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WHO WE ARE
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) is a non-profit, youth service organization that helps youth and young adults make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences. RMYC strives to meet the needs of the communities of northwest Colorado and beyond by offering teams of youth ages 16 to 25 years to undertake priority conservation projects such as watershed restoration, trail maintenance, noxious weed elimination, fencing and fire/fuels reduction work under experienced adult leadership.
RMYC is currently looking to expand its conservation capacity by searching for quality projects designed to provide specific environmental education while teaching vital work skills such as teamwork, leadership, self-reliance, and personal responsibility. RMYC provides work crews on a weekly basis to land management agencies. Crews work on public lands and private lands with public easements. Potential projects must have a long-term impact, provide educational potential, and/or be meaningful and fulfilling. The sponsoring agency will provide a funding match to support a portion of the crew costs based on the length of the project.
HOW IT WORKS
- Project Sponsor (you) identifies a potential project suitable for an RMYC crew.
- Project Sponsor contacts either Mark Wertheimer or Brandon Warren to discuss the project and decide if it is suitable for RMYC.
- If the project is suitable, Project Sponsor and RMYC staff work together to determine dates, number of crew weeks, type of crew, and crew costs associated.
- RMYC staff will then arrange a pre-site visit with the Project Sponsor to determine the field logistics.
- RMYC's Program Director will then arrange a pre-site visit with the Project Sponsor to determine the field logistics.
- The RMYC Conservation Corps crew will perform the project under the supervision of RMYC personnel, and with project coordination from the Project Sponsor.
WHAT DOES ROCKY MOUNTAIN YOUTH CORPS PROVIDE?
- Crews of 8-10 youth and young adults, consisting of a Crew Leader and two Mentors.
- Logistical coordination including a pre-project site visit.
- Transportation, camping gear, food, basic work tools, safety and technical training.
- Workers Comp and other liability coverage.
- Administrative support including financial management, assistance with matching grant requirements, and other related needs.
- Matching funds in the form of crew operations.
- Project relevant environmental education.
- Quality work and satisfaction!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT SPONSOR PROVIDE?
- Specialized tools as needed.
- Additional technical expertise as necessary.
- Project materials.
- Overall supervision of work projects (one pre-site and one visit per week minimum).
- Environmental and career information as agreed upon.
- Funding match dependent on project and crew type.
CREW TYPES
Regional Conservation Crew (RCC):
The RCC consists of 16-18 year old participants who have an interest in working in the outdoors for four weeks of the summer. These young people are recruited from the communities in which the project resides. Oftentimes, these youth come with prior experience in camping and working outdoors, but the major factor is their determination and enthusiasm.
Leadership Development Crew (LDC):
The LDC consists of 18-25 year old participants who are considering a career in environmental conservation. These young adults are recruited from throughout the country, with preference given to those residing in the project communities. They come to RMYC with more experience than the RCC youth, and are able to work at more specialized projects, such as those requiring chemical spraying, chainsaws, or working at high elevations for extended time periods. Many times, these young adults remain in the community they have been working in and pursue jobs through other project agencies beyond their service with RMYC.
Americorps Crew:
This is a newly developed crew that began in the 2005 project season. This crew consists of six Americorps members, ages 18-25 years, and two highly qualified adult Crew Supervisors. The types of projects this crew can undertake are more specialized, and could require more extensive training. If you have a unique project that you feel may be appropriate for the Americorps Crew, contact us to discuss.
CREW COSTS
RMYC accomplishes its mission of linking community, education and environment through service with the completion of important, educationally rich conservation projects. Our primary funding comes from our earned income through projects, subsidized by an assortment of private and government grants and donations. We ask Project Sponsors to cover a portion of the costs for the work provided on a per-crew-week basis - typically ranging from $5,600 to $6,500. Often RMYC will partner with project sponsors to apply for a variety of grants that can cover these costs. RMYC staff is happy to assist with grant writing.
OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES
There are a variety of other funding sources available to help cover the costs an RMYC crew to complete your project. Please call our office if you have any questions or to partner in grants.
Gretchen Van De Carr, Executive Director or Sheila Wright, Development Director (970-879-2135) |
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