BIPOC is an acronym that stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The BIPOC Affinity Crew is for BIPOC-identifying participants (called Corpsmembers) who want to serve alongside others with similar lived experiences while gaining professional skill building in natural resource management. This crew will be led and supported by BIPOC Crew Leaders and staff and be provided with educational opportunities aimed at further understanding and exploring historically marginalized identities. BIPOC Affinity Crew Corpsmembers can share stories, discuss common challenges, innovate solutions to common problems, and explore the field of natural resource management in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to promote a more inclusive public lands workforce informed by diverse perspectives and voices
Service Activities
The BIPOC Affinity Crew is part of a team-based, 13 week-long Fall Forestry Program. The crew will complete sawyer projects on public lands through the Denver metro area. Corpsmembers on a sawyer crew operate chainsaws on invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects. They receive First-Aid/CPR and S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws certifications. Some sawyers will have the opportunity to receive pesticide application training. The use of pesticide is common on invasive tree removal projects.
Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. No experience is required! We will provide you with hands-on training related to all projects.
Community Need Addressed
Natural resource management, invasive species removal, wildfire mitigation, trail work
Position Outcomes
BIPOC Affinity Crew Corpsmembers can share stories, discuss common challenges, innovate solutions to common problems, and explore the field of natural resource management in a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to promote a more inclusive public lands workforce informed by diverse perspectives and voices
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
• Biweekly Stipend - Earn a living stipend of $1,120 before taxes paid every 2 weeks.
o Leadership Opportunities available: Corpsmember Drivers are eligible for a living stipend of $1,140. Returning Corpsmembers earn $1,160. More information available on request.
• AmeriCorps Education Award - Earn a scholarship of $1,718.25 upon successful completion of the term (450 hours of service). This award can be used to pay future tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.
• Student Loan Forbearance - Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.
• Health Insurance - Corpsmembers are eligible for health insurance the 1st of the month after serving at MHYC for 60 days. Corpsmember contribution required.
• Counseling - Corpsmembers receive up to 4 free mental health counseling sessions per year.
• Networking - Corpsmembers have daily opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network!
• Training – Depending on crew assignments, Corpsmembers will receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws (required for sawyers), trail building and maintenance, and pesticide application.
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
First Aid, CPR, S-212 training
Skills you will gain
The BIPOC Affinity Crew is part of a team-based, 13 week-long Fall Forestry Program. The crew will complete sawyer projects on public lands through the Denver metro area. Corpsmembers on a sawyer crew operate chainsaws on invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects. They receive First-Aid/CPR and S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws certifications. Some sawyers will have the opportunity to receive pesticide application training. The use of pesticide is common on invasive tree removal projects.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment