MI Healthy Climate Corps prepares for second round

Four months ago, 30 local and statewide organizations welcomed the first group of MI Healthy Climate Corps (MHC Corps) members on their mission to advance climate action across Michigan. It’s time for the next hosts to step up!

As coastal management coordinator for the Village of Elk Rapids, Alexis Goward of the MI Healthy Climate Corps highlights the village’s environmental stewardship at a booth at Nature Fest in June. Courtesy of Leah Moskovitz.

The state is accepting applications through July 19 from host organizations that have roles for the second cohort of 32 full-time AmeriCorps MHC Corps members. The application deadline has been extended from July 11. Eligible hosts include state agencies, tribal governments, local governments, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations. The new cohort will serve from November 2024 to October 2025.

The mission of the MHC Corps is to advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP), build capacity statewide, and help direct federal and state resources and support to where they are most needed. Corps members take on a variety of roles and receive training and professional development support to provide leadership on climate action in Michigan. An interactive map shows where all current members are deployed and what they are working on.

The Office of Public Lands in the Executive Branch of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting Marley Wolff, a member of the first class of the MHC Corps, as a climate research and engagement specialist through November 2024.

“As a host working with the MI Healthy Climate Corps, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of these dedicated members,” said Scott Whitcomb, director of the Office of Public Lands. “Thanks to Marley’s efforts, we have been able to communicate the agency’s climate work to our staff and partners and launch new initiatives like calculating the carbon footprint of our operations.”

Wolff said she was able to learn and develop skills in state-level climate solutions that she would never have been exposed to without the MHC Corps.

“I can’t explain how amazing it feels to make an impact on such a large scale while learning from and working with some truly inspiring people,” she said. “This program advances climate action at all levels across the state by building capacity, helping to mobilize funds and providing a fresh perspective on the world’s most time-sensitive issue.”

Alexis Goward, MHC Corps member and coastal management coordinator for the Town of Elk Rapids, said she sees hospitality as a great opportunity.

“As a host, you get to support and mentor passionate people who are committed to protecting the environment,” she said. “The connections you make, the knowledge you gain and the positive change you make are truly invaluable.”

Kendal Kuneman, senior program manager for host organization Detroit-2030 Districts Network, said hosting Climate Corps has not only expanded the network’s capacity but also brought new attention and recognition.

“We also had access to additional resources, information and support through grants and other funding opportunities through the program,” Kuneman said.

Host partners must make a one-time contribution according to their organization’s budget, but may apply for a grant to cover costs.

Organizations interested in hosting an MHC Corps member are encouraged to review additional program information and requirements in the Host Partner Application Packet and may direct questions to [email protected].

About the MI Healthy Climate Corps

The MHC Corps program focuses on promoting and achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, building capacity in communities across the state, and assisting in steering federal and state resources in areas such as clean energy, environmental justice, environmental restoration, sustainability, transportation, and more.

Members engage in national service and volunteerism through the federal agency AmeriCorps and share information with their communities by conducting meetings, educational programs and other activities. In addition to a living allowance, members benefit from career-focused networking, training and work experience.

The nonprofit Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) manages the MHC Corps on behalf of the state’s Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The MCSC manages AmeriCorps funding for Michigan and promotes climate-focused programs through the EGLE’s program and others in its AmeriCorps portfolio.

The application period for members of the second MHC Corps begins in August and ends in September. Members will be selected in October and placed with hosts from November 13, 2024 to October 17, 2025.

In the coming years, the Corps plans to provide additional community support and service opportunities throughout the state. Potential host partners, Corps members, and anyone interested in supporting the program can visit the MI Healthy Climate Corps website for more information and to sign up to receive updates.