DENVER, MONDAY, APRIL 8th, - Monday, Governor Jared Polis, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Americorps CEO Michael D. Smith and Serve Colorado discussed Colorado’s nation-leading work to protect Colorado’s future and achieve bold climate goals by utilizing AmeriCorps members and national service.
“From reducing the risk of forest fires to saving water, Colorado is a national leader in keeping Coloradans safe. I am thankful for the important work of Colorado's Climate Corps to further workforce development, invest in clean energy solutions, and foster work that preserves our beautiful state for future generations,” said Governor Polis.
“Serve Colorado is a national leader when it comes to expanding opportunities for service to address community needs across our state as well as utilizing national service as a workforce development tool,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. “Between 2019 and 2022 we doubled the number of operational programs in Colorado, creating new service opportunities in education, health care, economic mobility, and climate response. We are excited to see national investment in the work states, including Colorado, are leading when it comes to civilian climate corps.”
“We are at a crucial time where we must step up and take action to address the climate crisis,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “That’s why, every year, AmeriCorps engages nearly 15,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience projects that address climate change.”
The Colorado Climate Corps launched in 2022 with 633 service members taking part in its inaugural year, and in 2023, over 770 members worked on projects covering all 64 Colorado counties. Colorado holds the distinction of being one of the first states to launch a Climate Corps. The Biden-I’m Harris Administration has expressed interest in drawing insights and forming partnerships with state-based climate corps, particularly as they gear up to launch the inaugural cohort of the American Climate Corps. Notably, Colorado has been designated as a founding implementing partner of the American Climate Corps, positioned at the forefront of this federal initiative.
Colorado Climate Corps members:
Provide critical capacity and support to local governments to develop and execute climate action plans and/or projects including educating communities about climate change, developing and implementing community sustainability plans, conducting electric vehicle readiness planning, and updating drought contingency plans
Conduct wildfire and flood mitigation projects and conduct water and energy efficiency projects
Implement additional environment and energy efficiency projects in low-income, single family, and multi-family homes.
For the past three decades, AmeriCorps has conserved natural habitats, improved energy efficiency, protected clean air and water, and helped mitigate climate change's effects.
Every year, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers treat millions of acres of parks and public land, and thousands of miles of trails and rivers to create a greener and cleaner planet.
For more information about Serve Colorado and the Colorado Climate Corps visit servecolorado.colorado.gov/
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.