Summer 2016 Series: Why You Should Support the #21CSC
Every Wednesday between June 15th and August 31st, we’ll release a new shareable image depicting a reason why it’s important to support the 21CSC initiative. Post these images on your social channels to let people know why the 21CSC is a good idea.
August 31st – REASON #21 to Support the 21CSC: Service in a Corps is a transformative experience.
Research shows that, after a term of service in a 21CSC program, youth report feeling they have better communication and critical thinking skills. They also experience growth in their commitment to community engagement and environmental conservation. But the research only says so much. Here are just a few quotes from young people whose lives were transformed by service in 21CSC programs:
Angela Noah – Northwest Youth Corps, Native American Conservation Corps
“Participation for five weeks on a youth crew and eight weeks on an adult crew has helped me to hone my leadership skills. Before the Corps, I was quiet and afraid that I would never amount to someone important. Throughout my childhood, my elders taught me to believe that education and experience were the only paths a Native American should take. I have found this to be true. When I joined the Corps, I was terrified because I didn’t know what I was getting myself into…During the youth session, I had my first experience of a backcountry project along the Rogue River in Oregon. We were assigned a twenty-two-mile trail maintenance project to be completed in one week. With sixty pounds on my back, raw blisters on my feet, and four days without a shower, I remember nearing our twenty-two-mile mark…I remember tears, and hugging the crew that became family. It was that moment that I realized I could do anything I set my mind to. I unleashed my full potential, saw hope for the future, and declared clarity in my mind and soul. All that I have gained from working in the woods has given me the courage to love and forgive. I no longer pity myself. Instead, I took charge and set out on a journey to inspire others that anything is possible.”
Jeremiah Ruiz – Urban Corps of San Diego County
“…I look back at how much I’ve grown as a person, from dealing with weight and sexuality issues, to being in dark places where I saw no future or life for myself. To now, where I am healthier physically and mentally. My family are all very proud of how far I’ve come as an individual. The future and its possibilities seem limitless. I’d like to thank Urban Corps, and The Corps Network for these kinds of programs because I truly feel they help our Country, not just by conservation efforts but also by helping America’s Youth become responsible and successful citizens of the United States.”
Graciela Billingsley – Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Colorado
“My experience with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps taught me to be patient, to laugh at things, especially when things go completely opposite of how I thought they would go, to work hard and to treat the environment and myself in the best way. I learned about the amazing beauty and stillness of nature, and the physical work it takes to preserve such wonder. I learned the value of preservation and trail work needed to protect the environment that offers us so much. I pushed myself farther than I thought I could ever go. Through this environmental and team service work, I, like many in my crew, found myself.”
Mike Bremer – Southwest Conservation Corps, Veterans Fire Crew
“As a veteran, I have faced many obstacles and challenges. When I was discharged from the Army, I struggled to find meaningful employment. I held several jobs – car salesman, machinist, aviation fueler, repairman, painter…just to name a few – and none of these were very fulfilling. They didn’t give me the same thrill, rush and sense of purpose that combat missions gave me. After five years with little and sporadic employment I needed to find a new job, and I came across an advertisement for the Veterans Fire Crew with the Southwest Conservation Corps… I spent a year working with the Veterans crew and got to know an amazing group of vets. Through this program, my fellow veterans and I got excellent training in wildland fire behavior, with an emphasis on fuels reduction work. I’ve finally found a career – and a purpose – that compares to the Army. This is a job of service, hard and dirty work, and brotherhood. I hope more veterans can benefit from programs like the Veterans Fire Corps like I did.”
Jon Brito – Kupu
“Overall, I recommend to anyone that will listen to check out Kupu or other Corps programs. I discovered more about myself and the place that I call home than I honestly thought possible. To know that I made a difference in the environment, my local community, in the lives of others, and for myself, really speaks volumes about how important these types of programs are.”