INTRODUCING THE GREEN IOWA AMERICORPS – ENERGY UNIT

In addition to the current 52 DNR AmeriCorps positions meeting needs in conservation education, forestry, land management, marketing, wildlife, the DNR is pleased to introduce a separate AmeriCorps program Green Iowa AmeriCorps – Energy Unit.

The DNR serves as an intermediary agency for 56 new Green Iowa AmeriCorps’ positions to serve in the energy efficiently focused rebuilding Iowa efforts. Funding for these positions is provided through grants made by the Iowa Power Fund Board and the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.

The four objectives of the program are to:

1. assess the community needs and resources to identify existing energy efficiency efforts;
   
   
2. provide energy conservation and efficiency education through community outreach;
   
   
3. identify and address energy efficiency use issues via a team based approach in target communities; and
   
   
4. recruit and manage volunteers.

In the first year, the Green Iowa AmeriCorps will target two areas in Iowa impacted by the natural disasters of 2008. Cedar Falls (Blackhawk, Bremer and Butler Counties) and Iowa City (Linn and Johnson Counties) areas are the target regions that have a deep volunteer base of potential AmeriCorps members due to the surrounding colleges and universities. Each area will have a designated Green Corps team. A team will consist of 3 twelve-month positions, 7 six-month positions (to be served over 9 months), and 18 three-month positions.

Ready to get involved?

• Learn more about our positions
  
  
• and apply by following the on-line instructions at:
  http://www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer/americorps/apply.html
  
  
• Organizations interested in serving as project site sponsor can apply for a team of 28 members. Download: Project Sponsor Site Application,*.pdf

For more information on the DNR’s AmeriCorps programs, please contact Jane Mild at jane.mild@dnr.iowa.com or at 515-242-6004