A message from Stacy Bayton, Executive Director, CASY-MSCCN

Volunteer work can play a vital role in your resume. This is especially important in the last few years as the unemployment rate has stayed relatively high which increases competition in the job market. Volunteer opportunities can help by providing current work experience during times that an individual is not able to work in their industry. Volunteer work can also provide additional training opportunities that help job seekers expand skill sets that make them more competitive as they are. That being said, the missing key in most volunteer programs is to ensure that the opportunity is beneficial for the person giving so lovingly of their time.

CASY and MSCCN are always searching for new ways to expand their volunteer programs and offer their military-affiliated job seekers new opportunities to expand experience and skill sets. In 2011, the CASY and MSCCN overhauled their volunteer programs to create the CASY-MSCCN Career Corps program, took volunteer to a career level, and expanded training opportunities for all Career Corps members. In a continued effort to expand these opportunities, the organizations have developed a relationship with the American Legion in 2012 to add two paid fellowship positions for military-affiliated individuals under The American Legion Auxiliary Service to Corps VISTA program(ALA VISTA program). Details of our intern award are unfolding, so please check back with our website for full details and progress reports.