Helen C Schlimm
Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM)
ALLARM is a 31-year-old aquatic citizen science organization housed at Dickinson College. Its mission is to empower communities with the skills and knowledge to monitor their local streams and to put their data to good use. At ALLARM, I provided stream monitoring technical support to Chesapeake watershed communities in Pennsylvania and New York while honing solid community mobilization and training skills. I also developed a keen understanding of the need to equip communities with technical skills to address water quality issues by assessing stream health and using those data to implement local change. From assisting with community scoping meetings, to training volunteers on scientific techniques, to analyzing quality control samples in the lab, I supported volunteers at every stage of the scientific process. I understand the need for local community investment and motivation to achieve stream restoration and protection goals.
Alpha Phi Omega (APO)
APO is the largest collegiate fraternity (although it is co-ed) in the US. It is a national community service organization with chapters at more than 350 campuses nation-wide. My three years of experience in the Alpha Gamma Alpha Chapter at Dickinson College were rewarding and engaging. I volunteered at various organizations and with a range of groups in the greater Carlisle area from the Salvation Army to a food bank, to elementary schools and state parks, to a farmers market and child care center. I gained a lot of experience working with volunteers and service groups, and also helped plan a whole-chapter service event with the Carlisle YWCA. I completed 20+ hours of service per semester for approximately three years in the brotherhood.
Restoring the Environment and Developing Youth (READY)
I worked for READY in the summer of 2014 as a Crew Member, through which I served the community by improving environmental standards for stormwater management throughout Howard County, MD. READY is a program that employs young people in Howard County, in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and other social organizations, to build and repair rain gardens at various public locations. This addresses multiple goals including youth employment in the community and reducing toxic runoff into local streams and rivers that eventually end up in the Chesapeake Bay. I learned technical and social skills through this program, as well as working in my team. Serving communities in my home county and even in my own neighborhood through direct implementation of environmental projects was truly rewarding.