The Environmental Center Receives Award From AmeriCorps NCCC
We are proud to share that AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Class XXI has awarded “Project Sponsor of the Year” to The Environmental Center.
The Environmental Center sponsored Green One, a team of nine AmeriCorps NCCC members, this past spring. Green One was in Bend for eight weeks to assist primarily with The Bend Energy Challenge, in addition to other Environmental Center conservation, sustainability, and stewardship initiatives. The team experienced hands-on training with our solar and energy efficiency partners, and soon became experts at promoting local energy conservation solutions.
The Environmental Center’s nominations for the award winner included these nice comments:
- This organization considered the skills of the members and provided opportunities for members to take the lead.
- They provided training and feedback during regular check-ins.
- They provided the team with multiple opportunities to be a part of the community.
- They reminded the team of the importance of their work.
- The organization aims to have an impact that would last for many generations to come.
- The staff was extremely passionate and inspiring.
During their time in Bend, the team visited 3,372 total houses to share the Bend Energy Challenge, gathering 763 pledges from residents who plan to reduce their energy use by at least 10%. This made a huge impact on the community, bringing us closer to winning a $5 million prize!
In addition to outreach for the Challenge, Green One was involved in outdoor school days, community events like Earth Day Fair, garden projects and water education programs. The team also spent several hours donating their time and skills to the community through various service projects. In their free time, the team explored Central Oregon and all it has to offer. The Environmental Center staff organized mountain biking, national park excursions, and lots of fun dinners to help share local favorites with the team.
The AmeriCorps motto of “getting things done” held true for this group.
“As an AmeriCorps alumni, I am familiar with the motto of ‘getting things done.’ After working with Green One for eight weeks, I have a whole new appreciation and understanding of the phrase,” said Lindsey Hardy, Bend Energy Challenge Project Director and sponsor coordinator the team. “We are above and beyond thrilled to have received this award, but even more so, are grateful for the service of all of the members of Class 21.”
Hardy flew to Sacramento last week to surprise the team on their graduation day and to receive the award. The Environmental Center is very thankful for Green One’s impact on our organization and the surrounding community, and we thank them for their nomination for this award. Congratulations and best of luck to NCCC Green One and the entire AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Class XXI!
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full-time, team-based residential service program for young adults who want to give back to communities in need at different locations across the county. For 10 months, Members work on 4-6 projects such as: engaging youth; building and rehabilitating homes for families in need; cleaning up parks, streams, trails, and shorelines; fighting and presenting wildfires; and helping communities recover from disasters. You’ll be assigned to one of five campuses across the country.
Stop by The Environmental Center at 16 NW Kansas Ave in downtown Bend to pick up more application information. Applications for 2015-2016 are due starting September 1st.
