Urgent: Take Action to Save AmeriCorps Project Conserve!

The federal government has taken sudden steps to dismantle AmeriCorps that we are concerned will end AmeriCorps Project Conserve—a non-partisan service program that supports conservation organizations throughout WNC. Please act now and ask your Members of Congress to support AmeriCorps Project Conserve! (See talking points below.)

Last year, AmeriCorps Project Conserve placed 38 members at 14 conservation organizations. These dedicated members provided over 49,000 hours of service. Their work dramatically expands the capacity of local governments and conservation nonprofits, so we can do more good in our communities. This capacity is needed now more than ever as we recover from Hurricane Helene.  

At Conserving Carolina, our AmeriCorps members help us build and maintain trails, restore wildlife habitat, control invasive plants, mobilize volunteers, host speaker series and other community events, lead field trips and youth programs, and more. We do not have staff to support these programs at the same level without AmeriCorps!   

A total of 14 nonprofit and local government organizations in WNC rely on AmeriCorps Project Conserve to achieve community goals. Regardless of politics, our communities strongly support land and water conservation. AmeriCorps Project Conserve has served our communities for 20 years under four U.S. Presidents, both Republican and Democrat. We are grateful for the longstanding support of bipartisan champions in Congress.  

AmeriCorps Project Conserve is an excellent value to taxpayers. AmeriCorps members are dedicated to service and they earn only a minimal living stipend. 

As an additional benefit, AmeriCorps members go on to become skilled professionals and leaders. At Conserving Carolina alone, one out of every two staff members are AmeriCorps alumni. 

Now, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is targeting AmeriCorps and we may lose this vital program if Congress does not take swift action to protect it.  

How to Speak Up for AmeriCorps Project Conserve

The most effective way to make your voice heard is to call your two Senators and your one Representative. Remember to always be polite and respectful when contacting your representatives. Please act quickly to voice your support! 

Use this link to look up your address and find your legislators’ contact information.  

Here is a simple script you can use:

Hi, this is [your name] from [where you live.]  

Given recent steps to dismantle AmeriCorps programs, I am concerned about the future of AmeriCorps Project Conserve—a nonpartisan program that supports land and water conservation in Western North Carolina. AmeriCorps members provide much needed support for conservation nonprofits and local governments that serve my community. Last year, AmeriCorps Project Conserve members provided over 49,000 hours of service. Their service is especially needed as we recover from Hurricane Helene.  

[Optional: Say a few words about what AmeriCorps means to you personally.] 

Please protect AmeriCorps so that we can continue to rely on the vital support that they provide for land conservation. 

Thank you.