DENVER, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 — Serve Colorado, under the Office of Lieutenant Governor Primavera which is dedicated to national service and its ability to address the impacts of climate change and protect our public lands, proudly supports today’s release of a White House Fact Sheet as a step forward in the establishment of a national civilian climate corps. This collaborative effort with AmeriCorps and five federal agencies marks a promising stride toward a greener, more sustainable future. Governor Jared Polis and Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera led the statewide Colorado Climate Corps beginning in 2021.
“Colorado is taking bold action to address the impact of climate change, including moving Colorado’s electricity grid to 100% renewable sources by 2040 and protecting the environment for future generations. We believe in harnessing the power of AmeriCorps to preserve our breathtaking landscapes. We recognize the urgent need to address climate change and are proud to have been at the forefront of this effort,” said Lt. Governor Primavera.
As Colorado confronts the ongoing challenges of climate change, the Polis-Primavera administration recognizes the pivotal role of national service and volunteerism in addressing these issues. Preserving and conserving Colorado’s natural spaces are integral parts of the solution. Equally critical is the development and training of a workforce capable of spearheading the green jobs of the future. A national civilian climate corps offers a remarkable opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful impact while acquiring the career skills necessary for a sustainable workforce.
Serve Colorado has collaborated closely with the Colorado Interagency Climate Team to develop the Colorado Climate Corps. The Colorado Youth Corps Association deployed its inaugural 633 AmeriCorps members in 2022, focusing on wildfire mitigation, trail conservation, and energy-efficient home upgrades. With CivicSpark’s inclusion in the portfolio, the reach of the Colorado Climate Corps now includes AmeriCorps members supporting local governments and nonprofits in planning for addressing sustainability and climate change issues.
The Polis-Primavera administration and Serve Colorado eagerly anticipate partnering with the White House, AmeriCorps, and other agencies to further the shared commitment of forging a future of enhanced resilience and environmental stewardship.
Serve Colorado empowers community-based organizations to meet locally identified needs and statewide challenges through service and volunteerism. Guided by the Governor's Commission on Community Service, Serve Colorado administers the AmeriCorps program in Colorado and promotes community service throughout the state to build a culture of citizenship, service, and individual responsibility. To learn more about Serve Colorado and its climate corps programs, please visit servecolorado.colorado.gov/ClimateAndEnvironment.