By: Dr. Jesse O. Bolinger
I did not know it at the time but when my parents brought home our first Apple Computer when I was three that it would turn out to be a real blessing for me. At the time, I was unaware of the role technology would play in my life. Like most kids, I just liked getting to play games on the computer. During High School, I served on the Iowa 4-H Youth Technology Team and was introduced to advanced programming and enjoyed the opportunity to talk with other young people who had the same interests I did. Problem solving and trouble shooting on computer and networking problems was probably my first real introduction into being of service to others. I had a skill and they had a problem that needed to be solved. That is why VISTA makes so much sense to me.
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) is one of many programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Unlike other National Service programs, VISTA members are unique in that they only serve in communities with poverty issues and only engage in capacity building activities. Capacity building activities are those that create programs and make positive changes within a community.
As a VISTA, I am required to complete whatever projects for my host agency, in my case this is the Decatur County Development Corporation. Additionally, I must meet guidelines set by The Corporation for National and Community Service which is the federal agency that has oversight of AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and other programs. I get to tap into my technology roots through three projects that will assist Decatur County Development in reaching people who live or are interested in Decatur County.
Talk about capacity building! I spent years helping my parents do farm and real estate programs and taught both how to navigate everything from the internet to email.
It feels good to tap into my technology skills again and I am looking forward to seeking ideas and sharing updates with readers. I want to update you on three projects VISTA is working on for our community.
The first project is working on a complete redesign of the Decatur County Development Corporation website. This design should be completed early in 2018 and is anticipated to include many features that allow for easy, navigation by individuals with a variety of special needs. The update will showcase Decatur County to businesses and individuals who want to know more about us, while making the website easier to navigate.
The second project that will be rolled out is an online directory of various resources available in or to Decatur County residence. The resource directory will be available on the Decatur County Development Corporation website and as a mobile application. If all goes as planned the app will be available for both iPhone and Android and should be available early in 2018!
The third project I want Decatur County residents to know about, is the development of an online course entitled Financial and Resource Scarcity and You. This will be available on the Decatur County Development Corporation website early in 2018. The course deals directly with causes and solutions for financial and resource scarcity. I am looking forward to sharing details on the course. Watch for more details in this column.
Over the remainder of my term of service as a VISTA, I encourage anyone who has questions, comments or ideas about how to improve the quality of life in Decatur County to contact me. I enjoy having conversations with individual who wish to share their own personal experience and am always willing to visit with any individual or group. Please feel free to contact me by phone at (641)455-2896 or by e-mail at jbolinger@dcdciowa.org.