Meghan Oakley

Lancaster, PA

Meghan currently serves as the Project Manager for the AmeriCorps*VISTA Program at Pennsylvania Campus Compact. In 2004, Meghan served as a Corps Member in the Western Region of AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps, serving in Oregon, California, Hawaii, and Utah.

After serving with AmeriCorps*NCCC, Meghan moved to Washington, DC and managed a Learn & Serve America grant at the Youth Service Opportunities Project, coordinating service-learning programming with a focus on homelessness for high school students at Cardozo Senior High School in Columbia Heights.

Meghan is a 2004 graduate of Lafayette College, with a BA in Religion & Politics and is pursuing her Masters of Non-Profit Management at Regis University. She lives with her husband-to-be, Jess, in their new home in Lancaster, PA and their apartment in Takoma Park, MD. Meghan enjoys playing tennis, running, traveling, and watching reruns of The Office

Meghan recruited Pongpunya to sign the petition | over 1 year ago

Save AmeriCorps
Meghan signed the petition | over 1 year ago

Save AmeriCorps
Meghan commented on the article | almost 2 years ago

The Wrong Reason (and the Right Ones) to Leave AmeriCorps Early

Thanks Max... I think that you are right on. And like you said, sometimes there is nothing inherently wrong with the position, but it is just not the right fit or what you are meant to be doing. When it starts to impact your overall well-being, that is the time to assess what needs to change. I appreciate your comment.
Meghan commented on the article | over 2 years ago

How AmeriCorps Can Help You Lose Weight

Thanks for your comment! Unfortunately, I'm more qualified to give advice about AmeriCorps and choosing the right program to help jump-start your non-profit career. With regard to actual weight loss, I would recommend consulting your doctor.
Meghan commented on the article | over 2 years ago

The Wrong Reason (and the Right Ones) to Leave AmeriCorps Early

Thanks for your post.From want you are saying, it sounds like you have already made up your mind that your AmeriCorps position is not for you and its time to move on. Despite this, I would recommend thinking about these questions:

Have you sought internal or external conflict mediation with your supervisor? (Many AmeriCorps program offer this support)

Have you tried to address your issues with your organizational environment in a constructive way?

If the answers to these questions is yes, but nothing improved, then I would consider transferring to a new project or ending your service early.
Meghan commented on the article | over 2 years ago

How AmeriCorps Can Ease Youth Unemployment

Thanks for your post! I just responded to your concerns and others in today's post: http://jobs.change.org/view_article/1_thing_that_you_wont_find_in_americorps
Meghan commented on the article | over 2 years ago

Nurturing Yourself During a Job Search

Erin,

This is so true and so important. My husband is currently looking for work, and one of the biggest challenges for him (other than not getting a paycheck!) is that he feels like he has to be searching or thinking about the job hunt all the time. We finally sat down last night and created a schedule for him that has him working on job hunting, career exploration, and things around the house for 8-10 hours a day. When those hours are over, he is done for the day... just like at a 9-5 job.

Thanks for this post. It is especially important to think about this during the holidays when we have so many other stressors (including explaining to people you haven't seen in a while that you are on the hunt!).

~Meghan
Meghan commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

5 Ways to Fall Back in Love With Your Nonprofit Job

This is such good advice! At a previous position, I requested an early schedule (I lose steam at 4pm on the dot!) and not only did it make me a happier employee, but I had more energy and time in the evenings for my personal life.
Meghan commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

Breaking the Rose-Colored Glasses: Don't Give Up on Your Nonprofit Career Too Soon

Rosetta, this is great advice. Especially the recommendation that people at least stick it out a year. Also, one thing that my husband is doing right now is taking a break. After five years of teaching at a small, independent school, he left and is planning on working with youth in a non-school setting for a year or two before diving back into teaching.
Meghan commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

4 Ways to Cope With Nonprofit Stress Before it Kills You

This is really true... especially the part about the people who are most committed to their jobs are those that can get burnout the quickest. Great tips, too!