Baylee Markus
Apr 8, 2025
I started at Action Resources International as the AmeriCorps VISTA Intermediary Program Coordinator in September of 2023. I was drawn to the position because of my core beliefs aligning with Action Resources International’s belief that lived experience as expertise is vital for achieving effective social change, as well as an interest in AmeriCorps VISTA and national service. This position has offered me a great deal of knowledge as well as lifelong friends, and I am so grateful for the experience!
The biggest joy of the position was getting to learn about different amazing nonprofits across my home state of Wyoming, and finding effective ways to help them reach their organizational goals through VISTA. I have always been an outgoing and passionate person, and getting to work in a position where I could use these skills was rewarding in so many ways! One of my favorite accomplishments was bringing on Uinta County SAFV Task Force, which aims to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, as a VISTA site. This was particularly special to me because of my background as a Victim Advocate for another domestic violence prevention organization. It has been wonderful to hear of VISTA efforts at this particular site on breaking down barriers to safe, affordable housing for survivors.
Leaving this role and the supportive and tight-knit work family is bittersweet, and I plan to take so much of what I learned here with me on my next adventures! I plan to work part time while pursuing my education in either counseling or social work, and I feel that ARI and AmeriCorps VISTA have prepared me for my next steps by providing me with a deeper understanding of how to best serve communities, as it has always been my calling to help people.
Baylee, you have made an incredible difference at ARI! We have been so fortunate to be part of your team these last few years, and we know you will do amazing things wherever you go next!