county and will accept equally the opportunities and responsibilities of citizenship. 

I will support and uphold the mission of AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps to strengthen communities and develop leaders through team-based national and community service and commit to my role as a full participant of the AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps, Sacramento Campus, agreeing to abide by the guidelines established to ensure a healthy and productive community experience for all Corps Members. 

I will participate as a self-governing member of our nation.  I will inform myself about the problems of my community and my country.  And I will work with other citizens to solve those problems.

Further, I agree to continue to serve my country as a leader and citizen, not only through my involvement in the AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps, but throughout my life.  I make this pledge freely and without promise of personal gain.”

Pledge:  “I will get things done for America – to make our people smarter, safer, and healthier.  I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.  Faced with apathy, I will take action.  Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.  Faced with adversity, I will persevere.  I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.  I am an AmeriCorps member and I will GET THINGS DONE!”