This week CTNC welcomed its first AmeriCorps Project GEOS Members. AmeriCorps Project GEOS (Growing Environmental Opportunities through Service) is a ten-month national service program in environmental education and outreach. This new program seeks to reconnect people with the outdoors and to develop future leaders in conservation. Our AmeriCorps members will develop service projects that help remove barriers to environmental education, as well as help expand the diversity of backgrounds among conservation leaders.
Orientation was held at Haw River State Park for the 17 AmeriCorps members who will work at 15 host sites around the state. Orientation was a three-day affair that introduced members to the AmeriCorps program. Activities included diversity and communications training, work plan preparation, networking opportunities for members and host sites, service projects, teambuilding, and s’mores around the campfire.
2015 host organizations include the Balsam Mountain Trust, The Conservation Fund, NC Coastal Federation, and Wake County Soil and Water. We are excited about the great work that the AmeriCorps members will do to engage their communities in conservation and environmental education!
AmeriCorps Project GEOS is one of three major initiatives that CTNC offers to connect more people with the outdoors. The others are the NC Youth Conservation Corps and the Max Mukelabai Diversity Internship Program. All three provide paid positions.