Community Volunteer Ambassadors: National Early Service Training held in Fort Collins, CO
The Winter 2024 Cohort of Community Volunteer Ambassadors.
The Community Volunteer Ambassadors (CVAs) from the Winter 2024 Cohort recently traveled to Fort Collins, CO for National Early Service Training (NEST). From March 18th to March 22nd, these dedicated CVAs immersed themselves in training led by a team from Conservation Legacy, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Washington Support Office. This capstonr event not only fostered camaraderie among peers but also equipped them with essential skills for their roles in supporting Volunteers-In-Parks program at their respective sites.
Now, for the funny one! CVAs hold silly poses for the camera.
CVAs engaged in dynamic sessions covering event planning, handbook and local policy creation, to delving into project management. Additionally, they cultivated essential leadership and communication skills, embraced the art of networking, and learned effective conflict management strategies, all while fostering a spirit of cultural humility.
CVAs and support staff engage in a jumping competition in the middle of a group photograph.
Experienced second year CVAs took the initiative to partner with NPS Staff to lead these sessions. This effort served as an opportunity for CVAs to engage in collaborative discourse, exchanging ideas, and benefiting from insights gained at similiar sites. Their leadersip showcased the remarkable progress achievable within a year, offering a glimpse into the promising growth ahead for newer members. A heartfelt appreciation extends to the second year CVAs who assumed leadership roles throughout NEST, from steering sessions with thier expertise to extending warm welcomes to incoming first year CVAs. Their efforts played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusion within the cohort.
The Climate Cohort of CVAs pose with staff from Conservation Legacy and NPS
A new feature of the training was its partnership with the Climate Change Response Program, led by Larry Perez the program's Communications Coordinator, who graciously hosted the CVAs for a discussion on Climate Change Optimision at the NPS Offices. This session supported the introduction of the first Climate Cohort, comprised of site such as Acadia National Park, Christianhead National Historic Site, Pullman National Historic Site, Saguaro National Park, War in the Pacific National Historic Site, Being Land Bridge Preserve, among others. This specialized cohort will play a pivotal role in advancing climate resiliency and educational initiatives across various National Park sites, underscoring the commitment of National Park Service to address pressing environmental challenges with collaborative efforts.
The official logo of the Community Volunteer Ambassador program.
As a fifty-week professional internship, the Community Volunteer Ambassador Program is managed in partnership between the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program and the Stewards Individual Placement Program of Conservation Legacy. Members are youth (ages 18-30 or 18-35 if veterans) from diverse backgrounds who aspire to future careers in service and conservation stewardship. In 2022, approximately 90 members will be placed in park sites throughout the country to provide capacity-building services focused on connecting communities to parks through engagement and volunteer activities.
