AmeriCorps, Huron Pines, and MUCC, Together in Conservation

Maybe you have or have not heard of what AmeriCorps is and what this program does for our nation, this blog aims to educate you about AmeriCorps and their partnership with Huron Pines. AmeriCorps, a US federal program, was created under President Bill Clinton, through the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993.

Since then, AmeriCorps has grown into a network of national service programs under the Corporation for National and Community Service. A national service program is a program designed to strengthen citizenship and the ethics of service by engaging thousands of Americans, to help communities address their toughest challenges. Examples of what some service programs across our nation address are; academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and much more.

These national service programs matter because they strengthen our communities which in turn strengthens our nation as a whole, no matter your background or what you’re passionate about. I, Autumn Christenson, am passionate about conservation and that is where my service as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member comes into play. Huron Pines, as a non-profit conservation organization, has worked to protect, restore, and conserve Michigan’s natural resources since 1973.  Based off of the righteous principles of AmeriCorps, Huron Pines partnered with AmeriCorps and created a service program that focuses on conservation around the State of Michigan.

The partnership, now called Huron Pines AmeriCorps, then connected with several conservation organizations throughout the State of Michigan to host a selected Huron Pines AmeriCorps member. The selected member will serve a 10-month term, during that time he or she will promote conservation throughout the community while taking up their host sites mission in conservation as well.

As I stated above, this type of service unites communities which in turn unites us a nation. It all started with the Community Service Trust Act of 1973 and through AmeriCorps, has found its way to Huron Pines and MUCC’s front door. I and other Huron Pines AmeriCorps members will have the privilege of becoming conservation leaders for the future of Michigan and our nation, through our service with Huron Pines AmeriCorps.