Natasha Blakely, natasha.blakely@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, volunteers from the AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps were told they would be discharged from their service early as part of DOGE efforts to slash the federal workforce.
More than 2,000 people could be affected by these most recent cuts, as the program takes on roughly that many volunteers each year. The volunteers are assigned to projects with nonprofits, community organizations or Federal Emergency Management Agency, and have helped during natural disasters including Hurricanes Katrina and Helene.
In response, Gerry Seavo James, deputy director of Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign, said:
“The National Civilian Community Corps has been a critical pillar of national disaster relief, wildlife recovery, and community resilience efforts for 30 years. It has also served as an important entry point for young folks, especially from underrepresented communities, to gain experience in environmental stewardship, public service, and outdoor careers. In a time when we face increasing climate change impacts and extreme weather, we should not be disinvesting in programs like these or our future generations.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.