Joe Horiye, LISC’s San Diego program director, got his start in community development as a member in the first class of the LISC AmeriCorps program in 1994, working at a CDC in San Diego.

What drew you to community service?

My personal and professional background led me to service. As a former at-risk youth, and son of parents who survived the internment camps during WWII, it was important for me to have an opportunity to help others help themselves. So I returned to my hometown with an excitement and passion for wanting to make a difference. I wanted to be in a position to "move" people, but more importantly, I wanted to be "moved" by others at the same time. The AmeriCorps motto of Getting Things Done was very important to me.

What do you feel was your greatest accomplishment as an AmeriCorps member?

The establishment of a community policing group was a terrific learning experience for me at the time. The issue of public safety became a catalyst for so many other good things and families with children became more involved, more accountable and ultimately, part of the solution.

How did the AmeriCorps experience prepare you for leadership roles?

There was great responsibility entrusted in me by not just the CDC that I served, but more importantly, the neighborhoods and communities that I worked with. This was a very important lesson to me, because sometimes in working with diverse neighborhoods and communities, leadership is more defined by what we do and not necessarily what we say we will do.

What advice would you give to our current and future AmeriCorps members in pursuit of careers in community development?

It is important to be creative, flexible and resourceful. But this is also a great time to take risks, to experiment, to grow, to learn, and to have fun. Seek out mentors, because we all need help and guidance along the way and should not be afraid to ask for it. Also, remember that you are a role model to others, even if you don't realize it.