Smokey’s Corner: EcoServants and AmeriCorps are Service in Action
Did you know that every summer young adults are employed in our communities in a variety of public works?
These young people work for a group called EcoServants, whose director, Stephen Carter, is focused on helping our local youth. Experience has taught him that these youthful, energetic people are the single largest asset for getting work completed on our public lands.
“We believe that improving the community, as well as the environment, go hand in hand,” Carter said.
He employs young people through AmeriCorps to build trails on public lands that are sometimes designed by world class trail designers. The benefits are mutual in that the public gets new trails and the young adults learn many new skills. Some of our favorite Smokey Bear Ranger District trails are the work of Carter’s EcoServants including Grindstone and Cedar Creek trails. Next in line is to connect and improve the trails in Perk Canyon.
AmeriCorps is a National Service program supported by the federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors engaging young people in public service work with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Participants commit to full-time or part-time positions offered by a network of nonprofit community organizations like EcoServants to fulfill assignments in the field.
AmeriCorps was started in 1993 under the leadership of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Currently, it has more than 80,000 members participating annually. Members may be provided financial compensation in the form of a stipend and an AmeriCorps Education award. Less tangible benefits include professional skill development and work experience. An internal study found that participation in AmeriCorps strengthened civic attitudes and sentiment, making members more likely to choose careers in public service.
Carter’s EcoServants are a diverse group of young people with a variety of backgrounds and interests. In exchange for serving as AmeriCorps members, they receive a basic stipend and education award of $5,700 after completing their program. An intangible benefit includes the opportunity to be a part of a community where folks are passionate and collaborative.
Established in 2003, EcoServants received non-profit 501 C 3 status in 2004, 1st New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps project in 2006, and 1st State Commission, CNCS AmeriCorps project (EcoMentors) in 2008. Carter just received notification of being granted $288,000 from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Carter will employ 60 young adults during the summer of 2018. He employs 30 from Otero County, and another 30 from Lincoln County. The age range is 17 to 25 years old. Carter also employs a handful of young adults to work year-round.
His goal is to build at least 6 miles of new trails every year and restore 12 miles of old trails bringing $288,000 to Lincoln and Otero counties, and awarding $120,000 in scholarships.
Over its existence, EcoServants has awarded $630,000 in scholarships to 330 students, brought over $3.5 million to Lincoln and Otero counties, provided job training to local youth, and improved public lands for recreation, fire safety and eco-tourism.
Smokey Bear Ranger District recreation opportunities would not be the same if not for this public service minded group. Our hats are off to the young people who work so hard every summer, and to Carter who seems to always be there when we need him.