AmeriCorps Week Spotlights: Arlette Milstead and Emily Haryasz

AmeriCorps Week is a time to celebrate the dedication and impact of AmeriCorps members serving communities nationwide. The Community Volunteer Ambassador Program, an AmeriCorps program, is managed in partnership with the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks Program and the Stewards Individual Placement Program of Conservation Legacy.

In celebration of AmeriCorps Week, meet Community Volunteer Ambassadors (CVA), Arlette Milstead and Emily Haryasz, who serve at Redwood National and State Parks and Steamtown National Historic Site, respectively. These interns support volunteer and community engagement efforts.

Arlette Milstead at Redwood National and State Parks

How did you find yourself at the National Park Service in a Community Volunteer Ambassador AmeriCorps position?

This epic journey started for me in late 2023 when I was researching for a pathway into the National Park Service as a recent graduate from Creighton University where I majored in sustainability studies. I was drawn into this internship program that enriched national park sites through focused development of their volunteer programs. I knew I needed to look at a park comprehensively and understand how the parks’ needs, through all their divisions, would lead me to create mutually beneficial volunteer positions. I was hooked, and I learned just how much volunteers are like the backbone of the National Park Service.

My time as a CVA in 2024 at Homestead National Historical Park in southeast Nebraska provided me with a strong foundation to understand the scope of volunteerism and its behind the scenes work. The intricate details necessary to successfully execute a volunteer program breathes the efforts AmeriCorps members provide to their communities, and I am proud to be a part of this network. It is an understatement to say I was overjoyed when I learned that I was selected to be a second-year CVA for Redwood National and State Parks within the Pacific West region.

What has been a highlight of your experience as a Community Volunteer Ambassador and AmeriCorps member with the National Park Service?

By far, it is the amazing advocacy I have received from my supervisors at Homestead National Historical Park and Redwood National and State Parks. I started out in my first CVA position with varying emotions such as excitement, anxiety, and a little bit of impostor syndrome. What I came to realize quickly is that my colleagues in the National Park Service and Conservation Legacy wanted to help me learn and be confident in the position that I am qualified for. That does not mean it is a breeze or I have it completely figured out (we are always learning), but I know I am not doing this work alone and they have my back. Being an AmeriCorps member has shown me that as we work to unite one another in service, a payoff is the support that bounces back to us.

What projects have you been involved so far?

I am focused on expanding volunteer opportunities within various park divisions that will meet the critical volunteer needs of Redwood National and State Parks. In my previous CVA position, I worked on several volunteer coordination responsibilities to enhance park events and the public speaking skills I strengthened have set me up well for my second CVA service term.

Currently, I am developing strategies to bring interested members an opportunity that serves both themselves and the parks well. This is being crafted through the utilization of Volunteer.gov, writing service descriptions, a newsletter in the works, and strategic outreach. I must admit, I may use this article as recruitment. If you are passionate about sustaining trails and educating the public about park resources, reach out to me at Redwood National and State Parks!

Arlette conducting a mussel survey along the banks of a creek.

What have you learned that you will take forward in your career?

Ask questions you think you know the answer to and be open to experiences that sound boring or “outside of your lane.” When I asked questions that I was curious about in this field, I learned to remove my assumptions and expectations. There was a variety of perspectives that came into my view, and I simultaneously grew my network. I am on the quieter side, so I understand how uncomfortable this sounds, but it is so worth it.

As for experiences, I have noticed that with any opportunity I had to be exposed to a park division or meeting or survey, I should take part in it. I learned things about myself that are shaping how I want to navigate my career. And I noticed that with every park project, volunteer interaction, and backcountry venture, these efforts are paramount to the park and the agency’s mission. Whichever path I decide to take, we are all working together to protect our public lands.

Emily Haryasz at Steamtown National Historic Site

How did you find yourself at the National Park Service in a Community Volunteer Ambassador AmeriCorps position?

After graduating college, I spent a few years traveling and working seasonal jobs in beautiful places, like Mackinac Island and Alaska. While I loved the adventure, I was looking for an opportunity to use my degree and transition into a more career-based position. I had bookmarked Conservation Legacy's job board a few years ago, and I just so happened to check it when the 2024 Fall Cohort CVA positions were accepting applications. The opportunity to serve at Steamtown National Historic Site and work with the National Park Service felt like the perfect fit, and I am grateful that everything lined up the way it did.

What has been the highlight of your experience as a Community Volunteer Ambassador and AmeriCorps member with the National Park Service?

One of the biggest highlights of my experience so far has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to maintain, restore, and operate historic locomotives. As a hands-on learner, I've really enjoyed the opportunity to step into the world of railroading and learn what our volunteers do at the park. I have been able to ride in the cab of a steam engine and get my hands dirty working on restoration projects. I've quickly learned that operating and restoring locomotives is truly a labor of love, and it's been inspiring getting to work alongside our passionate volunteers who dedicate their time to preserving this history. Their enthusiasm has helped me appreciate both the work our staff and volunteers do, and the significance of Steamtown's mission in keeping the history of railroading alive.

Emily working on a steam engine.

What projects have you been involved in so far?
One of my main projects has been developing a rail safety campaign for the park. With trains operating and a railyard that is open to the public, it's important to educate visitors on how to safely visit Steamtown. I've been working on researching other rail safety campaigns and have begun creating messaging and materials to increase awareness of potential hazards throughout the park. As part of this project, I am also collaborating with our park's Visual Information Specialist to work on updating our Junior Ranger program to include safety activities for children visiting the park.

What have you learned that you will take forward in your career?

As a CVA, I've been able to collaborate with every division at Steamtown, from interpretation to railroad operations. Each division has its own unique priorities, challenges, and communication styles, which has made it a valuable learning experience in cross-division collaboration. I've found that strong working relationships are built on personal connections, taking the time to understand their perspectives, and communicate in a way that resonates with them.

This experience has also helped me learn more about my own work and communication styles. I've learned the importance of flexibility and clear communication, especially when working with people who may have different ways of approaching projects. Moving forward in my career, I know being able to collectively collaborate with a broad range of people is an invaluable skill to have.

About the Community Volunteer Ambassador Program

As a 48-week professional internship, the Community Volunteer Ambassador program is managed in partnership between the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks Program and the Stewards Individual Placements Program of Conservation Legacy. CVA members are youth (ages 18-30, or 18-35 if veterans) who aspire to future careers in service and conservation stewardship. 

Questions? e-mail us.