About The Local Corps Collective
Our Non-Profit Organization
The Local Corps Collective was established as a 501c(3) non-profit in September 2023, borne of a vision to support the 14 Local Conservation Corps across the state by cultivating statewide opportunities, training, and resources, funded by federal and philanthropic support, in addition to State funding that has supported many of them for almost 40 years.
The Collective is a central fundraising and organizing entity, designed to take the efforts and opportunities of the California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC) to the next level. Further, the Foundation elevates the local corps by maintaining and expanding a network of partners committed to empowering thousands of young people across the state.
For almost 30 years, the local corps have been part of the California Association of Local Conservation Corps, which supports them by advocating for state funding and opportunities to uplift the nearly 3,000 Corpsmembers the local corps serve each year.
If California is to meet its ambitious climate goals, we need to educate and train the next generation of stewards of our environment. The state's local conservation corps work to do just that. With a network of 14 community-based organizations across the state, we provide young adults (ages 18-26) with paid on-the-job training, career, and educational pathways while conserving the environment and giving back to the communities we serve.
Our Mission Statement
Increasing investments to strengthen and grow the Local Conservation Corps movement.
Our Vision Statement
We envision partnering with the Statewide network of Local Conservation Corps through their missions by bridging existing gaps to enable Corps to best serve their diverse young people, including access to higher education, training, employment and corpsmember development wraparound supportive services.
Our JEDI Statement
For over 40 years, the Local Conservation Corps have been committed to recognizing the power of diverse communities and their youth through initiatives that honor economic and environmental outcomes through education, employment, and skill-building opportunities; preserve the environment; and increase access to California’s natural spaces. Our commitment to social and environmental justice is demonstrated by our dedication to:
● Giving a voice to our youth and the communities we serve across the State
● Being an advocate for environmental, juvenile, and social justice for all
● Recognizing and addressing systems of oppression through learning and action
As a Foundation, we believe that we realize the power and potential of our communities when all members have a voice and are encouraged to contribute in a productive, positive environment. We take responsibility in creating a space where everyone feels included, respected, and comfortable in bringing their whole self to the Local Corps Collective and our respective Local Conservation Corps. We embrace people of all backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences and seek to discover all that connects us, while also respecting our unique differences. We honor diverse perspectives, hold space to truly hear and understand each other, and harness our collective strengths to bring services to our communities that promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Our Values
01
Funding
Raise and provide funding to serve the needs of opportunity youth and young adults in the most underserved communities of California.
02
Career Readiness and Workforce Development
03
Create and administer innovative programs and initiatives that expand access to career readiness and workforce participation opportunities through partnerships with agencies, organizations, and businesses statewide.
Communication and Collective Impact
Serve as the megaphone for the local conservation corps movement by showcasing the transformative power of involvement in educational, training, and employment opportunities on the lives of young people and their communities.
04
Collaboration
Strengthen the professional network of local conservation corps statewide through capacity building, leadership support, and technical assistance tied to quality and continuous improvement.
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