We live in a challenging time. A time where it can be difficult to find stories about the amazing good that people still accomplish every single day. Because of this, we will be sharing stories of the work our 2016 National Service Alums award winners have done and continue to do.
Our annual National Service Alums awards honor and celebrate one person from each major stream of national service, including AmeriCorps State and National programs, AmeriCorps VISTA programs, National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), and SeniorCorps programs. Each year, we take your submissions and choose one award winner who is then honored at the Serve Illinois Opening Day program in our state capital, Springfield IL.
First up is our interview with Samoane Williams, Program Manager for First Defense Legal Aid. Samoane is an alum of AmeriCorps VISTA, where she served with the same organization. First Defense provides free, 24-hour legal representation to people in Chicago Police custody and educates Chicagoans about how to protect their constitutional rights. Their work strives to promote fairness and accountability in the justice system. Only 1% of arrestees had a lawyer present while in Chicago police custody in 2013, the year before Samoane’s service term, which is why her work was and continues to be so important.
Why did you choose to serve with AmeriCorps? 1) I chose to serve with First Defense Legal Aid (FDLA) because I really believe in the program's work and mission. I was a VISTA Attorney with FDLA'S hotline program in 2014. FDLA's hotline program provides free legal representation for people under investigation by the Chicago Police Department. The hotline was staffed by only three attorneys and heavily depended on volunteers to help provide this service. I was responsible for recruiting a network of volunteer attorneys and law students to help operate the hotline. My year of service was extraordinary. I had the opportunity to be a leader in the organization. I will always cherish that experience.
What are you doing now? 2) I stayed with FDLA after my year of service. My supervisor created a position for me to stay. In 2015, I was hired as a full-time staff attorney and program administrator of the hotline program. I am now the Program Manager of the entire organization. I manage the hotline program and street law program of the organization.
How has your service changed your worldview? 3) My service experience exposed me to the potential horrors of not knowing constitutional rights or how to exercise them. I realized how criminal justice does not guarantee actual justice.
What is something you are especially proud of accomplishing as an AmeriCorps VISTA? 4) My proudest moment as a VISTA was helping the organization's annual fundraiser be a success. I helped to organize the venue, prepare to honor our guests, and raise funds.
What is something you learned during your term of service? 5) I learned that doing valuable work is more important to me than making as much money as possible.
What is something you wish more people knew about AmeriCorps service? 6) I wish more people knew about the great opportunities that can arise from working with the organizations with VISTA programs.
Interested in learning more about First Defense Legal Aid? Check out their website: https://www.first-defense.org/ . Interested in sharing your AmeriCorps or volunteer story? Contact us at americorpsalumschicago@gmail.com.
Sarah Hertsted, Chapter President AmeriCorps Alums Chicago
