The Corps Network News, April 2008

A Note from Sally

We are so proud of the terrific work our Service and Conservation Corps do every day and want to share some examples. As you may know, this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). When FDR became President, our nation was facing two major crises: a decayed infrastructure and massive unemployment. He combined them to form a single success in the CCC.

Today, Service and Conservation Corps have the same opportunity, to both make an impact in the environment and provide opportunity for our young people. And so we call for a 21st Century CCC-- and propose a Green New Deal-- a national Clean Energy Corps to significantly reduce energy consumption and aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Right now, more than 30 Service and Conservation Corps are doing energy-related projects. Furthermore, all of the 116 Service and Conservation Corps nationwide directly or indirectly address this problem-- by fighting invasive species, in habitat restoration, or environmental reclamation.

Others, such as Bill McKibben, have made similar proposals. While we promote a Green New Deal at events like the Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference and the Dream Reborn, we invite you to learn more about Corps and their ability to retrofit homes, install solar panels and complete a variety of other jobs in the green economy.

Civilian Conservation Corps Celebrates 75th Anniversary.

Photo of Minnesota Conservation Corps CCC Statue.

Monday, March 31th marked the official 75th Anniversary of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and a season of celebrations honoring the legacy of the CCC and the modern Service and Conservation Corps movement. AmeriCorps Week (May 11th through the 17th), sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, will honor the CCC and its important role in establishing national service in the United States. With an opening ceremony at the Red Rocks in Colorado (with help from numerous Corps in Colorado) and a closing ceremony in Florida (with help from the Greater Miami Service Corps), Service and Conservation Corps will play an integral role. The 75th Anniversary will continue through National Public Lands Day on September 28th, as Corps will hold numerous events in their communities.

Inclusion Publication Starts Sharing Best Practices.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) released Paths to Inclusion last week. The publication is a resource guide to help youth-serving organizations integrate youth with disabilities into their regular programs. The Corps Network and the Utah Conservation Corps' Inclusive Crew are highlighted in the publication. The Inclusive Crew Project continues to grow as Operation Fresh Start (WI) and the Minnesota Conservation Corps start their Inclusive Crew projects this spring.

Gulf Coast Conservation Corps Receives President's Volunteer Service Award.


In March, the Gulf Coast Conservation Corps (GCCC) was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award. Corpsmembers, Crew Leaders, and Lee Ann Kendrick, Program Director of GCCC attended a ceremony joined by Freedom Corps Director Henry Lozano, as well as Marsha Meeks Kelly, Executive Director of the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (MCVS) and Judy Stein, MCVS AmeriCorps Director. Lozano also visited the GCCC. The award followed a visit earlier in the month by Alma Powell and Jim and Donna Barkdale of America's Promise. The Gulf Coast Conservation Corps is welcoming in its third session of Corpsmembers.