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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (3)
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
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Clinton Presidential Records
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66
1
1
2
PRINTOCOPY
June 13
* NA AMERICORPS NI A SERVICE
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
REPORT SUMMARY
NATIONAL * AMERICORPS IN SERVICE UNITED OF DEPARTMENT STATES
AGRICULTURE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
I.
Report Summary
II.
Photographic Documentation
III.
Letters of Support
IV.
Summary of Hours Served at Each Site
V.
Budget Summary
VI.
Site-by-Site Accomplishments
VII.
Print Media Coverage
1
Executive Summary
The United States Department of Agriculture is sponsoring approximately 1,200
AmeriCorps Members serving in 38 states in urban and rural projects fighting hunger,
protecting the environment, and re-building rural America. During only their first two and
a half months of service from September 12 - November 31, 1994 --- the Members
provided over 360,000 hours of service to their communities.
Members of the Anti-Hunger, Nutrition, and Empowerment Team cooked and prepared
meals at soup kitchens, conducted nutrition and food safety workshops for the elderly,
sorted goods at food banks, developed nutrition education programs for schools, provided
outreach for the Women's, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program, worked to
increase the number of children receiving immunizations, began efforts to improve
participation in the summer feeding program, located sites for revitalizing community
gardens in low-income neighborhoods, assisted earthquake victims with emergency food
information, and informed pantries about how their clients who are working but are still
poor can boost their incomes by utilizing the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Members of the Public Lands and Environment Team working on Forest Service lands
performed rehabilitation and watershed protection work, constructed stream structures
for fish habitat, reforested fire-damaged lands, constructed and maintained trails for
hiking and horseback riding, planted cuttings for riparian and wildlife restorations,
maintained and rehabilitated campgrounds and made campgrounds accessible for the
disabled, completed timber stand improvements, restored historic sites, conducted
threatened and endangered species habitat surveys, removed and installed fences,
improved wildlife habitats, and hung erosion control netting on roads.
Members of the Public Lands and Environment Team working on private and local
municipal lands repaired and restored flood-damaged areas, re-created fish habitats,
conducted water quality monitoring, built community greenhouses, constructed urban,
suburban, and rural nature trails, built playgrounds, restored windbreaks originally created
by the Civilian Conservation Corps, revegetated coastal marshes, restored collections at
the National Arboretum, created a safe-haven lot at a public housing development,
landscaped at a public high school, cleaned up an urban wetland, revitalized historical
sites, improved camping sites, protected stream banks, created community gardens, and
cleaned out a public fountain.
Members of the Rural Development Team provided service on a wide range of projects
related to running water and indoor plumbing, sustainable agriculture, emergency
response and prevention, fisheries restoration, alternative uses of natural resources,
environmental education facilities, community improvement and personal responsibility
development, tourism to boost local economies, water quality protection, recycling
promotion, American Indian tribal empowerment, water quality protection, rural housing
improvement, and cultural resource preservation.
2
AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" on Forest Service Lands
The following is a brief summary of first quarter accomplishments in the nine Public
Lands and Environment Team projects managed by the USDA Forest Service in seven
states. These accomplishments include activities from six of the eight camps operating
on National Forest Land through the USDA direct grant and one camp operating through
the Northwest Service Academy, which receives significant technical support from the
Forest Service. Most of the camps through the USDA direct grant weren't fully
operational until early October 1994 and the report covers only until November 30, 1994.
The White Mountain and the Green Mountain National Forest camps started operations in
January 1995. USDA AmeriCorps Members:
*
Performed rehabilitation/watershed protection work on 12,000 acres of fire-
damaged land.
*
Constructed 25 stream structures for anadromous fisheries on .75 miles of
stream and completed 10 acres of reforestation.
*
Maintained 61.3 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails and constructed 6
miles of new hiking trails, of which 1.2 miles were designed for the physically
challenged.
*
Gathered and planted 45,000 willow and cottonwood cuttings for riparian and
wildlife restorations.
*
Maintained eight campgrounds, rehabilitated 10 campground sites, and provided
handicapped access on six sites.
*
Completed 197 acres of timber stand improvement.
*
Restored two historic sites.
*
Completed threatened and endangered species habitat surveys on 900 acres,
completed 355 acres of wildlife habitat improvement, installed two range waterlots,
removed three miles of fence, and constructed 1.25 miles of new fence.
*
Protected 82 acres of huckleberry fields sacred to the Warm Springs Takima
Tribal Nations by burning 12 acres of fields and by hand grinding and pruning
conifer trees on another 70 acres.
*
Hung erosion control netting on 300 feet of steep Forest Service road cutbacks
and helped clear 15 miles of road that provide critical access to water monitoring
sites after an early winter snowstorm.
3
AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Fighting Against Hunger
The following is a summary of the first quarter accomplishments of the five USDA Anti-
Hunger, Nutrition, and Empowerment Team projects managed by the USDA Food and
Consumer Service through local partnerships with anti-hunger groups and youth service
corps. Most of the projects started service in October 1994. This report does not
include accomplishments from Vermont, since that project did not fully start until January
of 1995. USDA/AmeriCorps Members:
*
Cooked and prepared meals for over 6,000 people at local soup kitchens.
Conducted a nutrition and food safety workshop for the elderly attended by 39
senior citizens.
*
Conducted nutrition outreach to senior citizens and aided 200 senior citizens in
filling out food stamp applications.
*
Surveyed 60 low-income households about hunger insecurity and 29 of those
homes have been referred to receive food assistance.
*
Sorted over 93,000 pounds of food at local food banks.
*
Developed educational skits teaching how "Healthy eating is fun" for ten
elementary schools.
*
Four days a week, reached an average of 200 people with educational efforts
regarding public services such as WIC.
*
Produced and distributed 20 informational posters, distributed 300 informational
flyers, and made 150 reminder phone calls to relevant families to increase the
number of children receiving immunizations.
*
Contacted 250 schools in five cities about the participating in the summer
feeding program; distributed 500 flyers in targeted areas about the School
Breakfast Program.
*
Located three sites for revitalizing community gardens in low-income
neighborhoods.
*
Assisted 200 earthquake victims with emergency food information through an
informational referral service.
*
Informed 130 local pantries about how their clients who are working but are still
poor can obtain help through the Earned Income Tax Credit Program.
4
AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Helping the Environment
The following are highlights from the first quarter accomplishments of the 14
Environmental Team projects sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service on private lands in urban and rural areas and the one project sponsored by the
USDA Agricultural Research Service at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.
Many projects did not start until October of 1994. USDA AmeriCorps Members:
*
Repaired and restored five reservoir flood-damaged recreation areas in Kansas by
fixing 22 miles of fence, cleaning five miles of shoreline, removing 160 damaged
trees, clearing three miles of trails, replanting 40 trees, re-creating fish habitats,
repairing 50 picnic tables, restoring five restrooms, repairing one bridge, trimming 3
miles of trees on dikes, cleaning out one outdoor learning classroom, debris from 2
miles of roads, and posting signs on 19 miles of roads.
*
In and around Atlanta, Georgia, conducted water quality monitoring at thirty
locations throughout the Big Creek Watershed. In one urban neighborhood,
Members benefitted 400 residents by cleaning eight acres, mulching 1,000 feet of
walking trails, placing three waterbars into trails, seeded a half acre, and carried
away six dump trucks of trash. Built a greenhouse and began constructing a nature
trail at the North Metro Technical Institute in Acworth.
*
Completed stream walks on four streams in New Jersey to categorize potential
non-point pollution in the South Branch Raritan River Watershed. Desnagged and
re-established reflectors in two streams to improve fish habitat and removed debris
and reseeded 375 feet of streambank to improve water quality. Designed and
flagged 500 feet of trail and built a playground set at Lake Hopatcong State Park.
*
In Western Oklahoma, restored 15 windbreaks originally created by the Civilian
Conservation Corps on 7.5 miles of land in five counties.
*
In and around Baytown, Texas, cleaned and mowed five 10-meter by 75-meter
ponds, vegetated two acres of marsh demonstration projects, harvested and
threshed by hand 4 acres of smooth cordgrass seed, harvested by hand and then
planted 800 mangrove seeds, harvested, threshed, and planted 3,000 Scirpus
seeds. Members also assisted the Red Cross in flood relief efforts in the Houston
area by loading and unloading trucks and delivering supplies to local flood victims.
*
At the National Arboretum, in Washington, D.C, Members completed the first two
stages of restoring the Azalea Overlook, cut and removed sections of the Boxwood
collection, and cleared weeds and vines to restore 150 yards of Juniper hedge.
*
In South Dakota, Members demonstrated to cattlemen the benefits of managing
vegetation areas along waterways, including during periods of flooding.
5
*
In Chicago, Members maintained and beautified streambanks and created a safe-
haven lot at Lathrop Homes, cleaned up a lagoon in Washington Park, landscaped a
public high school, remodeled and prepared a play lot at Kennicott Park, helped
organize a "Neighbors Against Gang Violence - Day of Dead Memorial," remodeled
the Donelly Youth Center, and planted bulbs at the Fellowship Youth Center.
*
In Nebraska, Members designed three recreation trails, cleaned up an urban
wetland "Heron Haven" owned by the local Audubon Club, revitalized the Lincoln
Normal historical project, improved 20 miles of recreation trails, assisted in flood
debris removal from 14 sites at the National Arbor Day Foundation headquarters,
helped prepare an inspection and maintenance report of flood control facilities,
maintained and improved historical sites, and performed recreation and conservation
maintenance in Lower Elkhorn River area and Norfolk public parks.
*
In areas damaged by the floods of 1993 in Central Illinois, Members developed
1.3 miles of hiking trails, improved five acres of camp sites, and pruned 5 acres of
evergreen trees at a Pittsfield City park. Members also removed about 15 tons of
debris (tires, appliances, automobiles, etc.) from half of mile of a stream that
outlets into a city owned recreation lake for the City of Rushville. In Kampsville,
Members replaced 75 feet of sidewalks damaged during the flood. Members in
Quincy also renovated a brick road in an historic alley.
*
In Portland, Oregon, Members at the Whitaker Pond Restoration improved 150
feet of pond bank by removing pest species including blackberries, night shade, and
everlasting pea then revegetating the area. Members also revegetated three acres
on the northern portion of Fairview Creek. The Members worked-side-by-side with
80 different community volunteers who served 450 volunteer hours.
* In East. St Louis, Illinois, Members established nurseries at East. St. Louis Senior
High School, Lovejoy High School, and Jones Park, removed debris and broken
materials from the high school greenhouse, cleaned out a fountain in Jones Park,
and assisted Operation NewSpirit in planting bulbs throughout the city. The Forest
service also provided technical assistance to this project.
*
Members in Goldendale, Washington, rebuilt a half-mile stretch of fence that
protects a key riparian area along the Little Klickitat River. Members also protected
water quality on one mile of stream by treating 300 acres with log check dams
across steep slopes and installed eight sediment retention dams. They also
protected Pine Creek by installing eight log check dams, built a new playground at a
Head Start Center on the Yakima Indian Reservation, removed dozens of pick-up
dead wood on public lands and provided them as firewood for low-income families.
*
Members worked with the Izaac Walton League in Charles County, Maryland to
complete four erosion control structures on a site that will be open to the public.
6
AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Rebuilding Rural America
USDA has fully embraced the vision held by both the President and the Corporation for
National and Community Service --- that AmeriCorps be community-based, community-
designed, and community-run. The USDA Rural Development Team has different
community service objectives for each and every individual site, based on the needs of
each local community. Consequently, the Rural Development Team Members are
providing such a wide variety of services that they are nearly impossible to aggregate.
The best illustration of how the Rural Development Team is "getting things done," is a
list of success stories in each of the following areas: running water and indoor plumbing,
sustainable agriculture, emergency response and prevention, fisheries restoration,
alternative uses of natural resources, environmental education facilities, community
improvement and personal responsibility development, tourism to boost local economies,
water quality protection, recycling promotion, American Indian tribal empowerment, rural
housing improvement, and cultural resource preservation.
Running Water and Indoor Plumbing
*
Member in Marion, Arkansas helped provide a rural water line that furnished
seven households with 22 residents -- with running water for the first time.
*
Members in Louisiana and Mississippi assisted individuals in joining and
developing rural water associations.
*
In Texas, Member in Brownsville helped 25 families without bathroom and
kitchen plumbing obtain sanitary and safe plumbing facilities. Members in Hidalgo
County have been responsible for the construction of nine bathrooms at homes
previously without indoor plumbing; by the end of the quarter, three more
installations were finalized but not yet built. Member in San Benito started work to
provide indoor plumbing to 153 families without such plumbing. Member in
Raymondville started work to provide indoor plumbing to 30 families without such
plumbing.
Rural Economic Development
*
Member in Holmes County, Mississippi devised a plan to reduce employee
turnover at the Durant Electric Corporation, the largest employer in the county ---
with 600 employees and a payroll of $8 million. The plan not only convinced the
company to reverse its plans to move to Mexico, but allowed the company to plan
to hire 400 new employees. Thus, the one USDA AmeriCorps Member directly
saved or created 1,100 jobs.
7
*
In Boone, North Carolina, Member is working with the local Enterprise Community
(EC) applicant to implement their strategic plan for economic development.
Working in cooperation with the Boone Housing Authority, the Member is
organizing and making functional a Community Development Corporation (CDC) to
assist the low-income residents of Boone. To date, over $1.8 million has been
awarded for water and sewer infrastructure and housing assistance as a result of
her help.
#
Members in West Virginia assisted with implementation of a business retention
and expansion program including the production and distribution of a monthly
newsletter that is intended to improve dialogue, link communities together, and
provide funding opportunities; they also developed a computer program for the
West Virginia Division of Forestry that allows small business owners to calculate
costs of producing various materials for long term investment strategies.
*
In Bell County, Tennessee, Member helped the local Industrial Foundation obtain a
$201,000 grant.
*
In Cleveland, Mississippi, Member recruited new and emerging leaders in Bolivar
County for a community and economic development leadership seminar and
conducted a survey of an 18 county area as an integral part of the regional
strategic plan. In another county of Mississippi, a Member produced a
comprehensive report of available buildings, the labor supply, financial options, cost
of utilities, etc. in an 18-county region in order to expand existing local businesses
or attract new businesses.
*
In Pittsfield, Illinois, Members completed a Small Businesses Research and
Revitalization Project and are helping update the town's overall economic
development plan. Their efforts have been praised by the Mayor.
*
In Texas, one Member has begun grant applications to start a revolving loan fund
to provide seed money to create new small businesses locally.
*
In Allendale/Blackville, South Carolina, Member established a downtown
redevelopment effort concentrating on an historical abandoned hotel. In Penn
Center, South Carolina, Member is completing a survey of community land
ownership to stabilize development and establish a plan for a cooperative effort for
agriculture processing and development.
Sustainable Agriculture
*
In Machias, Maine, Member received funding from the Maine Wild Blueberry
Commission to set-up a state-wide series of best management practices for
Blueberry Growers and began implementation of workshops.
8
Another Member in Maine assisted in the establishment of a pilot Integrated Pest
Management Program for cranberry growers to help the growers economically
reduce the amount of pesticides that end up in the groundwater, assisted with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's upland cranberry bed demonstration
project, and has visited lands of thirteen cranberry growers to provide personal
assistance.
*
In California, Member in Petaluma has begun water quality sampling on three
adjacent dairies and has completed one conservation plan. In Santa Rosa, Member
has trained one dairy operator to use a water quality test kit, is developing plans to
provide such assistance to members of four different local organizations, and has
completed inventory work for a watershed group.
*
In Minnesota, Members based in Hiawatha began work to improve
forage/grassland conditions to the good or excellent category on 5,000 acres,
affecting 50 farmers in 11 counties. Members based in Thief River Falls began work
to improve water quality and reduce producer fertilizer input costs by developing
and implementing animal waste nutrient utilization and management plans on 120
livestock operations.
*
In South Carolina, Members conducted waste water sampling of waste
management facilities (lagoons) and prepared detailed summary reports for 16
individual farm systems; this testing procedure was the first in South Carolina and
will serve as a model for other conservation activities. They also tested 600
different soil samples to determine croplands with high levels of phosphorus and
acidity and prepared a report on their findings to local farmers. Members expanded
inventory on data on farm grasslands to reflect 40,000 acres in order to reduce
erosion and improve water quality of nearby streams and lakes.
*
In Redlands, California, Members have surveyed three dairies totaling 130 acres,
eventually leading to recycling or eliminating 6,867 tons of waste once practices
have been implemented. Each farmer saved an average of about $9,000 by having
the service performed by AmeriCorps members instead of private contractors. The
Members also completed as survey of a five-acre ranch which will eventually lead
to the recycling of 26.5 tons of waste a year.
*
Member in Pine Bluff, Arkansas developed farm and home plans for small and
disadvantaged farmers to help them obtain loans to stay on their land.
*
In Western New York, Members have helped digitalize soil surveys and make that
information accessible and practical to surrounding communities, including the
Seneca Nation of Indians.
9
Emergency Response and Prevention
*
Members on the Vermont Fire Protection project contacted 48 Fire Departments
in Vermont, installed one dry fire hydrant, performed 30 dry fire hydrant site
surveys, and initiated and participated in meetings with Vermont Emergency
Management, the Vermont Fire Safety Association, Vermont Fire Chiefs
Association, and Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
*
In Missouri, one Member began preparing guide sheets and a handbook to aid
reclamation of two smaller tributaries of the Missouri River, another Member
obtained existing floodplain management data to begin developing a Decision
Support System computer model for floodplain management, another Member
produced an informational fact sheet on flood recovery that was distributed by the
Extension and also began collecting hydrologic and agronomic data in order to
propose land-use alternatives for the area, another Member provided emergency
program assistance to 32 landusers, another Member investigated local floodwater
retarding dams to determine workload, another Member worked to assist sponsors
to complete five dam safety reports and perform maintenance on 15 floodwater
retarding dams, another Member completed maps of five farms of the sands
deposits created by the floods of 1993, and another Member assisted five sponsors
and 15 landowners to provide flood protection recovery through the Emergency
Watershed Program.
*
In Middlebourne, West Virginia, Member organized a dry fire hydrant in the area
by working with fire departments and local communities to get access to water for
rural fire protection.
*
In South Carolina, Members helped local officials improve emergency response
procedures by conducting a county road survey to inventory and update names
and locations, as the first base procedure to reduce delays in 911 emergency
responses. Over 600 miles of roads were recorded on base maps and entered into
local computer software in order to maintain accurate files. The entire effort saved
the county approximately $20,000, and each AmeriCorps Member was presented a
certificate of achievement from County Officials.
*
Members in Monticello, Mississippi also sponsored a regional meeting, attended
by 11 of the 13 counties in the area, to improve rural fire protection services.
Members in Tupelo and Grenada have generated maps and use them in meetings
with local fire coordinators to plan dry fire hydrants that will increase local fire
protection. Members in Holy Grove, Mississippi began work to help community
residents move out of a flood zone.
*
Members in Louisiana made significant progress towards installing 35 dry fire
hydrants per parish in order to aid rural fire protection.
10
*
In Auburn, California, Members have made significant progress creating and
implementing fuel reduction plans to reduce forest and other fires in the area. In
Lancaster and Somis, California, Members have focused on areas previously
impacted by fires and by flooding and have completed a mitigation plan for the
Kinneola area and have completed field work for the Laguna mitigation plan.
Fisheries Restoration
*
In Maine, Member sorted 78 samples of ichthoplankton, identifying eggs and
larvae in the samples, in order to aid in the restoration of striped bass through
locating and protecting spawning areas in the Kennebec and Eastern Rivers.
Transferred 20,000 individual shads from grow-out ponds into a re-stocking truck.
*
Another Member in Maine located and identified streams suitable for streamside
installation of boxes for salmanoid spawning, rearing, and staging,
*
In Middlebourne, West Virginia the Member worked to develop a pond system for
the production of striped bass on a commercial basis. He also began forming an
organization of warm water fish producers in the area.
Alternative Uses of Natural Resources
*
In Minnesota, Members developed a public access TV show that explains a
project being conducted by the RC&Ds to promote the development of a bio-fuels
program in cooperation with the US Dept. of Energy.
*
In Louisiana, a Member worked on a bridge information summary for Mississippi
Delta counties to prepare a bridge infrastructure report for possible timber bridge
construction projects, and a Member in Mississippi completed one timber bridge
application.
*
Members in Batesville, Arkansas made significant progress towards helping
create a local woodland owners association.
*
Another Member in North Little Rock has identified 10 sites for Pellet Stove
Demonstration Projects to stimulate demand for a new product that will boost
industry in the region.
*
Members in Utah have begun a service conducting a comprehensive analysis of
the potential for local resource-based, value-added industries in the region and
assisting limited resource farmers in developing small-scale agriculture enterprises.
11
Environmental Education Facilities
*
In South Carolina, Members built a new front entrance gate and nature trails at
the Adair Outdoor Learning Center, which is visited by 3,000 students each year.
*
Based in Waverly, Tennessee, Members have significantly improved and
expanded the Humphreys County Spoil Conservation District environmental center,
also known as the Blue Creek Nature Center. Members developed one new trail,
improved existing trails, and conducted six nature tours involving 199 students and
63 adults.
*
Member in Pearl, Mississippi nearly completed two outdoor classrooms and a
nature trail at Madison Elementary School.
Community Improvement and Personal responsibility Development
*
In West Virginia, Member served on the organization and implementation
committee for Tug River Health Clinic and sent surveys to all employers, child care
providers, and parents to collect data to apply for a grant to establish a clinic.
Another Member in West Virginia organized a Community Service Day for the all
Northern West Virginia AmeriCorps Members in which they worked at the Union
Mission of Fairmont to help decorate for the youth holiday party, tape plastic to
windows in the homeless shelter, and prepare information packets for a fundraising
event. In Wilcoe, West Virginia, another Member sent surveys to prominent
businesses in McDowell County that employ 25 people or more, in-home day care
providers, private day care owners, and parents of Head Start children to collect
data to include in grant applications to obtain funding for local day care programs.
*
Member in Natchez, Mississippi is working to reduce teenage pregnancy; she
spoke personally about her efforts with Senate Majority Whip Trent Lott who
"promised to support (her) efforts in Natchez and declared he would be in Natchez
in any events that take place if his schedule permits." The Member has also
formed a task force to work on reestablishing a YMCA center in Natchez.
Another Member in Natchez helped two different families obtain funds to repair
their home. In her "free time" this member is volunteering for the Illiteracy Program
at a local United Methodist Church. Another Member in Mississippi held two town
meetings, attended by 80 local senior citizens, to inform them of common
consumer fraud scams targeted at the elderly.
12
*
Member in Arkansas helped improve the quality of standard living for 950 low
income families by the end of this quarter in obtaining Home Energy Assistance
(HEAP) and to provide assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP).
*
Members in Holly Grove, Mississippi have also worked on helping start a "Dads
Program," to focus attention on young boys without fathers in the home.
*
In Santee-Lynches, South Carolina, Member has been working to statistically
document and then reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.
Tourism Development to Boost Local Economies
*
In Virginia, Member developed a video program showing natural resources on the
National Forest, State and private lands to promote recreation resources, and
tourism in the region. Other Members in Virginia prepared a plan for a local
greenway trail.
*
Members based in Twin Valley worked on the Agassie Recreational Trail Project
and designed a tourism brochure along with a logo created through a local contest,
worked with the Ada City Council to integrate the trail project with community
development, completed a grant proposal for the Heritage & Information Center,
and judged at the Norman County East Science Fair for students.
*
In Tennessee, Members who are working on the Clinch-Powell Specialty
Recreation and Tourism Initiative interviewed 43 federal, state, and local tourism
professionals, six independent consultants, and 64 local citizens to initially assess
project feasibility, community attitudes, tourism development processes, and
sources of funding or technical assistance. These Members the first-ever tourism
advisor board in the region. They also began a community-based initiative in
Hancock and Grainger Counties to provide technical assistance and "hands-on"
service in the establishment and renovation of county museums.
*
In Kentucky, Member produced brochure to help increase tourism to the nearby
Kentucky Craft Village. Member is also planning instruction workshops for 15 local
craft producers.
*
Members in Hattiesburg, Mississippi began an inventory of tourism resources in
an 18 county area of Southeast Mississippi.
*
Members in lowa conducted outreach to increase the number of farmers in the
Emergency Wetlands Reserve Program. Members in lowa have prepared maps
and written materials to assist County Conservation Boards in Fremont Mills,
Pottawattamie, Harrison, Monona, and Woodbury counties in locating areas for
potential in recreation, tourism, economic development, and wildlife areas. They
13
also revised a brochure for Western lowa and worked to develop bicycle loops for
area cycling clubs. Additionally, Members updated tourism guides, wrote scripts
for tours, restored a farmer's market, and took an inventory of resources in the
African-American community to create an agricultural heritage area in Northeast
lowa.
Recycling Promotion
*
In Tennessee, a Member developed a marketing program for recyclable materials;
a program called "Garbage Busters" was developed for second graders. Members
wrote grants for various proposals and one was approved for a "Learn and Service
America" program that focuses on recycling management for elementary students
in a five-county area; prepared articles for local newspapers entitled "Trashy Talk";
and completed a presentation for a public education program on oil recycling in
Tennessee.
*
In another part of Tennessee, Members have created a database to track the
status of solid waste/recycling progress in each of 14 counties. Members also
began a 14 county poster contest in local schools with the theme "Reduce, Reuse,
and Recycle." Members successfully convinced 16 schools to start on-site
recycling programs. Members have also presented eight environmental education
programs to 400 students.
*
In Texas, a Member has made significant progress towards creating a 5,000 acre
Regional Environmental Enterprise Zone to build and implement a comprehensive
facility to meet the solid waste needs of the region for the next 75 to 100 years.
American Indian Tribal Empowerment
*
In North Carolina, a Member developed a Parks and Recreation Department
proposal for the Cherokee Indian Reservation in NC.
*
In Waynesville, North Carolina, a Member is working towards establishing a good,
trusting relationship with the Cherokee Indian reservation and to make the residents
aware of various USDA home ownership and repair programs.
*
Members in Holbrook, Arizona began an assessment of small-scale agriculture
needs on the Hopi and Navajo Reservations.
*
In San Juan, New Mexico, Members have begun to inventory private woodlands
and started to conduct a resource and rangeland inventory on the Southern Ute
Indian Reservation.
14
*
In Ukiah, California, a Member has formed client partnerships to aid two severely
eroded streams, has helped the Round Valley Tribal Community treat two miles of
stream, and signed up four local growers for a cost share program to convert to the
water-saving drip irrigation program.
Water Quality Protection
*
In Houlton, Maine, a Member completed a sanitary survey on Shin Pound to help
community residents make future decisions about how to best protect the health of
their lake.
*
Members on the Winooski River Project in Vermont conducted a 21 mile
reconnaissance survey from Jonesville to Essex Junction, Vermont to evaluate the
state of erosion control and bioengineering measures installed in the late 1930's in
order to improve current conservation measures.
*
In Kingwood, West Virginia, a Member performed soil nutrient content analysis
and animal manure nutrient analysis in order to improve local water quality. In
Morefield, West Virginia, the Member performed nutrient and pesticide management
activities to improve the local water quality. The two members have provided
assistance on a combined total of 1,000 acres.
*
Members based in the Chickasaw-Shiloh RC&D Council in Tennessee have
dewatered 2.5 million gallons of waste from the storage facilities of five local
landowners, and collected soil samples at those sites to ensure safe discharge.
*
In Louisiana, Members performed over 100 pre-assessment surveys that
benefited over 100 rural families by identifying threats water quality on their home
and farmsteads. They made presentations on the water quality program to 240 high
school students.
*
In Ohio, Members completed a filed map of Pickaway County to help protect the
Darby Creek watershed, completed survey and design work to implement Best
Management Practices in rural areas, identified local landowners who want trees to
be planted on riparian areas, and began identifying places on the Big and Little
Darby Creeks were point and non-point pollution enters the stream system.
*
In Michigan, Members conducted quality assessments and provided water quality
protect plans to 29 farm families.
*
Members based in Cloquet, Minnesota developed a public participation plan for
the Nemadji River Basin Project and completed a watershed roadside erosion
inventory.
15
Rural Housing Improvement
*
In Williamson, West Virginia, a Member assisted in helping 30 families apply for
rental housing assistance.
*
In Hendersonville, North Carolina, Member is helping finance home improvements
for very low income families in Ashe County. To do so, he established relationships
with the Housing Assistance Corporation and the Isothermal Planning and
Development Commission so that they will now package applications for FmHA
housing loans. He also met with several individuals to educate them about the
USDA programs, and processed two loans to make repairs to low income
individuals.
*
In Mississippi, a Member helped five families with poor credit histories turn their
credit around so they could obtain housing loans.
*
In Webb, Mississippi, a Member helped six low-income citizens obtain single self-
help housing units. Member has also provided counseling to the families that have
homes under construction to acquaint them with the responsibilities that go along
with home ownership. In Indianola, Mississippi, a Member began providing a "Home
Buyer's Education Program" for 932 individuals.
*
In Texas, a Member in Brownsville helped 16 families remodel their homes to
remove health hazards such as broken windows, old roofs, insulation, etc and
helped two families obtain new homes that are now under construction. A Member
in Laredo made significant progress towards rehabilitating 42 housing units. A
Member in El Paso helped two elderly women obtain funds to repair their homes,
and for a third women ineligible for government loans, recruited a volunteer plumber
to repair her bathroom and volunteers through the Salvation army to winterize her
home.
*
Members in El Centro, California have been conducting outreach to expand
usage of the 504 program to prove grants and loans for low income families to
repair their homes; by the end of the first quarter, two applications for repairs had
been approved and the work was completed, two more had just been approved,
and four more were in the process of being approved.
*
A Member in Gallup, New Mexico conducted on training on loan packaging for
19 community residents including representatives from local non-profit groups,
church leaders, and Native American Community leaders.
16
*
In Pendleton, Oregon, a Member helped two low-income individuals receive a loan
and one individual to receive a grant to repair their homes. In Elgin, Oregon,
Member assisted HELP, inc. in Housing Preservation Grant that allowed 11 low
income and very low income families to repair and rehabilitate their homes. The
Member verified eligibility, determined preservation needs, identified environmental
effects, and warded bids to housing contractors.
Cultural and Historic Resource Preservation
*
In Kentucky, Members developed an infrastructure database; served as project
manager for the historic Stearns building renovation project and administered the
Folk Life Study on historical buildings, people, and local folklore in KY.
*
Based in Morgantown, West Virginia, a Member performed an archaeologist
inventory on five major sites in economically depressed sites around the state in
order to provide cultural resource protection through inventory, investigation, and
documentation of sites. At one site, he discovered three historic and one pre-
historic sites that he will be documenting. He also worked with another
AmeriCorps member to develop Fort Randolph -- a Civil War fort in Point Pleasant --
for public use.
*
In Baker City, New Mexico, a Member has recruited three property owners who
have agreed to use their properties as pilot locations for historic renovations.
17
AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Educating Americans
Many USDA AmeriCorps environmental and rural development projects have
educational components. Educational achievements related to hunger are detailed in the
hunger section above. In the first quarter, USDA AmeriCorps Members:
*
In Redlands, California, a Member helped coordinate and teach an Nature
Discovery Program that benefited 690 local elementary students.
*
In Maine, Members worked with 12 teachers to begin implemnting an "Adopt-a-
Stream curriculum in their classrooms. Members in another part of the state
collected, revised, adapted, copied, and distributed a 20 page packet of educational
materials including lesson plans on water quality, the water cycle, water
conservation, and preventing surface and groundwater pollution to 16 Soil and
Water Conservation District. In still another part of Maine, a Member facilitated
three cooperative agreements between University of Maine at Machias, University
of Maine Orono Cooperative Extension, and Maine Department of Environmental
Resources in order to integrate hands-on water quality testing and shoreline
sampling experience into the Environmental Chemistry and Special Topics in
Environmental Sciences courses.
*
Member in Yazoo City, Mississippi, coordinated a program in which the
Mississippi State Health Educator talked to 900 high school students about teenage
pregnancy and abstinence.
*
Member in Louisiana assisted with the development of a tutoring program for
individuals to obtain their GED and improve ACT test scores and an education
program for adults
*
In South Carolina, Members conducted a "Junior Palmetto Leadership Training
Course" for 30 high school students; another Member established an after-school
tutorial project.
*
Members provided environmental education to 600 students visiting Forest
Service lands.
*
In South Dakota, Members helped conduct 10 sessions in elementary classrooms
on American Indian Heritage Month.
*
In Arkansas, Members motivated volunteers to assist with the "Educate the
Children Project" which distributes educational material to school districts and some
non-profit organizations.
18
*
Member in Madison County, Mississippi recruited 46 local high school students
and two teachers to participate in a series of money management workshops.
Another Member in Madison and Jefferson Counties, Mississippi conducted
financial management classes in six senior high school classes reaching 135
students.
AmeriCorps/USDA is "Getting Things Done" Fighting Crime
Some USDA AmeriCorps also have public safety components. In the first quarter,
USDA AmeriCorps Members:
*
In Logan County, West Virginia, Member assisted the organization of nine local
rural communities so they can bring resources together to effectively reduce certain
criminal activities.
*
Member is working in Jackson, Mississippi to create a "peer Helpers' group to
reduce crimes committed by teenagers.
*
On the Texas/Mexico border, one Member is helping create a community crime
watch program.
*
In Greater Orangeburg, South Carolina, Member is seeking to reduce the number
of vacant buildings used for illegal activities by helping identify those premises and
working with the city to demolish or improve those buildings.
19
What Citizens Are Saying About AmeriCorps/ USDA
(Unique Successes and Great Stories)
Getting Things Done ....
"Its going to be a wonderful boon to us in the area of the environment, especially keeping
Lake Champlain the gem that it is."
- Senator James Jeffords (R-VT), October 17, 1994
Describing USDA AmeriCorps Rural Development Project on the Winooski River
"Rural Development is really a national concern we have - environmental concerns are
extraordinary and one of the priorities of AmeriCorps really is environmental development
- the natural environment, the neighborhood environment. We learn these lessons so we
can do what is most important about national service --- which is getting things done."
Eli J, Segal, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service
-
October 17, 1994, also commenting on USDA AmeriCorps Rural Development
Project on the Winooski River
"The AmeriCorps program has been essential in our area. Through the use of our effluent
discharge program, landowners have been able to reduce the impact on non-point source
pollution problems. They have also become more aware of their responsibilities for water
quality through our educational efforts."
Chris Hays, Chickasaw-Shiloh RC&D Council
Jackson, Tennessee
"As a result of his diligent efforts... we have decided to remain in full operation in Durant,
Mississippi (and) we are presently hiring and training additional employees."
Mark Lauritzen, President, Durant Electric Corporation
Explaining how a USDA AmeriCorps Rural Development Team Member
helped prevent his company with 600 employees and a $8 million payroll
from relocating to Mexico
20
"It's hard to know whether (critics of AmeriCorps) are opposed to national service
programs in general, or because AmeriCorps is one of the few unambiguous successes
President Clinton can point to in his first two years There are 38 young men and
women at a work camp in the Applegate Ranger District this winter, working in the
woods as well as renovating structures in Butte Falls and Prospect. So far, AmeriCorps
is a success in America's forests and urban areas."
- Editorial, Medford, Oregon Mail-Tribune
October 18, 1995
"I never thought that being an AmeriCorps Member would have such an impact on
someone's else's life, meaning that knowing that I had the power to help an elderly lady
receive a grant to repair her home. One of the County Supervisors and I went to inspect the
house and the lady was in a bad situation. When everything was processed and she was
qualified, I felt as if I had helped someone to a brighter future. By being in this position, I
was able to help someone, and that is what it is all about."
- AmeriCorps member Wydette Williams
Lake Providence, LA
"The first two weeks of the projects were the roughest.
There was a surplus of remaining
plants from a previous project. It was hot and muddy.
Many of the Members had never
worked that hard in their lives but, they all stayed with it and transplanted the plants that
would not have survived much longer in their six-inch pots."
- Geoff Sanders, Natural Resources and Conservation Service
Texas Shoreline Protection Project Manger
While Building Community
"In addition to completing worthwhile projects, (Northwest Service) Academy participants
will learn civic responsibility while serving their communities."
- Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR)
June 23, 1994
"The communities that we have visited have invited us to come back and get more involved
with their community. AmeriCorps was the glue the brought the agencies and the
communities to start communicating and working together."
- AmeriCorps Member Anabelle Alvarez
El Centro, California
21
"I have had the opportunity to meet many different people since I started working with
AmeriCorps. I must admit that I have changed my attitude a great deal on how to look at
things. I say that because I have worked with many people who have a substandard living
standard. They pay their bills and have no money left to enjoy It is comforting to know
that I have had an opportunity to help these individuals to secure grants to get the help they
needed."
-AmeriCorps Member Lee Woodridge
Working in Winnsoboro, LA on rural housing outreach
"I've found that just being in the community and talking to people about the project has
made a difference. The public wants to be involved in what happens to their economy and
their environment, as my position will affect both these factors, I've found people willing to
talk, listen, and argue with me about the fishway project and my role in it The
professionals school teachers, archive directors, librarians, town mangers, etc. seemed
especially appreciative of what I'm trying to do, and have extended offers to help and
provide information. I also foresee myself being able to help the towns accomplish goals
which have fallen by the wayside; for instance, many of the towns have tried to get funding
for public access sites a number of times in the past few years, but have never been
successful. They believe I can help them realize this goal, and I plan to live up to their
expectations."
- AmeriCorps Member Pierson Smith-Hatch
Presque Isle, Maine
"One of the great stories about AmeriCorps people is that when we have our cluster
meetings, there has been the bond of a close-knit family."
- AmeriCorps Member Henry Rosenthal
Alexandra, LA
"The five (AmeriCorps members) we have been communicating directly on a nearly daily
basis with the full support of the agency and have gotten together not only professionally
but also socially on a frequent basis. You see among them a real pride and excitement about
what they are doing. It is an excitement and pride that is unique to the program."
- Patrick Bowen, Natural Resources and Conservation Service
AmeriCorps Project Director for West Virginia
"We would not have as credible a monitoring program without the assistance of the Clean
Water Program and AmeriCorps Members who provide training, organizational, and technical
assistance to our community."
- Bill Mook, Chairman
Darmariscotta River Tidewater Watch, Maine
22
Boosting Opportunity
"The impact of AmeriCorps is far greater than work being accomplished or public service in
the communities. AmeriCorps is about growing up and becoming a productive citizen in our
community. One of our Members, a 20 year old male, is supporting a wife and four children.
He has been on the welfare program for 10 years and saw AmeriCorps as an opportunity to
get out of the welfare vicious circle. He does not want his family to experience the same
hardships he has had to experience. He has now completed his GED Another Member,
a Native American female, is being portrayed as a role model in her tribe. Her native tribe
fully supports the AmeriCorps program, and wants her to return to her tribal community after
the completion of the program to teach the importance of education."
- Mindy Martin
Rogue River National Forest
"Members of the Port Townsend Community have opened their homes to Members who
were staying at the Fort Warden Camp over the Thanksgiving Holiday. All Members were
invited to have dinner and spend the day with local families."
- David Johnson, Forest Service Project Manager
Olympic National Forest
"Not only has AmeriCoprs opened the doors of higher education to Sonoma County
residents, it has given new life to meaningful new programs in our communities that have
been negleected too long."
- Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
September 27, 1994
And Promoting Personal Responsibility
"The further the Members have to hike to get to their work site, the worse the weather, and
the more difficult the type of service, the more the Members enjoy the service and the harder
they work."
- Crew Leader
Rougue River National Forest AmeriCorps Site
23
"I hope you feel good about being pioneers --- you should."
- Congressman Doug Bereuter (R-NE)
Speaking to AmeriCorps Members in Nebraska
"Mr. Lott (Republican Senator and Majority Whip) called me personally and promised to
support my efforts (to combat teen pregnancy) in Natchez and declared he would be in
Natchez in any events that take place if his schedule permits."
- AmeriCorps Rural Development Team Member Susan Foutz-Lowe
"I believe I speak for the Hormon Lake Ranger District and the Cocino National Forest in
extending to you our thanks for the many projects the AmeriCorps crews were able to
accomplish. Each week I witnessed a closer and more cohesive group. They listened well,
worked hard, and received the benefit of knowing they did needed work to a high quality
standards."
- David E, Michael, Work Supervisor
Cocino National Forest
"I personally want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and deep appreciation
for the work your crew accomplished at the Palatki Cliff-dwelling complex in Sedona. The
crew that worked at Palatki not only repaired the existing trails, they upgraded them in bad
areas and in sensitive areas as well as obliterating old trails and disguising them in a
sensitive and effective manner. They job they did looks terrific and I am very impressed by
their work ethic and the professionalism and commitment they showed on this project."
- Mareitta Davenport, Zone Archaeologist
USDA Forest Service
"Members are making personal accomplishments as well.. For many, this is the first time
they have opened their own checking accounts. They have learned how to get along with
a wide variety of people and work cooperatively."
- Geoff Sander, Natural Resources and Conservation Service
Texas Shoreline Protection Project Manager
24
AmeriCorps/USDA is Reinventing Government
The USDA/AmeriCorps program is helping USDA reinvent government by delivering USDA
services in ways that work better but cost less. The program based on eight principles
highlighted by Vice-President Gore and the National performance Review, and outlined by
author David Osborne in his book Reinventing Government:
1) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Catalytic Government by Steering Rather
Than Rowing.
Instead of managing programs from Washington, USDA has successfully created unique
public/private partnerships at the local level to design and run the programs. For instance,
to create anti-hunger projects, USDA brought together existing anti-hunger groups and
existing youth service corps, provided them with the national vision of USDA and
AmeriCorps, and then gave them great freedom to design and implement projects that best
meet the unique needs of their local areas.
USDA provides seed money sometimes the bulk of the funds in this first year of
AmeriCorps operation but also, as rightfully mandated by the National and Community
Service Act of 1993, requires matching money from all sub-grantees.
In effect, the USDA is acting as a venture capitalist by funding the best local proposals and
providing a general structural framework and philosophical guidelines which local groups can
follow while meeting their own local needs.
2) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Community-Owned Government by
Empowering Rather Than Serving.
All proposals for service at local USDA AmeriCorps sites around the country were created
at the local level, not by Washington-based bureaucrats. All programs are conceptualized,
designed, implemented, and monitored at the local level but are provided additional funds
and technical assistance by USDA. The USDA program is partnered with a wide variety of
non-Federal institutions; community colleges, Soil Conservation Districts, non-profit
organizations, youth corps, school districts, etc.
Rather than trying to directly provide service ourselves out of Washington, USDA has
empowered local communities by providing them with the resources to solve their own
problems. While this creates many logistical difficulties for USDA --- such as the challenge
that the program design for each of our projects is entirely different at each of our hundreds
of sites spread throughout in 38 states the benefits have far outweighed the difficulties.
25
3) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Competitive Government by Injecting
Competition Into Service Delivery.
The USDA AmeriCorps program has cultivated free and open competition at every step of
the way.
First, each USDA agency involved in the program held tough internal competitions to select
the best proposals to determine which USDA sites would be funded. For every USDA site
funded, at least two others were rejected.
Then, USDA participated in a highly unusual process in which Federal agencies had to
actually submit a detailed and comprehensive application to the Corporation for National and
Community Service in order to be considered for a grant. In other words, USDA and other
Cabinet agencies were required to go through a process similar to those we require of others.
(In fact, our application to the Corporation for National and Community Service required a
strategic plan similar to the types of strategic plans that USDA and HUD required in
Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community applications).
Unlike the way government usually operates, no one agency was guaranteed funding by a
set formula. As a consequence of this open competition, Federal agencies ---- including
USDA were forced to work harder and more creatively to develop quality programs in their
applications.
Lastly, USDA AmeriCorps Members were selected through a tough, nationwide, competition.
Given that approximately four people applied for every open slot, USDA was able to select
incredibly qualified Members from a wide variety of educational, racial, economic, and gender
backgrounds.
4) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Mission-Driven Government by Transforming
Rules-Driven Organizations.
USDA has erased the artificial boundaries between itself and other Federal Departments
working in similar areas by partnering on AmeriCorps projects at the local level with
Department of Interior in California, the Environmental Protection Agency in Maine, the
Department of Education in Oregon, and the Department of Energy in Minnesota.
Focusing on many of the Department Of Agriculture's multiple missions, the
USDA/AmeriCorps program fulfills the goals of key initiatives pushed by the Clinton
Administration such, as:
* Integrating nutrition education information into the delivery of aid through USDA
feeding programs;
26
*
Bridging the false choice between environmental protection and economic growth
by promoting ecosystem management and multiple uses on National Forest lands;
*
Providing long-term strategic planning assistance to rural communities;
*
Promoting sustainable agriculture that protects water and soil quality while allowing
farm families to make good incomes;
*
and, Implementing Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community designations in
rural areas to bring together a wide variety of government services to work in tandem
to promote community development.
5) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Results-Oriented Government by Funding
Outcomes, Not Inputs.
The USDA/AmeriCorps program is requiring specific performance measures for each and
every site that are agreed upon before the project starts and are measured and evaluated at
quarterly intervals throughout the year. While it is sometimes difficult and painful to
measure concrete and specific accomplishments every few months, such measurements are
a cornerstone of the Department's program.
In cases where sites have accomplished far more than one fourth of their yearly community
service objectives in the first quarter, we know those projects are highly successful. For
instance, in West Virginia, a project sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources and
Conservation Service, the Members completed most of their community service objectives
for the year in just the first month and a half of the program and then began completing
more ambitious projects. In some cases, where less progress was made towards the
objectives in the first quarter, we can immediately asses the project to see how changes and
improvements can be made before it is too late.
6) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Customer-Drive Government by Meeting the
Needs of the Customer, Not The Bureaucracy.
All our programs are focused on results for the community, even if this means changing the
culture of the USDA bureaucracy. One USDA project managers reported that Federal
employees in his agency are still adjusting to reality that AmeriCorps Members "are working
in different areas that we do not normally address which are more appropriate to a national
service program." However, he reported that, "With time the rank and file employees will
be more comfortable with the AmeriCorps project and the Members and that their challenge
and charge is different."
27
Other cultural changes in the Federal culture are occurring as well. In Utah, two of our
sometimes competing agencies formed a close partnership to jointly administer all aspects
of the project. The Department has created a new way to transfer funds, a new way to
payroll AmeriCorps Members, a new operations handbook, new ways of calculating budgets
on spreadsheets- all with the aim of reducing bureaucracy to best support the AmeriCorps
Members and "get things done in communities." Some specific examples of administrative
changes enacted for the USDA AmeriCorps program:
*
Worked with the USDA National Finance Center to devise a unique payroll system
for AmeriCorps Members that has served as a model for the Federal government.
*
Created and implemented unique new systems to transfer funds from the
Corporation for National and Community Service to USDA and from USDA to non-
profit groups. The Executive Director of the Milwaukee Community Service Corps --
who sits on the Board of his state commission on national and community service --
reports that USDA transferred money to his organization more quickly than did his own
state government.
*
Created different, complex, and constantly changing budgets for all our AmeriCorps
projects. Created unique Lotus spreadsheets to manipulate budgets.
*
Chaired a task force of agency personnel that created and implemented all personnel,
financial, budgetary, and administrative procedures used by USDA AmeriCorps
projects.
*
Scrapped existing personnel regulations in favor of new ones we are creating for
AmeriCorps participants.
6) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating an Enterprising Government by Earning Rather
Than Spending.
Many USDA projects are, in effect, performing fee for service by obtaining funding from
sponsors for whom they are performing work.
7) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Anticipatory Government by Focusing on
Prevention Rather Than Cures.
By focusing on nutrition programs that keep senior citizens healthy, promoting WIC programs
which prevent diseases for young children and for mothers, fire protection programs for rural
areas, and sustainable agriculture projects that protect water quality, the USDA AmeriCorps
program is stopping problems before they occur and thus saving taxpayer dollars.
28
8) The USDA/AmeriCorps Program is Creating a Decentralized Government by Moving From
Hierarchy to Participation and Teamwork.
The USDA AmeriCorps program has empowered front line workers by allowing career civil
servants in Washington to play key leadership roles in implementing this program.
The project mangers at the state and local level have been given a great deal of flexibility in
project planning and implementation, with the Washington office providing mostly "steering"
to ensure that projects meet the requirements of both the law and the AmeriCorps vision.
In response to input from local mangers, USDA and the Corporation for National Service have
changed many requirements in only the first few months of operations, such as rules for
recruitment and rules for replacing Members who leave the program.
The USDA program has seriously reviewed all the challenges described by local managers
in the first quarter reports, and has taken extensive steps to meet those challenges.
Breaking down the many levels of bureaucracy that stand between Washington and the field,
the USDA Director of National Service communicates frequently and directly with project
managers at the local level through site visits, telephone calls, and conference calls.
NAI STATEMENT * SERVICE A M DEPARTMENT
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
PHOTOGRAPHIC
DOCUMENTATION
USDA AMERICORPS MEMBERS "GETTING THINGS DONE" IN DISASTER RELIEF
IMERICORPS
Sandy Haynes and Phillip Sam assisting Altadena residents with sandbagging
A
at Rubio Debris Basin in Altadena. 1/10/95
MANERICORIES
Phillip Sam and Sandy Haynes doing emergency sandbagging to prevent mud
and water from getting in a house on Kinneloa Canyon Rd. in Pasadena.
1/10/95
USDA AMERICORPS "GETTING THINGS DONE" IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Restroom
Bathroom
Indoor Plumbing and Running Water Obtained for the Ochoa Family
by USDA AmeriCorps Member Serving in South Texas
"Before"
Indoor Plumbing and Running Water Obtained for the Ochoa Family
by USDA AmeriCorps Member Serving in South Texas
"During"
Indoor Plumbing and Running Water Obtained for the Ochoa Family
by USDA AmeriCorps Member Serving in South Texas
"After"
Indoor Plumbing and Running Water Obtained for the Ochoa Family
by USDA AmeriCorps Member Serving in South Texas
"After"
VICE PRESIDENT MEETS AMERICORPS/USDA MEMBERS IN
KENTUCKY WHO ARE SERVING IN EMPOWERMENT ZONE
Members of the AmeriCorps/USDA Rural Development Team in Kentucky met and
were praised by Vice President AI Gore during a January visit to the newly named
Empowerment Zone in the state. From left are Mona Powell, Gore, Michelle Humfleet,
Tina King, and Matt Hall, who, as part of their service, are working to implement the
Empowerment Zone's strategic plan.
* AMERICORPS A IN SPENIO
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
JAN-26-1995 09:50 FROM USDA FMHA so C&BP
TO
52027204614 P.01
Durant Electric Co.
CORPORATE OFFICE
PLANT OFFICE
703 Hwy. 80 WEST
P.O. Box 207
P. O. Box 1379
RURANT, MS 39063
CLINTON. MS 39060
(601) 353-1488
(601) 924-3800
January 23, 1995
Ms. Bettye Oliver
Special Assistant to the Administrator
Rural Economic Community Development Services
(AmcriCorps/USDA Program)
Jackson, Mississippi
Dear Ms. Oliver:
I am the President at Durant Electric Corporation (Holmes County, Mississippi). We have three
plants in Durant that manufacture electrical wire harnesses for the Cadillac car division of
General Motors. We currently employ 600-700 local personnel with an annual payroll of
approximately $8,000,000.
When I assumed this position recently, I quickly realized that we were experiencing a MAJOR
EMPLOYEE TURNOVER PROBLEM. In attempting to correct this massive problem, I
initiated two meetings with a group of high caliber state agencies. Unfortunately, I received
many "promises" with absolutely NO action At this point, we were earnestly considering the
option of withdrawing from the Durant, Mississippi locale in favor of: (a) moving to our
facilities in Mexico or, (b) just closing the company doors (and its 600-700 jobs) completely.
Luckily, one of your AmeriCorps/USDA members became familiar with of our problems and
began unmediately to take decisive steps in resolving this very costly dilemma. Mr. Charles
Osborn devised and supervised a "research design"; he then proceeded to survey recent former
employees to determine possible causes of the high employee turnover. This turned out to be a
very valuable "tool" for identifying our specific problems. The two most influential areas of
concern involved were: (a) management-to-line worker relations, and (b) a dearth of proper
training. Mr. Osborn searched the local population for an individual with the proper credentials
and experience that could be hired as a permanent Director of Personnel for our operation. Mr.
Osborn, a former Professor at the University of South Carolina, located an individual with the
exact qualifications that we were looking for. As a result of his diligent efforts, the following
actions have taken place:
We have decided to remain at full operation in Durant, Mississippi (recently designated
as an Empowerment Zone).
We have aggressively sought and received a new two year contract with Cadillac.
We are presently in the processes of hiring and training additional employees to
accommodate this new contract.
Our company has begun a new TRAINING PROGRAM that may serve as a model for
other plants/companies within Mississippi -- particularly those that are experiencing
similar RAPID EMPLOYEE TURNOVER PROBLEMS.
We fully expect, as a result of our initiatives, that the total number of people receiving
benefits from the Holmes County Welfare Department will be greatly reduced.
Please accept this Letter of Appreciation for the efforts of your AmerICorps/USDA member
(Charles Osborn); as well as the valuable support he received from the office of Congressman
Bennie Thompson (Second Congressional District). Both displayed tireless dedicated efforts and
made vital contributions which directly influenced our decision to remain in Homes County,
Mississippi.
Respectfully,
Mark Lauritzen
President
DURANT ELECTRIC CORPORATION
cc: Charles Osborn
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson
5
002/004
01 18 95 15:44
202 205 1181
USDA FS ADM
P.02
JAN-18-1995 12:39
Deminic Rizzo. District Two
Will Gouriny President
Pace
Ellie Prootage. District For
District One, Resodele
Cinvolend
Richard Coloman, District Three
Garn Prowin, District Form
Bhally
Show
Mrs. Jeanne R. Walker
Michay Thompson
Chancery Clark
Tax Assasser-Colloctor
H.M. "Mack" Grimmett
Benjamin E. Griffiin
Sherin
Attorney
Mrs. Rose 6. Sktimons
Circuit Clerk
BOLIVAR COUNTY. MISSISSIPPI
POST OFFICE BOX 698
CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI 38732
(601) 846-5877
January 10, 1975
Mr. Clarence R. Smith
Soil and Water Conservation District
Chairman
46 Seelbinder Road
Cleveland, MS 38732
Dear Mr. Smith:
As a member of the Board of Supervisors, I. have had the
privilege of consulting with the Americorps students, Andrea
Clark and Lebrunski Richard, in assessing sewer and water
needs in Bolivar County. Detail reports have been compiled
in an analytical procedure and are being undertaken for
future funding of potential projects. Also, they have been
assisting local council members with the establishing of the
North Bolivar County Water Association. During this project
they have been gathering data from potential members and
users throughout the designated areas of the North Bolivar
County Water Association.
Further, T. think that the Americorps Program is very
significant since it allows students to parellel work with
training. In addition, it provides an opportunity for
students to earn tuition needed to support his/her college
career.
If I could be of any further help in giving a superior
appraisal of this program, please advise.
Yours very truly,
Richard M. Coleman, Sr.
Supervisor of the Third District
H
SOUTH
BRANCH
WATERSHED
ASSOCIATION
"People Protecting Tomorrow's Environment"
November 18, 1994
Ms. Janice Reid
USDA Soil Conservation Service
Somerset County 4-H Center
308 Milltown Road
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Dear Janice,
The South Branch Watershed Association was impressed by
and thankful for the work completed by the Americorp
participants. From October 31 through November 4, Kathy,
Doris, and Marva conducted stream inventories of potential
land use pollutions on 4 tributaries of the South Branch
Raritan River. Working maps locating potential pollution
sources were also completed. We would like to work with the
Americorps participants again inventorying other tributaries
if time permits.
In January of 1995, the SBWA will begin working on a
well head protection grant. We could use Americorps'
assistance in locating public non-community wells and
collecting relevant best management plans for tier one
wellhead areas. We will be mapping the wells using the
county Geographical Information System (GIS).
I look forward to discussing this project with you
further. Thanks again for all of your help.
Best Regards,
Marie Knesn
Marie Kneser,
Executive Director
MK/wf
Enc.
(908) 782-0422
45 Emery Avenue Flemington. NJ 08822
02/22/95 10:41
202 205 1181
USDA FS ADM
5.
002/002
MARK O. HATFIELD
MARK O. HATFIELD
SPECIAL DISTRICTS CENTER
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
CENTER STREET N.E., SUITE 305
121 S.W. SALMON STREET. SUITE 1420
SALEM OR 97301
PORTLAND OR 97204
Hnited States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-3701
June 23, 1994
Dear Friend:
The National Community Service Act of 1993 has provided the
foundation upon which the Administration and Congress created a
"domestic peace corps" called AmeriCorps. In this program, young
Americans will receive educational grants in exchange for their
national service work.
As part of this program, the newly formed Northwest Service
Academy has received support to sponsor ninety individuals
eighteen years and older to work on projects which will focus on
unmet needs in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to completing
worthwhile projects, Academy participants will learn civic
responsibility by serving their communities.
At the end of ten months of service, each participant will
receive a post-service benefit of $4,725 toward college tuition,
or if they have graduated, to repay a college loan. Communities
will be mobilized to address their unique needs by assistance
from the federal government, which will provide $6.00 for every
$1.00 raised from the private sector.
I believe this model holds tremendous potential for new public-
private partnerships and I urge your support for the Northwest
Service Academy, an Oregon/Washington program. Your
participation will ensure continued education for participants
and completion of important projects in our Northwest
communities.
With best regards.
Sincerely,
Impred
MOH:aw
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
OES COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICE
3746 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
(818) 304-7890; FAX: (818) 304-7073
December 3, 1994
L. Robert Dean. District Conservationist
USDA. Natural Resources Conservation District
44811 North Date Ave. Suite G
Lancaster. CA 93534
Dear Bob:
I want you to know how much we appreciate the AmeriCorps' participation in our
neighborhood "sandbag walk" today. Phillip Sam and Sandy Haynes were very effective in
meeting people face to face to share information about protecting homes from floods and
mud. Three residents, Mike Bohlander, Phillip, Sandy, and I spent a rewarding morning in
Altadena. The response was usually very favorable, with people appreciating the visit and
the information shared. Some interesting issues emerged:
Many people have taken the recommended measures already, or told us that they
intend to do so soon. Some indicated that they had planned to do something, but
weren't sure whether they were going to replace the sandbags, build a pipe &
timber barrier, or install a block wall. They were pleased to get the "specs" for a
block wall and pipe & timber barrier, and pleased to learn that the county will
waive building fees.
The most common reason cited for putting off the installation of more permanent
measures was cost.
A few people intend to gamble - or are in denial. "I just don't think it'll be that
bad." "It wasn't that bad last year." "I don't want to look at another sandbag!"
There's quite a bit of misinformation floating around: The storm drains will take
care of whatever comes down. The K-rails will act as a dam and hold everything
behind them. Old, rotting sandbags are as good as new ones. The county brought
these sandbags in; the county should take them away.
The neighbors generally hate the sandbags. They're ugly, messy, and smelly.
I think today's efforts were valuable, both for the residents we reached. and for us to get a
sense of the issues and challenges ahead. It was great to have Phillip and Sandy with us.
Sincerely,
Virginia
Virginia Kimball
ANTHONY WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 1751
ANTHONY. NEW MEXICO 88021
(505) 882-3922
January 12, 1995
John Thomas, Jr.
State Director of America
RECD state Office
6200 Jefferson St.
N.E. Room 255
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Dear Mr. Thomas,
We were visited by Ms. Paula Montez & MS. Susan Burns from
your organization AmeriCorp. RECD on January 10, 1995. Efficiency
accompanied by courtesy is a rare combination in today's work
world. Ms. Montez & Ms. Burns were very informative and helpful
regarding the funding available for assisting families with water
& sewer hookups.
There is a high need in Anthony for these services and WE
will take advantage of this opportunity. The ladies have our full
cooperation and we will enjoy working with them. If you have any
questions please feel free to give us a call at (505) 882-3922.
sincerely,
Laen H Schooncres
Josen E Schoonover
Manager
Catron
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
21
Grant
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Luna
P. O. Box 2157 . 213 N. Bullard
Silver City, NM 88062
Midalgo
(505) 388-1509
FAX: (505) 388-1500
December 20, 1994
Ms. Susan Burns
AmeriCorps--- FmHA
2507 N. Telshor Suite 3C
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Dear Susan:
It certainly was a pleasure meeting with you and Paula yesterday.
It's people like you, who make my job so much easier, and I look
forward to working with you even more.
Enclosed please find the information I promised you. If you have
any questions regarding this information, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Presentle (' Zucero
Priscilla C. Lucero
Community Development Planner
MEMBERS:
MUNICIPALITIES:
DISTRICTS:
SCHOOL DISTRICTS:
Bayard
Deming SWCD
Cobre Consolidated Schools
COUNTIES:
Central
Grant SWCD
Silver Consolidated Schools
Columbus
Hidalgo SWOD
Catron
Deming
San Francisco SWCD
Black Range RC & D
Grant
Hurley
Hidalgo
Lordsburg
Luna
Reserve
Silver City
Virden
TCD STATES
CONSOLIDATED
SAN JUAN COUNTY CFSA OFFICE
DEPARTMENT or
FARM SERVICE
504 NORTH MAIN
AGRICULTURE
AGENCY
AZTEC, NEW MEXICO 87410
(505) 334-3090
February 15, 1995
To:
Joel Derg, Director of National Service, USDA
From:
Lloyd Wilhelm, Four Corners Americorps Region
Subject: Media Releases for the Region
Joel we have enclosed several news releases that have been published in
the region. Most are very positive with great detail used, to insure
the integrity of the program is ongoing. The members are experiencing
a tremendous amount of interest from their local communities. The word
is out and results are happening, with many local organizations wanting
become involved with Americorps. The local community groups are
. ealizing things can happen through the commitment that our Americorps
members are showing.
Our tangible numbers, or accomplishments are just beginning to become
reality. Our members have had to become established in the community
and build the bond of trust before actual partnerships could be built.
This has occurred, and all I can say is "look out" because our members
are "MAKING THINGS HAPPEN."
Sincerely,
Four Corners Americorps Facilitator
Enclosure
SILOS & SMOKESTACKS
3192348228
P.01
October 13, 1994
The Honorable Thomas Harkin
United States Senate
531 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
SILOS
Dear Senator Harkin:
&SMOKE
STACKS
We write to inform you of the tremendous boost Silos &
Smokestacks has received in the placement of AmeriCorps
Members. The United States Department of Agriculture, through
the rural development efforts of the Soil Conservation Service, has
placed five very talented professionals in Waterloo for the next year.
Their work will increase Iowa's tourism economy during the
Sesquicentennial, and for years to come.
Most of our AmeriCorps Members have advanced degrees. Each
brings an excellent combination of education and experience to their
job assignments. They will be involved in developing 1) a regional
travel guide, 2) audio cassette tapes for self-guided auto tours,
3) farm tours, 4) countryside and nature trail interpretation,
5) an cducation/demonstration farm, and 6) a public market which
will also serve as a visitors center. They are also assisting in
planning and fund-raising for projects with four county conservation
boards and three historical organizations.
We consider AmeriCorps to be a great public investment for three
reasons:
First, the AmeriCorps Members really are giving of themselves.
Those assigned to us are worth more than they are paid. The
fact that they forgo income, at a time when they often have
education debt, speaks highly of their motivation to serve the
nation.
Secondly, the AmcriCorps Members are not encumbered by
agency traditions and job protection concerns. Their freedom
from bureaucracy makes them far more productive in "getting
things done." Frankly the dollars invested in AmeriCorp
appear to be many times more productive than technical
assistance funded through career professionals in some other
federal agencies.
AMERICA'S AGRICULTURAL/INDUSTRIAL i MERITAGE LANDSCAPE INC.
Post Office Box 2815 Waterloo. lowa 50704-2845 Phone 319-231-4567 FAX 319-234-8228
SILOS & SMOKESTACKS
3192348228
P.02
Thirdly, their national service will create new jobs now and in
the future, which obviously helps the federal treasury. Each
AmeriCorps Member we have is being trained for management
and entrepreneurial skills. In this regard, civilian national
service will pay its way many times over.
We invite you to take time during Congressional break this fall or
winter to meet our AmeriCorp Members in Waterloo. When you
do, you will sec why WC will gladly accept more AmeriCorp
placements. If any state or agency is reluctant to implement this
program, we will gladly consider having their AmeriCorps members
assigned to us.
Thank you for your support for this initiative.
Brown Best wishes,
Thomas B. Gallaher, jr. CIP AICP
Executive Director
Copy:
Junean Witham, Political Liaison Committee Chair
Leroy. Brown, SCS State Conservationist
UNITED
W SERRICE * NA STATEMENTS
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
SUMMARY OF HOURS
SERVED AT EACH SITE
AMERICORPS / USDA - FIRST QUARTER REPORT (9/12/94 - 11/31/94)
Projects
Number of
# at
Hours of
Hours of Direct
Slots
First QT
Training
Service
ANTI-HUNGER
FCS Vermont
40
*
*
*
FCS District of Columbia
12
12
632
2,526.00
FCS Milwaukee
38
38
7,902
1,580.00
FCS Mississippi
15
15
800
4,816.00
FCS Los Angeles
40
40
5,965
10,241.00
ANTI-HUNGER TOTAL
145.00
105.00
15,299.00
19,163.00
ENVIRONMENTAL
NRCS Kansas
43
43
1,008
12,900.00
NRCS Oklahoma
20
20
960
6,000.00
NRCS Texas Coast
19
19
2,075
5,700.00
NRCS Atlanta
20
14
1,960
6,000.00
NRCS Boston
20
*
*
*
NRCS New Jersey
15
14
248
4,500.00
NRCS DC/Beltsville
11
11
888
3,300.00
ARS DC
5
5
93
1,500.00
NRCS Chicago
20
20
180
6,000.00
NRCS Portland Full-time
8
8
365
2,400.00
NRCS Portland Part-time
10
10
300
3,000.00
NRCS Goldendale, Washington
9
9
576
2,700.00
FS San Bernardino, Southern CA
80
79
561
24,000.00
FS Six Rivers, Northern CA
25
23
1,366
7,500.00
FS Olympic, Washington
38
36
2,160
11,400.00
FS Rouge River, OR
37
34
2,088
11,100.00
FS Arizona State-wide
45
45
600
13,500.00
FS Bienville, MS
20
20
900
6,000.00
FS Green Mountain, VT
20
*
*
*
FS White Mountain, NH
32
*
*
*
NRCS South. and Cent. Illinois
30
30
7,200
9,000.00
NRCS South Dakota
19
19
284
5,700.00
NRCS Nebraska
18
18
730
5,400.00
ENVIRONMENTAL TOTAL
564.00
477.00
24,542.00
147,600.00
A - 2
Projects
Number of
# at
Hours of
Hours of Direct
Slots
First QT
Training
Service
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
NEW ENGLAND
NRCS Maine
20
20
1,003
6,000.00
NRCS Vermont
5
5
227
1,500.00
APPALACHIA
RECD Tennessee
7
7
225
2,100.00
RECD Kentucky
9
9
416
2,700.00
RECD Virginia
1
1
160
300.00
RECD West Virginia
7
7
1,560
2,100.00
RECD North Carolina
5
5
107
1,500.00
NRCS Tennesee
18
17
775
5,400.00
NRCS Virginia
6
6
325
1,800.00
NRCS West Virginia
5
5
500
1,500.00
FS Tennessee
5
5
368
1,500.00
FS Kentucky
2
2
150
600.00
FS Virginia
4
4
239
1,200.00
FS West Virginia
7
6
672
2,100.00
FS North Carolina
2
2
384
600.00
FS Georgia
1
1
50
400.00
SOUTH CAROLINA
RECD South Carolina
15
15
1,200
5,000
FS South Carolina
6
6
283
1,800.00
NRCS South Carolina
20
20
2,240
6,000.00
A - 3
Projects
Number of
# at
Hours of
Hours of Direct
Slots
First QT
Training
Service
MISSIPPI DELTA
RECD Mississippi
13
13
1,325
3,900.00
RECD Arkansas
8
8
471
2,400.00
RECD Louisiana
11
11
1,210
3,300.00
NRCS Mississippi
10
10
692
3,000.00
NRCS Arkansas
10
10
692
3,000.00
NRCS Lousiana
7
6
518
2,100.00
FS Mississippi
10
10
493
3,000.00
FS Arkansas
5
5
112
1,500.00
FS Louisiana
5
5
235
1,500.00
GREAT LAKES
NRCS Ohio
6
6
640
1,800.00
NRCS Michigan
15
15
960
4,500.00
NRCS New York
5
5
450
2,267.00
MINNESOTA
NRCS Minnesota
19
19
1,600
5,700.00
FS Minnesota
10
10
1,384
3,000.00
COLONIAS
0.00
RECD Texas
17
17
96
384.00
RECD New Mexico
6
6
735
1,363.00
RECD Arizona
7
7
1,220
2,100.00
RECD California
3
3
165
1,200.00
FOUR CORNERS
NRCS Arizona
6
6
150
1,800.00
NRCS Colorado/New Mexico
8
6
150
2,400.00
NRCS/FS Utah
5
5
310
1,500.00
FS Arizona/New Mexico
5
5
150
1,500.00
FS Colorado
2
2
65
600.00
RECD New Mexico
3
3
222
900.00
A - 4
Projects
Number of
# at
Hours of
Hours of Direct
Slots
First QT
Training
Service
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
RECD Oregon
8
8
957
2,400.00
RECD Washington
5
4
32
1,500.00
FS Oregon
4
4
88
1,200.00
NRCS Oregon (Grant's Pass)
5
5
233
1,500.00
NRCS Washington
5
5
320
1,500.00
MIDWEST FLOOD STATES
NRCS Missouri
12
12
694
3,600.00
NRCS Iowa
26
26
1,204
7,800.00
NRCS Illinois
15
15
1,020
4,500.00
NRCS North Dakota
5
4
711
1,500.00
NRCS Wisconsin
7
6
867
2,100.00
CALIFORNIA
NRCS California
31
31
1,583
9,300.00
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
464.00
456.00
32,638.00
135,714.00
TOTAL
0.00
GRAND TOTAL:
1,173.00
1,038.00
72,479.00
302,477.00
TOTAL OF 374,956 HOURS OF SERVICE
*= service had not yet begun by November 31, 1994
Key to USDA Agencies
FS = Forest Service, NRCS = Natural Reources Conservation Service, ARS = Agricultural Research Service, RECD = Rural Economic and Community
Development, FCS = Food and Consumer Service
NATIONALSERV * AMERICORPS IN SECURITY
UNITED
STATES
DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE
BUDGET SUMMARY
TRANSFERS TO SUB-GRANTEES
As of February 23, 1994, USDA had made $929,843 in payments to the sub-
grantee organizations managing USDA/AmeriCorps Anti-Hunger, Nutrition, and
Empowerment Team projects, broken down as follows:
Vermont
$162,500
D.C.
$81,486
Milwaukee
$289,499
Mississippi
$83,581
Los Angeles $312,777