People, Places, & Possibilities
Introducing the American Connection Corps (ACC) Substack page!
Welcome to our brand new corner on Substack! We're excited to launch this space, where we'll share stories about how national service is bridging digital divides, connecting individuals, and invigorating communities across America.
This is a bit new for us (long-form blog content), so stick with us as we find our bearings and figure out our cadence on this platform. We always welcome feedback, ideas, and hey - if you want to write a guest blog (stack?), shoot us a note!
To kick things off, and in the spirit of starting fresh in 2025, allow us to reintroduce ourselves…
At the American Connection Corps (ACC), we believe in a simple but powerful truth: where we live shouldn't determine the opportunities that we can access. However, even in 2025, we're seeing communities becoming more isolated from one another, while the gap between who has access to opportunities and who does not keeps growing—all based on where people live. That's where we come in—
We're an AmeriCorps program that's flipping the script on traditional service models. Instead of parachuting Members into unfamiliar communities, we emphasize deep local connection to the places Members serve. Our ACC Members serve in digitally disconnected communities they know and care about, working shoulder-to-shoulder with local partners to expand economic opportunities and bolster social networks.
So, what makes ACC different?
We're challenging the narrative about "brain drain" by supporting people who, for the right opportunity, want to stay, dedicating themselves to hometown service
We're dispelling the idea that service years are just for the privileged few, offering a range of benefits to enrich Members personal lives and professional opportunities
We're building a national network of leaders who bring both empathy and a diverse range of lived experiences to their work
We're connecting people to what matters - whether that's a doctor's visit from their living room, a college class at their kitchen table, or new agricultural technology that makes earning a living easier
As we kick off 2025, our Members are already making waves in communities across America. Every day, these rising leaders connect neighbors, link communities to resources, and open doors to new possibilities.
Through this Substack, we'll share stories from the field and reflections on what it means to advance economy prosperity through genuine connection to place. You'll hear directly from our Members about their listening tours, their breakthrough moments, and their challenges too. Because real change—the kind that transforms communities—isn't always smooth sailing, but it's always worth it.
Here's what we’re aiming to bring you in this corner of the internet:
Updates from our Members as they serve in the field
Conversations about what it means to serve a community one calls home
Deep dives into the range of economic and social opportunities that digital connectivity enables
Stories that celebrate both the big and small victories (we have a couple coming up soon that we’re really excited about!)
We'd love to hear from you! What stories of community connection inspire you? How has service to place shaped your community? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.