The Land Conservation Leaders program is a demanding, team-based, leadership experience providing a service opportunity in environmental stewardship. Land Conservation Leaders (LCLs) begin the program with two weeks of in-house training and six weeks of field training. They then transition to Assistant Crew Leader roles for the Summer of Service season. Based on skills developed, LCLs may serve as Crew Leaders, Co-Crew Leaders or remain Assistant Crew Leaders for the Fall Forestry season. LCLs participate in and facilitate weekly educational sessions and team building activities, plan and lead service projects, and build leadership skills.
Service Activities
Members SERVE:
• On Land Conservation: Complete physically demanding conservation
projects on public lands throughout the Denver metro area. Project
examples are trail construction and maintenance, fire mitigation, fencing,
noxious weed removal, wildlife habitat improvements and public land
maintenance and clean-up.
• Mile High Youth Corps: Provide logistics support including but not limited
to, building, vehicle and tool maintenance.
Members LEAD:
• Members serve as role models and promote volunteerism and community service across the organization.
• Trainings: Fully participate in and provide leadership for educational activities, including environmental education, civic engagement, healthy living, and social justice, for up to four hours a week in the field.
• Projects: Serve as Assistant Crew Leaders on Summer of Service crews and Co-Crew Leaders on Fall Forestry crews. Crews are comprised of 8-10 18-24 year olds from diverse backgrounds. 1-2 members may be selected to fill an alternative role during Fall Forestry, assisting with trainings, supporting crews in meeting project goals, serving as MHYC ambassadors for site visits with government officials, and stepping into other leadership roles as needed.
Community Need Addressed
Environmental/Conservation education, Land conservation and preservation, Park and trail maintenance, Leadership development
Position Outcomes
Habitat restoration and preservation, Increased leadership skills, increased conservation knowledge, more environmentally-educated community
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
• Trainings: Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Leave No TraceTM outdoor ethics,
Pesticide Application, hands-on technical training related to all projects,
facilitation and public speaking, peer mentoring, extensive leadership
development, and the option to earn S-212 chainsaw equivalency
certification (required for Sawyers).
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
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, 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, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
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, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, 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