Community Empowerment Fellow

Project summary

The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is part of a statewide initiative to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. CCAC matches Fellows with organizations to mobilize community members to take direct climate action through education, volunteer mobilization, and assessment focused on urban greening, organic waste diversion and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency. This is a climate-focused, workforce development program for emerging climate and environmental leaders.

Opportunity description

In response to the urgent need for urban forestry in historically underserved areas of Los Angeles, City Plants is seeking 3 Community Empowerment Fellows to join our mission. Through the Urban Forest Equity Collective (UFEC), funded research has highlighted the disparity in tree coverage. Fellows will spearhead programs planting 20,000 trees annually, educate residents, and empower them to nurture their trees, focusing on community outreach, engagement, tree planting, care, education, and social media. This pivotal role aims to increase tree cover, enhance air quality, and equip residents with essential tree care knowledge while fostering a network of Tree Ambassadors advocating for their local trees. Duties include, but are not limited to: Engage the community with in-person interactions, phone calls, emails, and social media to share info, answer questions, solicit feedback, and promote urban greening initiatives Implement planting activities, including seed sowing, transplanting, and education on proper techniques to ensure the well-being and sustained growth of trees and shrubs. Design and deliver seminars and educational resources to train the community on tree care, urban forestry, and environmental stewardship. Craft and implement communication and social media strategies to share program updates, stories, resources, and volunteer opportunities to mobilize grassroots engagement with outreach and events.

Benefits

• $33,600 stipend
• $10,000 education award
• 340 hours of professional development
• Minimum essential healthcare
• Loan forbearance
• Food and childcare assistance (for those eligible)