Huntington student asked to serve in governor’s office
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Huntington, Ind.-Indiana's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives recently chose Huntington University junior Adam Shoemaker to serve as a youth member. Shoemaker will review grant proposals and approve proposals for funding, approve policies which govern the AmeriCorps grants in Indiana as well as support and encourage volunteerism and service throughout Indiana, said Paula Parker-Sawyers, executive director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
"I am studying not-for-profit management, so this seemed like a great way to learn more about non-profit organizations in the state," Shoemaker said. "I hope to educate myself about the organizations in our state that seek to serve others and make contributions to the decision-making process of the board."
Shoemaker, of Sheridan, Ind., serves as the program coordinator for Huntington University's Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service.
"The JMC has helped prepare me for this role by putting me in an administrative position regarding service," Shoemaker said. "This has helped me to see the other side of volunteering. I had done volunteer work before, but being a part of the JMC has helped me to see all that goes into making that work possible and how to go about getting new people involved."
Youth members must be 18 to 25 years-old. Shoemaker's position began Dec. 5 and requires a three-year commitment. Meetings will be held in Indianapolis, and Shoemaker will be required to attend five to six gatherings annually.
After learning about Huntington University and the Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service, a member of the governor's staff contacted Crystal Hippensteel, director of first year students and volunteer service. The staffer requested a recommendation of a Huntington student who could serve as a youth member, and Hippensteel referred Shoemaker.
For more information about the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, visit www.in.gov/ofbci.
