The Corps Conversation

Summer is Here!

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:29:11 +0000

After all of the training and paperwork, our summer land crews are now out in the field! We have a total of five crews in Denver and five crews in Colorado Springs including one in Pueblo that will begin June 10th. It is a busy and exciting time with all the new faces around. We’re happy to have them all on board and look forward to an incredible summer! Here’s a look at what our crews will be doing over the next 12 weeks:

TrailBlazers One of our three saw crews this summer. The TrailBlazers will be working primarily on forest fire fuel mitigation projects with Denver Mountain Parks. They will be finishing the summer with a few weeks of invasive species (Russian Olive) eradication.

Assistant crew leaders, Katie and Taylor, are already having fun!

RockClimbers Also a saw crew. The RockClimbers will work on forest fire fuel mitigation projects as well as Russian Olive removal. They will work at several different Denver Mountain Park locations, Evergreen Parks, Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, and South Suburban Parks and Recreation.

Sawyer Corpsmembers get chainsaw certified during orientation

RidgeRunners Our final saw crew. The RidgeRunners will spend a large portion of the summer working along the Sand Creek Greenway removing Russian Olives. They will finish up the term completing projects as a hand crew.

Katie, Patrick and Jordan are the RidgeRunner assistant crew leaders

PathFinders One of our two hand crews this summer. The PathFinders will work on a variety of projects from fence installation and removal to invasive weed removal, trail maintenance, and trail construction. They are working at Cherry Creek State Park, Roxborough State Park, Golden Gate State Park, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, and Denver Mountain Parks.

Josh, Jerry and Emily remove fence posts in Cherry Creek during the first week of field work

SummitSeekers Also a hand crew. The SummitSeekers will be working on noxious weed removal, fence removal, and new trail construction. Their projects will be in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Staunton State Park, and several locations within Denver Mountain Parks. This is the first year to have a crew of this name. We know they’ll set the bar high for all the future SummitSeekers!

Ryann and Luke are ready to get to work!

Colorado Springs will have several different crews this summer including sawyer, trails and camping. The Wolverines, a day crew, and the Bobcats, a sawyer crew, will be working in the Waldo Canyon burn area cutting fire-burned trees and using them to build log erosion barriers (LEBs) in order to stop water erosion after heavy rains. The Peregrines and the Marmots, both camping crews, will continuing building an OHV single-track trail in Rampart Range. Steel City, the Pueblo Crew, will be working in the backcountry cutting trail in the San Isabel area and aiding in fire relief with CUSP (Coalition for the Upper South Platte).

A big thanks to Gabe Buzinski and John Biggs for their contributions to this post!

Congratulations Graduates!

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 31 May 2013 17:52:43 +0000

Last Friday, YouthBuild 2012-13 officially came to a close. 25 Corpsmembers graduated from the program this year. With 13 earning GEDs, 20 earning PACT certifications, and 19 earning a total of $27,892 in AmeriCorps Education Awards, it was definitely an occasion to celebrate. Each one of them has been working hard since September, splitting their time between studying in the classroom and learning skills on a construction site. In collaboration with the Denver Housing Authority’s Mariposa project, YouthBuilders helped build 180 units of affordable housing during their term.

City Councilman Albus Brooks from District 8 spoke at the graduation ceremony on Friday. He had some encouraging words for the graduates:

Don’t quit. Each and every one of you has faced incredible challenges in your life, but deep inside you lies this will to overcome whatever you’re facing. So I say to you–congratulations, but you’re not done; way to go, but keep going. Your futures are bright. In the past, many of you couldn’t see past tomorrow, but today should be an opportunity for you to say “Yes, I can make it.” The sky is the limit!

And these YouthBuild Corpsmembers will take on that challenge. 17 of them will continue on to higher education in the fall at Community College of Denver while others have engaged apprenticeships with various companies throughout the city. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to hearing about their many accomplishments in the future!

Click to view slideshow.

YouthBuilders Volunteer with Bessie’s Hope

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:59:53 +0000

For the past eight months, YouthBuild Corpsmembers have volunteered at two senior living facilities through Bessie’s Hope Youth and Elder Program. This program enhances quality of life and creates meaningful volunteer opportunities through life-enriching interactions with nursing home and assisted living elders. Corpsmembers have spent time with the residents creating crafts, playing games, even singing and dancing. It has been an unforgettable and rewarding experience for both the seniors and the Corpsmembers. Abby, a 2013 YouthBuild graduate, shared her thoughts:

Volunteering with Bessie’s Hope impacted all of us. It was challenging at first because we were not used to spending time with the elderly, but I learned a great deal about respect. We all left having learned something from attending Bessie’s Hope. I gained self-esteem, knowing that I can make a change in someone’s life even though they face challenges. I have no living grandparents, so interacting with the elderly made me feel good as if they were my own grandparents. The seniors may not have remembered us after we left, but knowing that you can put a smile on their faces for that day was an amazing feeling. It really was such a meaningful experience for me and the other YouthBuild Corpsmembers.

The YouthBuilders will be volunteering today with Bessie’s Hope for the last time before graduation. We know that these experiences will continue to have an impact even after their term has ended.

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

YouthBuild Corpsmembers Prepare for Graduation

Mile High Youth Corps — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:52:16 +0000

In three weeks, MHYC’s YouthBuild Corpsmembers will be graduating from their program. Since September, these young men and women have been studying for the GEDs and learning new construction skills. With a few weeks left, ten Corpsmembers have earned their GED and 17 have earned their AmeriCorps Education Award. Nearly every Corpsmember is within one or two tests of their GED!

I caught up with two of our Corpsmembers, Eloy Gonzales-Martinez and Abby Lopez, about their time at MHYC and what they have planned for their futures.

Click to view slideshow.

What is the most important thing you learned this year?

Eloy: Both education and college are extremely important. No one can take those things away from you.
Abby: You can’t get anywhere in life without having an education.

What is your favorite memory from your time at MHYC?

Eloy: My favorite memory is when I went to the Young Leaders Conference in DC. It was the best experience of my life. (Read more of Eloy’s thoughts about the YLC here).
Abby: Making it into the program at the very beginning of the year. I really wanted my GED!

What are you future plans?

Eloy: I’ve been accepted to the Community College of Denver. I am going to study there for two years and then transfer to a four year school. I want to study Anthropology and Archeology. I also want to stay connected with MHYC by doing another term of service. I already applied for Summer of Service! (For more information about our Summer of Service opportunities, click here).
Abby: I am starting at CCD this fall, as well! I want to become a Pharmacist.

YouthBuild graduation will be held on May 24, 2013 at St. Catejan’s on the Auraria campus.

MHYC Participates in Global Youth Service Day

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:59:27 +0000

April 26-28th marks Global Youth Service Day 2013, the largest day of service in the world and the only service event specifically dedicated to children and youth ages 5-25. In honor of the event, MHYC took part in five different service projects throughout Denver. Take a look below to see how our Corpmembers and Staff lent their helpful hands today:

Picking up trash, sweeping, and checking for graffiti at our Adopt-A-Spot location.

Weeding and helping to install an irrigation system for the Boys and Girls Club.

Sorting food donations, preparing pallets of food orders, packing boxes of food orders at Food Bank of the Rockies.

Landscaping and maintaining trails at the Bluff Lake Nature Center.

Helping Denver Urban Gardens lay gravel pathways for an existing community garden.

And check out the video of why our Corpsmembers serve:

MHYC Crews Tackle Different Projects

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:55:33 +0000

Two of our crews at Mile High Youth Corps have been working on some interesting projects outside of their typical work schedule!

The Water crew, which installs efficient toilets and aerators in low-income households, has spent the past several weeks working in small groups on their Independent Service Learning (ISLP) projects. Each group has a particular area of service on which they concentrate, whether it’s the environment, youth development, health and disabilities, or animals.

Last month, the ISLP groups worked together to research different volunteer opportunities within their focus area. On Friday, March 22^nd, the groups spent the morning giving their time and serving their communities. They mentored high school students on different prospects after graduation, made arts and crafts with children at Children’s Hospital Colorado, did environmental projects at Red Rocks, and helped out with a local animal shelter.

The groups are currently seeking out new opportunities for their second project, to be held late next month.

Sarah and Izzabella create Easter crafts with kids at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

At the beginning of their term, our YouthBuild Corpsmembers were presented with a challenging project: working alone or in pairs, to come up with their own idea for a non-profit organization. This non-profit would address whatever community issue they felt most strongly about. Corpsmembers were tasked with developing a budget, a staffing structure, and a plan to reach their intended audience.

The YouthBuild Corpsmembers created a wide array of non-profit organizations that aimed to do everything from helping the homeless to providing teens with free counseling services to working with teenage girls to improve their self-esteem. Corpsmembers presented their ideas to rest of the Corps and to the MHYC staff. Perhaps they will go on to create the very organizations they developed here!

Vincent and Dae’Mon present their non-profit organization idea, an after-school recreation center for kids and teens.

Top 10: Interview Tips

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:52:11 +0000

As we approach peak hiring season here at MHYC, we thought it would be fitting to offer some helpful interview tips. Check out the top 10 tips contributed by MHYC Staff and Corpsmembers :

10. Do your research! Be familiar with the company’s mission, history and values.

9. Ask questions about the company and position. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you!

8. Be 10 minutes early.

7. Know yourself. Be able to turn your weaknesses into something positive.

6. When asked for an example, tell a story. Everyone loves a good story.

5. Dress for interview success. The first impression you make on a potential employer can make a big difference.

4. Listen carefully to each question asked. Pause and collect your thoughts before answering. Don’t be afraid to have them repeat the question.

3. Practice interviewing. It will help give you a framework for your responses.

2. Take the time to say thank you. Not only is it good interview etiquette, it reinforces your interest in the position.

1. It’s ok to be nervous. Breathe and do your best!

Lauren Johnson: Sawyer Experience Alumni Spotlight

Mile High Youth Corps — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:05:09 +0000

We often hear “chainsaw” and automatically picture horror movies that have left us with a fear of people with chainsaws. Fortunately, that didn’t scare away Lauren Johnson, a Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) Alumna, who began at MHYC in 2011 as a Fall Forestry Sawyer and continued to serve with MHYC as AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Corpsmember in 2012. She reminisces about her experience as a Sawyer throughout her two terms at Mile High Youth Corps.

There’s no denying that moment of nervous hesitation when accepting the offer to be a sawyer on a summer chainsaw crew for MHYC. For a large number of people the fear resides in never having touched a chainsaw, let alone ever using one. For others, it’s in the unaccredited notion that cutting down trees is a man’s job. These fears are quite normal. The greatest thing though, is when these fears transform into a powerful eagerness to do what you thought you couldn’t do.

I am an advocate for the Mile High Youth Corps saw crew experience. There is just no way words can justify how uniquely special this job can be. As a Fall Forestry sawyer in 2011 as well as a saw crew ACLC in 2012, I created some of the most memorable moments of my life. From the moment I wrapped my fingers around my first STIHL MS362 power head, or Michelangelo as it was so affectionately called, I was hooked. Any fear of not having operated a chainsaw escaped me. Being a girl just made me that much more powerful and eager to prove myself. With chaps on my legs, gloves on my hands, plugs in my ears, helmet on my head, and Michelangelo clenched in my grasp, I took down my first tree within three days of training. Once I took down one, I wanted to do another. It was an instant addiction, and to say falling trees is anything less than a passion of mine would be an understatement.

The best part of being a sawyer, for me, was the variety in daily challenges. Every tree is different. Every location is different. One week you might be at Cherry Creek State Park cutting Russian Olives. Another week you might be at Golden Gate Canyon State Park fire mitigating pines. Each tree is encompassed by factors that lead to a safe fall of it. What worked on one tree won’t necessarily work for the one standing right next to it. No matter what, I controlled how each tree came down.

However, being a sawyer at MHYC is more than just cutting down trees. The people I worked with are some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have never met a group of individuals so dedicated to their coworkers, their work, and its purpose. Whether it’s a saw partner struggling through a tough project, or the crew pushing to meet a goal, someone is always able to motivate a person or the crew to finish strong. The toughest days and the toughest projects are the ones that you’ll remember and be the most proud of when it’s all said and done.

One of my favorite memories was at Genesee in October 2011. My crew had been working at Genesee for a couple weeks and we were close to finishing our project goals. As luck should have it, Genesee got six or eight inches of snow on the first day of our last week there. So, with six inches of snow in a rock filled mountainous park, we had to finish. Quitting was not an option. We bundled in our warmest clothes, assembled the saws, and trudged through. Ten hour days spent in thirty two degree weather, snow up to our knee caps with the saws blazing along. We spent our lunches that week crammed in the van trying to warm up. The crew leader would pass out hand warmers, but nobody’s gloves escaped the viciousness of the cold, wet snow. No one quit, and at the end of the week we looked back proud at what we had accomplished amidst the unruly circumstances.

Being part of a saw crew gave me the opportunity to help the community and environment I live in. I went into Mile High Youth Corps with the drive and passion to make my little section of the world a better place to be, and left with so much more. I learned a type of work discipline that can’t be taught behind a desk. I transformed from a more self-centered individual, to a more self-sacrificing individual with a greater consideration for the people around me. I built a variety of uncommon technical skills that set me apart from the everyday workforce. I created a network of contacts that were helpful while seeking an enjoyable job after the term was over. I went out of my comfort zone, which readied me for the new and exciting, nerve wracking situations I was sure to encounter. I made friendships that will last a lifetime. The motivation to make my world a better place made me a better person.
You get out of the Mile High Youth Corps and Americorps experience what you put into it. My advice to anyone thinking about joining on a summer saw crew: Do it. Have passion for it. Go to work, do your best every day, and motivate others to do their best. Make friends, and create memories… Most importantly, you have nothing to lose from this experience and everything to gain.

-Lauren Johnson

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

YouthBuilders Return from DC

Mile High Youth Corps — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:32:49 +0000

The 2013 AmeriCorps Conference of Youth Leaders took place last week in Washington D.C. with the purpose of connecting YouthBuild participants from all over the country. Lawrence Pham and Eloy Martinez were selected to attend the conference which proved to be quite an exciting experience. Lawrence was elected to be Colorado’s Representative on YouthBuild USA’s Young Leaders Council, a highly competitive and distinguished position. The Council is a peer-elected body that serves as a voice for the national YouthBuild movement. He will participate in various leadership roles such as policy-making and advocacy for YouthBuild USA. He tells us about his experience here:

The Young Leaders Conference was fun. Everyone had a blast. We did a lot of group activities mainly focusing on team builders. Everyone had to contribute and make the most out of our experience. We participated in activities where the staff would spit wisdom into our lives. Everything at the conference helped us think more positive and accept the fact that there are always bad things that happen.

The experience with other YouthBuild members was incredible. We bonded so well because no one judged and everyone welcomed every single person there with open arms, even the chef. We talked about life in their communities. It shocked me how everyone could relate to each other no matter how far apart we live. Meeting them was a true honor. We made bonds that I believe will last forever.

The one and only thing I was really nervous about was giving a speech for the Young Leaders Council. Every day I was more frightened, not because of all the people looking at me, but because I didn’t know if my speech would be powerful enough to capture everyone’s heart. The time limit was very strict, so it had to be inspiring and short which added even more pressure. When the time came, I was shaking, but ready. They called my name, and I went for it. After my speech, I felt like I was on top of the world. Many people came up to me to tell me what a great job I’d done. It was one of the best feelings.

After the trip, I felt really empowered. Love and unity coursed through my veins as I entered the plane. The energy was great, and I had no doubt it would last past the conference. Overall, the experience was really powerful and motivating. Being around 115 youth that were in the same shoes as me and who were taking a huge step in changing, not just their life but the world, helped me realize the potential in these once lost souls.

Click to view slideshow.

To read more about the Young Leaders Conference, please visit www.YouthBuild.org.

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders: Spotlight on Eloy Martinez

Mile High Youth Corps — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:54:10 +0000

Mile High Youth Corps is proud to announce that Eloy Gonzalez-Martinez and Lawrence Pham have been selected to attend the AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders in Washington, D.C. March 18-21. Before they left on Monday, Eloy gave us some insight into what he’s feeling:

It’s Friday, March 15th, 2013, and I am so excited because we are leaving for Washington, D.C. soon. I am really happy and nervous at the same time. I’m nervous about the fact that I’ve never been on a plane before, but with everyone’s encouragement, I feel like I’m ready for whatever is coming. After joining Mile High Youth Corps, I’ve realized the potential that my teammates and I have. I’ve had to step up to the plate so many times, giving tours and speeches with YouthBuild. Going to D.C. should be no sweat, but I am human, so I am extremely nervous. I guess I will always be nervous. I’m just glad I’ve conquered my fear of doing new and important things.

On another note, I’m extremely excited to go to D.C. I’ve personally never been to D.C., but everyone that I’ve told, including Corpsmembers, tell me great things about it. They’ve even told me places that I should check out. In particular, I’m excited about the restaurants. As soon as one of them said there was a buffet, I was sold. It made it sound like a dream come true. It’s even more exciting when we start talking about all the different people we’re going to meet. I’m fascinated to learn about other students’ environments and the differences between our program and others outside of Denver.

But, before I get to learn about new people, I first have to make it through the plane ride. Some people told me some tricks to stay calm if I’m too nervous. Others say it’s like riding a roller coaster. Some tell me to get a window seat, because it looks like the land is nothing but squares. I think that’s awesome because who wouldn’t want to see the world from the sky? Overall, I’m extremely excited. I can’t wait for this great and fun experience.

Stay tuned to hear all about Lawrence’s experience when they return!

Eloy with Lt. Governor Joe Garcia