Developing Youth and Conserving Natural Resources
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Our Impact
Last Year Our Youth Corps...
Diverted 495,507* pounds of E-waste from the landfill.
*Based on internal weights. Official count will be available in Fall 2024.
Restored 366 acres of natural habitat.
Reduced fire fuel on 487 acres of public and private land.
Restored or maintained 130 miles of trails.
Diverted 7,945 tires from the landfill.
Corpsmember Spotlight
Anna Sophia, Annie, and Aileen
CCNB’s Zero Waste and Natural Resources programming provides corpsmembers with industry-recognized certifications and technical skills. As the educational component of the program, Career Pathways rounds out these skills with career readiness to ensure corpsmembers know how to get their foot in the door of their chosen industries. “[We are] learning how to advocate for ourselves and our peers. How to conduct ourselves professionally in meetings. Also learning how to be proactive listeners and taking note of concerns people may have,” they said.
One of these projects is the Corpsmember Council. Co-Chairs Anna Sophia and Annie S, as well as Secretary Aileen R., are developing skills on running a formal council. Re-launched this September, corpsmembers are learning how to run a meeting efficiently, including how to make, amend, and vote for motions. This process allows for more corpsmember-led initiatives so that our programs improve to better serve their needs.
So far, they have facilitated a workshop on corpsmember impact, and they are overseeing the celebration of corpsmember birthdays. They lead discussions with other corpsmembers in different spaces, allowing for their voices to inform the ways the program works. “[It is] bringing a community feeling to corpsmembers,” Jenna said.
Apart from giving a voice to corpsmembers, they are developing skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and empathy, and they are learning about initiative and making things happen. These are tools that will benefit them as they prepare for their future careers in any field.
Project Spotlight
Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps
The Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps (SCYEC) is a county-wide workforce training and ecosystem education program aimed at employing young adults, as well as teaching environmental stewardship. CCNB partners with the county to provide educational and work development opportunities and tackle important environmental projects that benefit the community at large.
This year-round program focuses on many environmental needs of the county. Different crews work with partners like Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, Sonoma County Ag+Open Space, and ahead of the rainy season, with City of Santa Rosa Creek Stewardship.
Corpsmembers who work in conjunction with City of Santa Rosa Creek Stewardship, for example, have achieved impressive feats on a project earlier this year. They removed exotic or invasive species from over 6 acres of public land, reduced hazardous fuel from over 8 acres, and created or restored 0.72 miles of waterways to ensure proper flow and minimize the risk of floods in neighboring communities.
In addition, corpsmembers on these crews have access to career exploration and events to enhance their employability and build community. This year, they participated in an Opportunity Fair, which included mock interviews with local employers in environmental and other sectors. The kick-off event was a day of educational and recreational activities surrounding land stewardship.
