Celebrating AmeriCorps Week

AmeriCorps Week, March 4-11th, seems like the perfect time for us to share a little bit about our relationship with AmeriCorps NCCC over the past 2 years.

The Environmental Center has been extremely fortunate to host and work with four AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) teams. AmeriCorps NCCC strengthens communities and develops leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. They have one goal: Get. Things. Done.

And that’s what they’ve done here in Bend, OR. Over the last two years, these teams have dedicated 12,035 hours to working in our community, primarily with our Energy Challenge Program. They have knocked on almost 6,000 doors to engage people in saving energy and talked to many more while at festivals, events, and hosting tables at local grocery stores and coffee shops.

They have installed 22,560 LED light bulbs and 1,923 efficient water fixtures which will save residents $162,967 annually in energy costs. This will cumulatively save our community $4.5 million over the next 20 years! They’ve helped us save enough energy to completely power 107 homes. They have helped us create a movement, and their impact will be felt for years to come as our community works towards energy and climate goals.

AmeriCorps NCCC is built on the belief that civic responsibility is an inherent duty of all citizens and that national service programs work effectively with local communities to address pressing needs. It is beautiful thing to witness service in action, especially with the enthusiasm that NCCC teams have brought to our community.

You may have met one of the 37 members who have served here in Bend through The Environmental Center. You may have literally welcomed them into your home to install LED light bulbs, and you may have even offered them tea and cookies (you have no idea how happy this makes them). And even if you didn’t meet them first-hand, we invite you to join us in thanking them for helping to make our community a better place.

AND….

It is with great excitement that we announce we will soon be hosting another team!! Keep an eye out for them. And if you have the pleasure of meeting them, be sure to thank them for their service.