Building a foundation in leadership through AmeriCorps

By Jalen Rideaux, AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator with Reading Partners Tulsa

Before my AmeriCorps service

Before joining AmeriCorps at Reading Partners, I had recently moved to Tulsa and was adjusting to a new city. During that time, I faced challenges in securing a job locally, which made it difficult to establish a stable routine. Despite the uncertainty, I made ends meet through temporary work and resourcefulness. While challenging, the experience helped me develop resilience and a deeper appreciation for the value of community support, ultimately leading me to the opportunity with Reading Partners.

Why I decided to serve

I first discovered AmeriCorps while at my favorite coffee shop in Tulsa. I noticed a recruitment poster for the program, and while I was somewhat familiar with the concept of AmeriCorps, it hadn’t been widely advertised where I was from. I was actively job hunting at the time and had recently come across USAJobs, a federal job posting site for government positions. Through my research, I learned that AmeriCorps alumni often receive preference for these positions, which piqued my interest. I was seeking the reliability and stability that a government job could offer. Since I knew I would only be in Tulsa briefly, AmeriCorps seemed like an ideal way to gain valuable experience. The program offered foundational benefits that could help springboard me toward my long-term career goals, making it a perfect fit for my needs. 

My AmeriCorps experience with Reading Partners

Serving as an AmeriCorps member with Reading Partners has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From the beginning, I was struck by how welcoming and dedicated the staff is—it’s truly inspiring to see how passionate everyone is about their work. Initially, I served as an AmeriCorps program coordinator, a demanding and challenging role that was also incredibly fulfilling. The experience taught me valuable skills and gave me a sense of accomplishment that I could carry forward. It helped me transition into a position with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which was a great opportunity for my career. After taking a brief break to focus on that role, I returned to Reading Partners and served as an AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator, a position I had initially interviewed for. Over the past several months in this role, I’ve found that it aligns perfectly with the trajectory of my professional career, tying together my experiences and providing a throughline to my early work in multimedia. It’s been a fulfilling journey that has shaped my professional growth and deepened my commitment to serving the community.

Jalen organizing program materials

My favorite thing about being an AmeriCorps member with Reading Partners

The best part about being an AmeriCorps member with Reading Partners has been the opportunity to collaborate with such a passionate and supportive team, both among the Reading Partners staff and fellow AmeriCorps members. I’ve met individuals who share a deep commitment to education and service, which has made the experience all the more fulfilling. Additionally, working with the students has been incredibly rewarding—seeing them grow and succeed, even in small ways, made all the challenges worth it. The role was demanding but pushed me to grow personally and professionally. I developed more decisive leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of community-based work’s impact. Overall, it has been an experience that has shaped me in ways I never expected and has given me invaluable lessons that I’ll carry throughout my career.

Drawing inspiration from students

The students I’ve worked with at Reading Partners have been a memorable part of my experience—each is unique and brings their personality to the table. To be completely honest, their energy and honesty have made me rethink my plans for having children at times! Some students can be more challenging than others, but the moments of growth and connection make my service feel worthwhile. One of the most inspiring stories comes from my time as an AmeriCorps program coordinator, where I worked with a timid student. At the beginning of the year, he was quiet and reserved, often reluctant to engage. But over the year, I watched him grow more confident and expressive. By the end of our time together, he was excited to come to Reading Partners every week, eagerly participating in lessons. Witnessing that transformation and seeing his self-esteem blossom through our work together was one of the most rewarding moments of my service. Those small victories remind me of the impact we can have on students’ lives.

After my AmeriCorps service term

After completing my AmeriCorps service term, I plan to pursue formal training for my new role as a public affairs specialist in the Air National Guard. In addition, I will finish my undergraduate degree in Business Administration at The University of Oklahoma and begin applying to graduate programs to further my education and career. My long-term goal is to continue working in roles that positively impact communities, whether through non-profit organizations, corporate impact initiatives, or local and federal government positions. I plan to leverage the experience and skills I’ve gained with AmeriCorps to further my commitment to public service and contribute to causes that foster meaningful, lasting change. 

My AmeriCorps experience, particularly as an AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator, has prepared me for the next steps in my career. Throughout my service, my supervisors empowered me to take on new projects and responsibilities, allowing me to develop skills that directly apply to my current role as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Air National Guard. For example, I gained hands-on experience in communication and stakeholder management—skills that are essential in public affairs. Additionally, serving with diverse teams, engaging with the community, and navigating complex challenges have enhanced my ability to think strategically and adapt quickly. Overall, my time with AmeriCorps helped me build a strong foundation in leadership, problem-solving, and community engagement, all of which have been invaluable as I transition into my role in the Air National Guard and pursue a career in public service.

Serve with Reading Partners

If you’re considering a year or more of service, I highly recommend it, especially with an organization like Reading Partners. While I can’t speak for all AmeriCorps programs, I can say that the staff at Reading Partners is incredibly dedicated to empowering students and fostering a love of reading. The team is passionate, supportive, and truly invested in making a positive impact in the community, which makes it a fulfilling and motivating environment to serve in. On top of that, AmeriCorps offers a range of great benefits, including a living allowance, educational awards, and professional development opportunities, all of which can help you grow personally and professionally. Serving with AmeriCorps is not only a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, but it’s also an opportunity to gain valuable skills, build a network, and explore potential career paths. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience that can shape your future in ways you might not expect.

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Header photo: Jalen (right) with other AmeriCorps volunteer coordinators serving with Reading Partners Tulsa