2015 Project of the Year: Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps’ Beach Buddy Adventure Exhibit

Beach Buddy Adventure
Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps

Day-to-day human activity can be extremely harmful to the world’s waterways. Most people don’t realize it, but of all the oil that reaches the ocean, only 12% comes from large-scale oil spills; the rest reaches our shores through dumping and runoff from our streets and parking lots. In addition to oil, there are many kinds of chemicals and debris polluting our water, promoting invasive species growth, and harming some of the most vulnerable – and most important – species in the marine food chain: phytoplankton – the single-celled organisms that play an enormous role in producing the oxygen we breathe. 

To raise public awareness about the seriousness of water pollution and what can be done to curtail its effects, Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps (SRCC) teamed up with the California Coastal Commission, Thank you Ocean, and Cal Expo to create the Beach Buddy Adventure exhibit for the 2014 California State Fair.

The Beach Buddy Adventure exhibit was comprised of multiple stations, each focused on a different aspect of water pollution, including marine debris, oil spills, ocean acidification, and invasive species. Cal Expo constructed the displays for the exhibit and Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps supplied props (items the Corps pulled from local creeks, including televisions, shopping carts, and bowling balls), as well as presenters. Thirty SRCC Corpsmembers, plus Corps staff, were trained by the California Coastal Commission in the complexities of water pollution. Corpsmembers then practiced their presentations and honed their public speaking skills before spending 18 days educating State Fair attendees about the enormity of our water pollution issues.

The State Fair was visited by approximately 135,000 people. Of those who stopped by the Beach Buddy Adventure exhibit and completed surveys, 99% said they enjoyed the exhibit; 24% said they were unaware of the problem of marine debris: 23% said they were unaware of the problem of oil spills; 40% were unaware of the problem of ocean acidification; and 29% did not know about the problems posed by invasive species. When asked about the behavior changes they learned about through the exhibit, 41% said they would reduce waster by using fewer disposable items and recycling; 38% said they would recycle used motor oil; 35% said they would reduce use of fossil fuels; and 30% reported that they would volunteer for local river or beach clean-ups.

Through Beach Buddy Adventure, thousands of people learned about the seriousness of water pollution and gained information about what they can do to reduce their environmental impact. In addition, SRCC Corpsmembers learned about water issues and gained valuable public speaking experience. SRCC also received a great deal of publicity; many of the people visiting the Fair had never heard of the Corps before. By seeing SRCC Corpsmembers and staff providing a community service, visitors learned about the positive influence of Corps. 

2015 Project of the Year: California Conservation Corps’ Energy Corps

Energy Corps
California Conservation Corps

In November 2012, California voters passed the Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39), establishing a fund to support projects throughout the state that improve energy efficiency and expand clean energy generation in schools. One such project is California Conservation Corps’ Energy Corps: a program launched in the fall of 2013 to help California schools conduct energy surveys and reduce energy consumption, while also providing Corpsmembers the opportunity to gain technical training in the energy field. 

The Energy Corps model is based on the idea that much of the energy work typically performed by engineers and energy analysts can, and should, be performed by entry-level employees. The goal is to open up new positions for young adults within the rapidly expanding energy efficiency industry. Energy Corps provides Corpsmembers with the skills and knowledge to complete these entry-level tasks and pursue advanced training. To date, nearly 250 California Conservation Corps (CCC) Energy Corps members have completed an 80-hour training in the fundamentals of energy use and energy efficiency; nearly 60 have completed an 80-hour course in basic lighting; 84 completed OSHA 10-hour training; and 76 finished the 12.5 hour Energy University online course.

Energy Corps members learn to work in teams to complete “whole building” Energy Opportunity Surveys, which evaluate the interior and exterior of a structure to identify current energy usage. Corpsmembers then visit schools, inspecting each building’s lighting, windows, heating, and ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The data the Corpsmembers collect about each school’s energy consumption is analyzed by energy industry experts who quantify potential energy saving opportunities and provide recommendations for how schools can implement energy and cost-saving measures.

In Energy Corps’ first year, Corpsmembers from 12 Crews in 11 locations conducted Energy Opportunity Surveys of 900 schools. They evaluated 7,400 structures and 36 million square feet of building space. The data from these surveys has allowed analysts to recommend actions schools can take to save more than 50 million kWh annually and millions of dollars. Not to mention, many of the schools where Energy Corps works are in low-income communities. Without the services provided by Energy Corps, these schools would likely not be able to hire an outside firm to conduct an energy survey, which is required in order to receive state funding to pursue energy efficiency projects.

In addition to conducting surveys, Energy Corps members also have the skills to install basic energy efficiency retrofits at the schools, including lighting and control upgrades. Corpsmembers also complement their training by providing presentations about energy conservation to students at the schools where they serve.

Through Energy Corps, the CCC is tackling some of America’s Greatest Challenges – including youth unemployment and climate change – by creating public service work and youth training opportunities in the energy sector. 

2015 Corps Legacy Achievement Award Winner – Paul McLain-Lugowski

Paul McLain-Lugowski
Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps

* Click here to read an Interview with Paul *

Paul McLain-Lugowski has been an important figure in the Corps movement for the past 20 years. In 1995, Paul founded Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps (LCC) as well as the first YouthBuild program among California Corps. Since then, LCC has helped transform the lives of thousands of opportunity youth. 

Under Paul’s leadership, LCC generated an annual budget of nearly $9 million, enrolled over 350 Corpsmembers every year, and maintained a $3 million Fee-for-Service portfolio that provided Corpsmembers with vocational training opportunities in grounds maintenance, irrigation and concrete. Through LCC, Paul also introduced and led the state in re-entry initiatives for formerly incarcerated youth. Consequently, LCC has been awarded more contracts in this area than any other Corps or YouthBuild program in the country. 

Throughout his tenure, Paul helped LCC develop a glowing reputation in the community and expand its capacity to provide educational and service opportunities to at-risk young people. In 2010, LCC was awarded a Project of the Year Award for the development of their new campus: the $16 million, 60,000 square-foot Rev. Edward L. Swillis Neighborhood Youth Center. Paul envisioned, directed, and led the fund development for this project.

Paul has held numerous leadership positions in the Corps world. From 1998 – 2000, he served as the third President of the California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC), presiding over the organization when its recycling allocation doubled to $18 million. He served two consecutive terms as President of the California YouthBuild Coaltion (2005 – 2009); served as a board member of the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (2004 – 2006); and, since 2002, has chaired the board of California’s Conservation Corps Museum.

Though Paul no longer serves as Director of LCC, his commitment to the Corps and to young people endures. Over the past five years, Paul created, and continues to lead, the Planning Office for LCC’s parent organization, Fresno EOC (which is the nation’s largest community action agency). He convinced Rep. Jim Costa (a strong supporter of Paul’s nomination for this award) to co-sponsor the Youth Corps Act of 2011, and continues to pursue California state and federal representatives to support important Corps initiatives. Paul is also a regular speaker on Corps-related matters, presenting to HUD, Inside-Out Summits, California State Assembly hearings, State Workforce Association Conferences, National Transitional Jobs Network, and the National Community Action Partnership. In his spare time, Paul also continues to formally and informally mentor many LCC Corpsmembers.

Shawn Riggins, current Director of LCC, said, “Paul’s passion for the Corps is without limit…It is not easy to follow in the footsteps of a giant.”  

2015 Corps Legacy Achievement Award Winner – Ann Cochrane

Ann Cochrane
San Francisco Conservation Corps

* Click here to read an Interview with Ann *

Ann Cochrane began her tenure with San Francisco Conservation Corps (SFCC) in 1988, taking over as Executive Director in 1993. Now, as she enters retirement after 26 years as a champion of Corps and a prominent figure in the world of youth development, Ann can be recognized as one of the longest serving Conservation Corps Directors in the country. 

Ann holds a B.A. in Sociology and Law from Boston University and has also completed course work in Early Childhood Education at San Francisco State University and City College of San Francisco. Prior to joining SFCC, Ann served as Executive Director of the Chinatown Community Children’s Center. During her time with the Corps, Ann also held multiple leadership positions with other organizations focused on youth development. She served on the boards of the California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC), and Wu Yee’s Children’s Services in San Francisco, and served on the Youth Council of the Workforce Investment Board of San Francisco. Ann has also volunteered her time as a Client Advocate for W.O.M.A.N., Inc., and as a Legal Advocate for the Family Violence Prevention Project.

Ann served on the Board and Corps Council of NASCC/The Corps Network for 12 years, acting as the Board President in the 1990s and helping steer NASCC through changing times. In the 2000s, Ann served as the first Treasurer of the newly restructured Board.

During her tenure, Ann has helped thousands of young people change their lives through participation in SFCC and, by extension, the many other Corps that have modeled themselves off of SFCC’s urban conservation Corps model.

“Ann has brought consistent and steady leadership to the San Francisco Conservation Corps and the national Corps movement for more than 25 years,” said Harry Bruell, CEO and President of Conservation Legacy. “Her upcoming retirement is a true loss of one of the first leaders of the Corps movement.”

Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network, Interviewed for Park Leaders Podcast

36: Building Youth into Leaders with Mary Ellen Sprenkel 

The Corps Network’s President and CEO, Mary Sprenkel, was featured in the latest episode of the Park Leaders Show, a podcast of ParkLeaders.com. 

Listen as Mary Ellen discusses the importance and impact of Corps. 

About Park Leaders:
Founded by former Park Ranger Jody Maberry, Park Leaders is “a community where Park Rangers and other champions of parks, recreation, and conservation can turn for resources to develop into stronger leaders.” ParkLeaders.com offers podcasts, articles and other information to help Park Rangers and park advocates become stronger, more effective defenders and promoters of our public lands. 

 

New Study Demonstrates how Providing Jobs to Young People Reduces Crime and Provides Tremendous Return on Investment

This blog post originally appeared on The Huffington Post. 

Yesterday I was excited, but not entirely surprised, to read about a new studypublished in the journal Science about how a cohort of Chicago teenagers were affected by access to summer employment. The conclusion of the study, conducted by University of Pennsylvania criminologist Sara Heller, is that when you give a young person a summer job, he or she is significantly less likely to commit a violent crime. More on that in a moment.

These days, you no longer hear people talking about “disadvantaged youth” or “at-risk youth.” Today we talk about “opportunity youth”: low-income young people who are out of school and out of work, but who seek opportunities to advance their education or career and can offer a great deal to our country if we invest in them and provide access to resources like job training or college prep.

Those of us who work with opportunity youth know firsthand how valuable these young people are. Many of them have experienced extreme poverty, violence, incarceration, addiction and abuse, but they are eager to learn and fiercely determined to not be held back by their circumstances. 

Throughout the country, there are many different kinds of youth development programs that offer everything from counseling and help accessing public assistance, to career training and college-level classes. For example, America’s 100+ Service and Conservation Corps engage young people, many of whom fit the definition of opportunity youth, in service projects through which they can gain hands-on work experience and learn valuable soft skills, like how to work in a team or peacefully resolve conflicts. Many Corps also provide mentors and counselors, and some programs offer educational opportunities through partnerships with local high schools, trade schools, and colleges.

As President and CEO of The Corps Network, the national membership association of Corps, I can tell you countless stories about young men and women who overcame the limitations of their upbringing or poor past decisions by embracing the opportunities offered by a Corps or similar youth development program. On that note, let’s get back to that study.

In the summer of 2012, a randomly selected group of 1,634 students from high-crime schools in Chicago participated in the study. Over 90 percent of the students came from low-income families and received free or reduced-price lunch, and one-fifth of them had previously been arrested. 350 of the students were randomly assigned 25-hour per week minimum wage jobs, while another 350 students were randomly assigned 15-hour per week minimum wage jobs plus 10 hours of weekly classes that taught them how to understand their emotions and manage behaviors that could interfere with employment. The remaining students carried on as normal.

Heller looked at arrest data throughout the summer and during the 13 months following the conclusion of the 8-week-long jobs. What she found was that, compared to the control group, violent crime decreased 43 percent among the two groups of students who received jobs. There were 5.1 arrests per 100 youth who were part of the treatment group and 9.1 arrests per 100 youth who were in the control group. Most significantly, the largest decreases in crime came months after the jobs ended, suggesting that crime reduction during the summer wasn’t simply a result of students being too busy at work to break the law; the soft skills, experience with conflict resolution, and responsibility gained on the job seems to have made a lasting impression.

It is also notable that the students who worked longer hours did not differ significantly from the students who also attended social-emotional classes; this suggests that it wasn’t just the classes that caused a behavioral change. Participating in the workforce and having a structured way to contribute to the community is what made the difference. Corps offer this opportunity.

 

Why, in the months after the summer ended, were the students who didn’t have jobs more likely to be involved in criminal activity? Other than that they weren’t offered employment, they really weren’t any different from the students who were offered positons. Sara Heller can’t say for certain why this was the case, but my experience with Corps tells me that when young people have a job or structured service, they have a purpose and gain confidence in their abilities. The most valuable thing they gain from an employment or service opportunity might not be the credentials they can put on a resume, but rather the empowerment that comes from being able to make a little money and make a positive contribution to the community. If we provide more of these opportunities to our young people, I feel confident that we won’t just see a reduction in crime and fewer incarcerations; we’ll see young people flourish and go on to do great things all because they had the chance to know what a hard day’s work feels like, and learn that they are capable of much more.

AmeriCorps NCCC and California Conservation Corps Partner to Build Stronger Corps to Crewleader Pathway

On November 5th, Erin Healy, Programs and Operations Division Chief of the California Conservation Corps (CCC), and Charles L. Davenport Jr., Acting Regional Director of AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region, signed a MOU into effect that allows CCC Crewleaders to be given preferential selection as a Team Leader with NCCC Pacific Region. Crewleaders must have at least 6 months of experience in their position and be able to get a reference from their Center Director to qualify for the preference.

In addition to attending the signing event, U.S. Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-6) wrote in a letter (shown right) that “This partnership is a prime example of how different levels of government can successfully work together toward achieving a common goal.” Congresswoman Matsui is a long-time supporter of Corps programs, and was recognized as a Corps Network Congressional Champion in 2008.

You can read more on the partnership in the attached MOU. Both AmeriCorps NCCC and California Conservation Corps are members of The Corps Network.

Jon Brito, 2014 Corpsmember of the Year, featured on AmeriCorps Alums blog


Kupu HYCC Team Molokai doing trail maintenance in Kamakou rainforest preserve with The Nature Conservancy
 

Service Learning – Connecting the Past and the Future in Hawaii
by Jon Brito

This blog originally appeared on the AmeriCorps Alums website, November 26, 2014

Today’s guest blog comes to us from Jon Brito. Born and raised on the island of Moloka’i, Jon served with the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (Summer 2012 and 2013) as a team leader. He also continued his conservation and restoration AmeriCorps service with Ka Honua Momona during the 2012-2013 year. Jon is now a student at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

Born and raised on the island of Molokai, I have the honor and privilege to have my moʻokūʻauhau trace back to the ancients of the past. Having served a variety of AmeriCorps terms, I am currently back in school pursuing an Electronic and Computer Engineering degree with a side study in GIS technology at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

I believe utilizing technology will give us a better grasp of where conservation and restoration is needed with precision to better address any issues. I also believe getting a little dirty and sweaty in the field is food for the soul! This is my experience as an Americorps recipient and service learner.

In the Hawaiian Language there is an ‘olelo noe’au, or wise saying, that goes “ma ka hana ka ‘ike, ma ka ‘ike ka mana” which translates to “it is in the doing that one learns.” This is a life thought that I have heard countless times growing up, yet it is only in my adulthood that I have really come closer to understanding. It is a mantra that I have learned and relearned time and time again over the course of various AmeriCorps opportunities.

In the summer of 2012, I desperately needed a life change from the monotony of university life in California and looked to return to my home island of Moloka’i. I had left the island life with prospects of advancing myself in the social ladder by moving away, however I found myself still missing something. I decided to move home and got the chance to be a team leader for Kupu Hawaii’s Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps where I led a team of four high school graduates to various worksites throughout Moloka’i and the state of Hawaii.  I had so much fun that the following summer I led a second team!

As a team leader it was my duty to motivate and facilitate my team safely through various service learning experience. We definitely worked in the extreme environments from the constant rain of the Kamakou Preserve Rainforest to the sun burnt desert of the island Kaho’olawe.

The majority of my job was keeping these young adults interested in the work that we were doing. To me it was not only showing them the benefit the work had on the ‘aina or land, but also on themselves. We were all learning more about ourselves, each other, and our culture.

Our ancestors had walked and swam these areas, taking care of and nurturing them. Something I tried to get across was that this duty to continue caring for the land and sea came in part as an inheritance from the ancients before us. But, as future ancestors, this duty was also inspired by our need to pass down something worthy to the next generation. A lot of work has been put into the conservation of our natural resources, and it is something that needs to continue to be done.

I also served an AmeriCorps term as a year-long intern for the 2012-2013 year at the non-profit Ka Honua Momona. Ka Honua Momona is tasked with restoring two 500 year-old, thirty acre fishponds from pre-contact Hawaii to operating condition. Being part of the intern team I was charged with removing invasive non-native and maintenance of the pond walls . The work was dirty and wet, yet extremely fulfilling. To be apart of such a magnificent movement of Hawaiians getting out and working to to restore pono to our land and sea is truly a humbling opportunity.

If my AmeriCorps opportunity could be summed up into one word it would be this: more. Even after my time as a Corps member ended, I still wanted more. To continue to contribute and partake in the restoration and conservation of our valuable natural resources is still something that I do every chance I get. I have changed my uniform from the weekday adventurer to the weekend volunteer. While it is not a full time occupation for me (yet), at my core, I will always have that drive and need for more volunteerism and positive contribution to my people, the land, the sea, and to the world. Mahalo nui.

Click here to Learn more about Jon.

West Virginia Courtesy Patrol Celebrates 16 Year Anniversary

Story provided by Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia

The West Virginia Courtesy Patrol (WVCP) program, operated by the Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia, is celebrating its sixteenth year of providing roadside assistance and services to citizens and tourists across the mountain state.  The friendly fleet of roving white trucks is designed to provide employment, training, and educational opportunities while also enhancing safety, rendering aid and assistance to disabled motorists, and addressing road related incidents or accidents.

The WVCP benefits the traveling public who use the state’s interstate highways and corridors for tourism, as well as local, and interstate commerce. Since the program’s inception on November 21, 1998, the overall statistics are as follows: 71.5 million miles logged; 2.9 million phone calls received; 291,050 vehicles assisted; 17,610 stops for debris removal; 8,455 deer, 178 bears and 3,988 other dead animals removed; 14,000 routine procedural checks; 77,533 abandoned vehicles checked; and administered first-aid 131 times and CPR 9 times.

The Courtesy Patrol program first put the state of West Virginia on the map as a result of the 1998 federal legislation known as “Welfare-to-Work”. The WVCP was recognized for its innovative approach to job creation by the United States Department of Labor and helped the state of West Virginia capture millions of dollars in high performance bonuses and matching funds due to its job placement and retention successes. 

The Courtesy Patrol plays a vital role in the state’s Homeland Security initiatives and AMBER Alert, which is a primary tool used in the search, aid and recovery of an abducted child.  Patrol operators are also trained in freeway incident management, defensive driving, First Aid and CPR.  Hours of operation are 16 hours a day (3 pm to 7 am), 7 days a week. 

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