A Look into Summer JOIP: Visits Across the State
During the month of July, the Mathews Center had the amazing opportunity to visit some of our Jean O’Connor-Snyder Interns from the University of Alabama, Troy University, and Auburn University. While visiting, our team got to have one-on-one time with the interns to discuss their experiences working with communities over the summer.
On Friday, July 14th, 2023, we made our first visit to Jasper, Alabama. The DMC enjoyed lunch with University of Alabama JOIP interns Sadie Keller, Madi Duboise, Tanner Jones, Olivia Goble, Madi Skinner, Lorin O’Rear, and faculty mentor John Miller at Five Loaves Bakery & Cafe, a popular spot in the community. This summer program is facilitated in collaboration with the Walker County Community Foundation and University of Alabama – New College. Student interns live in the Jasper area and are assigned with a Walker County non-profit organization to solely concentrate on one of three specialized areas: health, education, or community development. We had a terrific time catching up with these interns and learning about their experiences forming deep connections with the people of Walker County.
On our next stop, we got a chance to meet with the JOIP interns, Chauntina Whittle and Adaela Peak, as well as faculty mentor Lauren Cochran at Troy University. Visiting during their Civic Heroes Camp, we got to see the interns in action and had an amazing time experiencing the first day. The one-week camp introduces participants to the characteristics of a good citizen, the fundamentals of government, and allows them to engage with community heroes from the Troy area, as well as create their own cities. During our trip, the students discussed the importance of leisure places and activities in bringing the community together with Mr. Dan Smith, Director of Troy’s Recreation Department. We appreciate the efforts of the Troy University Office of Civic Engagement and the interns in engaging Troy’s future leaders and were thrilled to get together with them this summer.
We also had the wonderful chance to visit three of the interns participating in Auburn’s Living Democracy program, a 10-week immersive summer civic experience that serves the towns of Camden, Chatom, Collinsville, and Elba. Students spend time in rural towns, volunteering under the guidance of community leaders and reflect on their experiences through writing. This program is coordinated with the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University.
Our first Living Democracy visit was with intern Kaitlin Stabler, who was living in her hometown of Camden, Alabama. We paid a visit to Kaitlin and community partner Kristen Law, who serves as the Art Programs & Marketing Director at Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center. Over lunch, Kaitlin shared her summer experiences with us at The Pecan, located on Broad in the heart of Camden. Additionally, the two showed us around town, sharing the deep history of the locals and homes. We were fortunate to be able to tour Camden with Kaitlin and Kristen and are grateful for their hospitality.
Next, we traveled to meet Payton Davis at the Collinsville Public Library, where she spent most of her time volunteering and teaching ESL classes with community partner and head librarian Jennifer Wilkins. During our visit, Payton took us to the Museum of Collinsville History, where she had also spent time during her internship, and was able to tour the museum and meet some of the institution’s wonderful staff members. We extend our gratitude to the welcoming community in Collinsville.
Last but not least, we visited intern Jessica Criswell, in her hometown of Chatom, and community partner Jessica Ross, Director of the Washington County Public Library System. During a visit to the Washington County Library, we were able to attend their Citizenship and Matisse Art event, which was one of many educational events held at the library this summer. As part of the programming, we witnessed the Mayor of Chatom, Harold L. Crouch, read a story to the children who attended, explaining the importance of being an active citizen. Over lunch at the local A Gathering Place, we had a great time catching up with Jessica Criswell and enjoyed hearing about her summer work at the library and are extremely delighted with the impact she has made in her community!
The Mathews Center is extremely proud of the interns’ efforts, connections, and interactions they have all made during the summer, and we are grateful for their continued dedication to civic efficacy. To learn more about their summers, you can read their self-authored stories in the Civic Dispatch series on our blog. We are very thankful for our partnership with the universities and community partners and their continued service to citizens across the state.