Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #8 to Support the 21CSC

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 3rd – REASON #8 to Support the 21CSC: Corps stimulate local economies.

21CSC programs help local economies in more ways than one. First, participants in Corps are paid for their service; they usually receive a stipend or living allowance. It’s not much, but for many Corpsmembers this is their first experience earning money and learning how to budget and spend responsibly.

Second, Corpsmembers gain hands-on job experience by participating in service projects and often earn professional certifications that correspond with the required work for these projects. Additionally, the crew dynamics help Corpsmembers develop vital soft skills in communication, leadership and problem solving. Alumni of 21CSC programs are poised for success in the work world.

Third, some Corps operate AmeriCorps programs and give their Corpsmembers the opportunity to earn AmeriCorps Education Awards upon completion of their service. These scholarships support Corps alumni in the pursuit of further education and training.

Fourth, the service projects Corps complete are important to the wellness of local communities. It’s estimated that every dollar invested in national service programs returns nearly four dollars in benefits to society. Many of the projects 21CSC programs perform help protect, restore and improve America’s public lands and waters. Our parks, rivers, lakes and forests support a $646 billion outdoor economy. 21CSC programs help ensure that these public spaces remain safe and accessible for our enjoyment. Not to mention, 21CSC programs create many new participants in the outdoor economy. Studies show that Corps alumni believe they are significantly more likely to participate in outdoor recreational activities as a result of their Corps experience. Public lands Corps participants reported that they intended to spend 123% (or 2 ¼ times) more on outdoor recreational gear and apparel than members of a comparison group.

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #7 to Support the 21CSC

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.

July 27th – REASON #7 to Support the 21CSC: “…you don’t have to wear a military uniform to serve your country.”

National service has the power to bring people together. Young adults who serve in 21CSC programs develop a sense of civic responsibility and learn how to work with people who are different from themselves. Research shows that young adults who complete a term of service in a public lands Corps experience significant growth in their interest in community engagement. They also become much more confident in their teamwork and communication abilities.

General Stanley McChrystal said it best in an op-ed recently published in The Atlantic:

Young Americans could be paid a modest living stipend, work in teams, and build relationships with one another by solving problems together. Beyond the valuable work they would do to improve their country, young Americans would develop the powerful habits of citizenship as well as the leadership and professional skills that help them grow and stand out with their future employers.

In my 34 years in the military, I saw young men and women work with people of different backgrounds, learn the values of teamwork and discipline, rise to common challenges, and discover they were leaders. I’ve also seen firsthand that service ethic in community-based nonprofits like City Year, Teach for America, YouthBuild, Green City Force*, Earth Conservation Corps*, and other AmeriCorps programs. It is clear to me that you don’t have to wear a military uniform to serve your country.

*21CSC program

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #6 to Support the 21CSC

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.

July 20th – REASON #6 to Support the 21CSC: The 21CSC Act is bipartisan and budget neutral

The 21CSC Act is something both sides of the aisle can agree upon. The legislation was introduced in the House and Senate by bipartisan coalitions. The 21CSC initiative also has the support of the four most recent Secretaries of the Interior, including two Republicans and two Democrats.

Because the 21CSC Act requires that federal agencies only use existing funding streams to partner with Corps, the 21CSC won’t affect the government’s budget. In fact, studies have demonstrated that federal agencies like the National Park Service can save 50 percent or more on project costs by partnering with Corps. There isn’t much to disagree over: the 21CSC improves public lands and provides opportunities to youth and veterans without costing the government any additional money. We invite members of Congress to visit the 21CSC programs in their states to see firsthand what Corps can accomplish.

Thank you to the members of Congress who introduced or have cosponsored the 21CSC Act:

Senate – S. 1993:

Introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)

House of Representatives – H.R. 5114

Introduced by Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Original cosponsors: Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
Cosponsors: Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA)

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #5 to Support the 21CSC

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.

July 13th – REASON #5 to Support the 21CSC: For the health of our people and our planet, we need to get young people outdoors.

The average American kid spends 6 hours every day looking at a screen and half as much time outdoors as the average child of just 20 years ago. Lack of time spent outside has been linked to numerous adverse physical and mental health effects, including obesity and depression. Not to mention, if our youth are disconnected from nature, who will care for our public lands and waters in the future? The over 190 programs of the 21CSC get young people outdoors and actively engaged in protecting and improving natural spaces. Today’s Corpsmembers are tomorrow’s natural resource managers.

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #4 to Support the 21CSC

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.

July 6th – REASON #4 to Support the 21CSC: Our country is diverse. The 21CSC helps train a more diverse generation of conservation and community leaders.

America is increasingly diverse, but the majority of people who work and recreate at our national parks and forests are white. With over 190 member programs located in cities and small towns across the country, the 21CSC enrolls all sorts of young people – with different abilities, life circumstances and from different ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The 21CSC isn’t just training the next generation of public lands stewards; its training a more diverse generation of stewards. Public lands are for all – our parks should be accessible and relevant to everyone.

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #3 to Support the 21CSC

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.

June 29th – REASON #3 to Support the 21CSC: Corps make communities and habitats more resilient, and respond when disaster strikes.

Fires, floods and storms are inevitable. Many 21CSC programs perform mitigation projects that, in anticipation of these disasters, seek to minimize potential damage. Corps across the country stabilize stream banks, perform prescribed burns, fill and place sandbags, remove dead trees and other fire fuels, and clear waterways and storm water channels.

When disaster strikes, there are Corps that organize volunteers, distribute donated goods, “muck out” homes and buildings, clear debris and downed trees, even fight wildfires. 21CSC programs are ready to assist.

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #2 to Support the 21CSC

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.

June 22nd – REASON #2 to Support the 21CSC: Corps leverage the experience of our veterans and help them transition back into civilian life through continued service.

Some 21CSC programs operate crews specifically for recent veterans. By joining a Corps, veterans can train for a new career and transition back into civilian life while continuing to serve alongside men and women who share their experiences and values. Corps help our veterans translate their technical skills and passion for service into careers in public lands management.

Watch this video to see a 21CSC Veterans Fire Corps crew in action. Hear from recent veterans why their Corps experience is important to them.

Summer 2016 Meme Series: Reason #1 to Support the 21CSC

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.

June 15th – REASON #1 to Support the 21CSC: there’s a lot of work to do on our public lands

America’s land and water management agencies – like the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service – have billions of dollars in unmet maintenance needs and not enough resources to keep up. To help ensure that our parks can stay open, these agencies partner with 21CSC programs to put trained young people to work on important projects on our public lands.

USDA and Partners Invest $11M in 21st Century Conservation Service Corps

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2016 – As National Get Outdoors Month begins, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Forest Service and partners have invested over $11 million to support work and training opportunities for more than 1,500 youth and veterans on national forests and grasslands in fiscal year 2016.

The Forest Service and partners make investments in 21CSC throughout the year. Today’s announcement includes national and regional Forest Service investments of $6.5 million with additional partner investments of $3.7 million in funding. The National Forest Foundation has also leveraged an additional $1.5 million for 21CSC projects so far in 2016.

Today’s announcement provides support for opportunities for hands-on service in opportunities across America. To see a brief description of each project, its location, and the name of the 21CSC Member Program facilitating each project: Click to view spreadsheet.

Click to read press release from USDA

Partnership for the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Applauds Introduction of 21CSC Act in U.S. House of Representatives

Legislation will help advance the 21CSC’s goal of engaging 100,000 youth and veterans in protecting, restoring and enhancing America’s public lands and waters.

WASHINGTON, DC (APRIL 29, 2016) –The Partnership for the 21^st Century Conservation Service Corps (P-21CSC), the coalition responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the 21^st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) initiative, applauds bipartisan introduction of the 21^st Century Conservation Service Corps Act (H.R.5114) in the United States House of Representatives on Thursday, April 28^th by Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA). They were joined by original co-sponsors Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY), Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA).

The 21CSC is a bold national initiative to annually engage 100,000 youth and veterans in service on America’s public lands by 2018. The 192 official 21CSC member organizations currently engage tens of thousands of young people every year in completing quality, cost-effective maintenance and improvement projects in city parks and on public and tribal lands and waters across the country. The programs of the 21CSC help address the backlogged maintenance needs of land and water management agencies; enhance outdoor recreation opportunities; improve the accessibility of public lands; and respond to wildfires and other natural disasters.

The 21CSC Act was introduced in the United States Senate (S.1993) in August 2015 by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO). If signed into law, the 21CSC Act would allow federal land and water management agencies – like the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service – to meet their missions in a cost-efficient manner through formal, more effective partnerships with 21CSC member organizations. It would also enable additional federal agencies to more easily partner with 21CSC organizations to accomplish their goals. The 21CSC Act would:

Expand the number of federal agencies that can work with 21CSC programs. Enlisting Conservation Corps to do priority work has often proven to be more cost-effective for federal agencies.
Encourage federal agencies to collaborate, and require that they use only existing resources to work with 21CSC programs, meaning there would be no additional cost to tax-payers.
Prioritize the engagement of recent veterans and disadvantaged youth in 21CSC programs.
Establish standards for data collection and measuring the effectiveness of 21CSC programs.
Provide two years of non-competitive hiring eligibility with federal agencies for young people and veterans who gain valuable skills through service in 21CSC programs.

“In Arizona, natural beauty is all around us,” said Congresswoman McSally (R-AZ). “The problem is that a backlog of needed restoration projects on our public lands is restricting access for Arizonans and tourists at our parks and public areas. Additional resources provided to reduce this backlog have failed to make a dent in it, which is why we need better solutions. My bill leverages existing resources in a smarter way to get these projects moving and ensure the public can once again fully enjoy our national parks. I thank Congressman Moulton for working with me on this legislation and look forward to working together to move it forward.”

“Enjoying the outdoors and our great national parks is a quintessentially American experience, but it’s one that more and more Americans are losing out on because of the mounting backlog of National Parks Service projects,” said Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), a co-lead of the legislation. “We need innovative solutions and the 21CSC is just that — it codifies public-private partnerships between conservation groups and our park services, while affording young people and veterans meaningful work experience. This bipartisan bill effectively joins service with stewardship, and in doing so, it will make our country a better place. I was proud to work with Congresswoman McSally on this effort to protect 21CSC and promote conservation and national service opportunities at the same time.”

“We are extremely grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Representatives McSally and Moulton on the 21CSC Act in the House,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, CEO of The Corps Network and Co-Chair of the Partnership for the 21CSC. “The 21CSC is a win-win: Corps train the next generation of leaders by putting young people and veterans to work helping land and water managers care for America’s natural resources. The 21CSC Act will help land and water managers achieve more with limited budgets and ensure that more young people have the opportunity to serve our country and veterans can find a pathway to careers through a continuation of their service.”

“The 21CSC Act will make it easier for thousands of young people and returning veterans to complete mission critical conservation projects protecting, restoring and enhancing our country’s treasured public lands,” said Harry Bruell, CEO and President of Conservation Legacy and Co-Chair of the P-21CSC. “Every year, thousands of young people serve in Conservation Corps building and maintaining trails, protecting communities from wildfire, and conserving public places; the 21CSC Act will expand this valuable work. We greatly appreciate the leadership of the members of Congress who have supported this legislation.”

The 21CSC is built on a partnership among conservation programs, land management agencies and the private sector. It was launched as part of President Barack Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative (2010) to “develop a 21^st century conservation and recreation agenda.” Through listening sessions, formal recommendations and online voting, the first America’s Great Outdoors Report (2011) included a recommendation to catalyze the establishment of a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In 2013, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced that DOI would work to expand the initiative through partnerships with the private sector. Since then, the 21CSC has received investments from American Eagle Outfitters, The Coca-Cola Foundation, the REI Foundation, The North Face, Thule, the Campion Foundation, Camelbak, the Youth Outdoor Legacy fund, KEEN Utility and others.

About The Corps Network
The Corps Network provides leadership and support to over 130 of America’s Service and Conservation Corps. Through advocacy, access to funding opportunities and expert guidance, The Corps Network annually enables over 24,000 Corpsmembers, ages 16-25, to strengthen communities, improve the environment and transform their lives through service. To learn more about The Corps Network, please visit www.corpsnetwork.org.

About Conservation Legacy
Conservation Legacy is a national organization dedicated to cultivating local action to produce enduring widespread impact in communities, ecosystems and people. Conservation Legacy is a purposeful and strategic organization that operates a national cadre of corps and service programs that: engage young Americans in service; conserve, protect and promote each community’s greatest gifts; and build America’s future. Learn more about Conservation Legacy at www.conservationlegacy.org.

About the Partnership for the 21^st Century Conservation Service Corps
The Partnership for the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) supports the development and implementation of the 21CSC to reach its goal of engaging 100,000 young people and veterans per year in conservation service. The Partnership’s members include key federal, state, local and non-profit leaders and stakeholders of the 21CSC.

The Partnership for the 21CSC’s charter calls for it to develop “national partnerships to support 21CSC.” These partnerships with national non-profit and for-profit organizations support the development and implementation of the 21CSC to reach its goal of engaging 100,000 young people and veterans per year in conservation service.

Media Contact
Hannah Traverse
Communications Manager
The Corps Network
htraverse@corpsnetwork.org
(202) 737 – 6272