5 Skills RRCC Members Learn Through Service Work

Discover skills you can learn based on the experiences of real corps members. 

Whether volunteering at literacy organizations, food banks or health services, Red River Community Corps (RRCC) members witness firsthand the profound impact service work has on individuals and communities.  

Through their experiences, members develop lifelong skills that influence their education and inspire their careers, while also enriching their personal growth. 

Former and current corps members share five key skills members can gain from their time serving a range of organizations.  

Leadership and Creativity 

“No day is the same as a corps member,” says Brittney Willis, former RRCC member who served with the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC). 

“In my head, I thought I would just sit in an office and make copies. But I had to learn to be proactive and create new programming for the community with little guidance,” says Brittney. “I didn’t realize just how big the impact of service work would be on our community and how many opportunities I’d have to enact change.” 

Service work offers endless opportunities to develop leadership experience and hone creative-thinking skills. From developing new community service programs like chair yoga or grocery delivery to aiding college students in crisis, members learn how to problem-solve, be proactive, and become leaders with the support of their supervisors and the RRCC community. 

Community Programming 

Transitioning from a career in retail to nonprofit work was a significant shift for Theresa Hammond, a current RRCC member. However, through RRCC, she discovered a deeper passion and appreciation for community programming and the nonprofit sector by serving with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.  

“I couldn't imagine collaborating with a better bunch of people even if I tried,” says Theresa. “My experience has solidified my commitment to serving the community. I feel excited to go to work every day for the first time in my life.” 

After growing a grocery delivery program to serve over 100 clients in only a handful of months in her nonprofit role, the joy Theresa’s felt in the process of service has made her decide to serve multiple terms as a corps member and utilize her education awards to earn a Master of Social Work. 

Networking and Career Development 

Jacob Reavis is a current corps member who’s decided to serve two terms with RRCC, working with the Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center at the University of Central Oklahoma. He began service work as a graduate student studying history, but after his first term serving, he realized his education was more tied to his service than he thought.  

“During my time with RRCC, I realized I wanted to pivot into community work where I can make a difference,” Jacob says. “The community network is so supportive. Thanks to RRCC, I now know organizations who would be willing to hire me after my service term ends.” 

Through his growing network, Jacob now realizes it’s okay to branch out more and let his career develop, less how he planned, and more in line with his values. 

Social and Emotional Learning  

Compassion, patience, and effective communication. These are all skills members say their service work helped them develop no matter what kind of work they did. These qualities are crucial when working in diverse and challenging environments, such as making sure families in need are fed. 

“Whether interacting with volunteers or assisting clients, having compassion and empathy is essential to our work,” says Theresa. “RRCC has helped me cultivate these qualities, which have been invaluable in both my professional and personal life.” 

Managing Conflict and Challenges 

Corps members note that service comes with its share of challenges including balancing stipend-based compensation with living expenses and sometimes managing the emotional toll of helping others who are dealing with difficult circumstances. 

“Navigating these challenges has taught me resilience and shown me I don’t need to do everything alone,” says Theresa. “It's essential to acknowledge the need for support systems when dealing with conflict and to prioritize self-care. RRCC provides a supportive community that encourages members to lean on and learn from one another during challenging times.” 

Service work offers a path to experience a transformative journey filled with valuable lessons and skill-development opportunities. As our members have shown us, these experiences can prepare you for your dream career and instill a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life, benefiting you and your community.