Clinton Conservation District and AmeriCorps Seniors announce partnership
PORTER TOWNSHIP, PA – AmeriCorps Seniors, Diakon Community Services and the Clinton County Conservation District have unveiled a new 3-year partnership that will strengthen the District’s ability to provide services to residents of Clinton County and will also offer local seniors the ability to help protect the county’s natural resources.
AmeriCorps Seniors is the nation’s largest volunteer network for those 55 and older who want to volunteer to serve their community.
“The program allows seniors to use their lifetime of acquired skills, knowledge, and experience to make a difference in their own backyard,” said Michael Vail, AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Program Manager. “The most important qualification for becoming an AmeriCorps Seniors member is a desire to lend a hand and give back locally.”
Although a Federal Government initiative, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors have enjoyed bipartisan support and trace their origins to former presidents Richard Nixon, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Central to their mission is improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteerism.
“Giving back to our communities is a quintessential American value,” said Conservation District Manager Wade Jodun. “History has taught us that often, the solutions to the challenges we face come by applying America’s greatest resource – our people. AmeriCorps embodies this ethic of community service and we are honored that, through AmeriCorps, we will be better able to partner with our friends and neighbors and better able to serve the residents of Clinton County.”
“We are always looking for extra hands to help with youth educational activities such as the County Envirothon, Conservation Summer Camp and 6th Grade Conservation Field Days,” said District Education Coordinator Toby Boyer. But according to Vail, the diversity of opportunities is great. “We’re looking for folks to answer phones, greet visitors, update web pages, write grants, repair farm equipment, maintain facilities, help with special events and tree sales, as well as plant trees and care for pollinator gardens.”
“We’re really excited about this partnership,” said Clinton County Commissioner and District Board member Angela Harding. “This allows community-minded people with a lifetime of experience and a love of the outdoors and conservation to put their skills to use and help invest in the county’s future.”
“What AmeriCorps Seniors brings is a multiplier effect. They bring people power,” said Harding. “These extra hands allow the district to do more to help local farmers, contractors, municipalities, students and youth without increasing budget.”
Those interested in serving and giving back to your local community can learn more about AmeriCorps Seniors by contacting Michael Vail at 814-419-5941 or by email at
vailm@diakon.org
