Hands On Gulf Coast AmeriCorps*State (Biloxi, MS) uses a combination of presentations, film, and an interactive scavenger hunt to introduce members to the three communities served by the program.

Elements of the orientation include:

• News coverage of the area during and after Hurricane Katrina to provide members with context
• Clips of the "Guiding Light" soap opera cast members, who performed one week of service with the program
• Talks by service partners to make members aware of community resources and opportunities for collaboration
• A photo scavenger hunt that gives a geographic and historical orientation to the new community

Click the play button to hear Caitlin Brooking explain how she uses community members to strengthen the Hands On Gulf Coast orientation.

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