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Renewal
Developing Conservation Leaders and Advocates of Tomorrow
CLC students at 2017 Annual Convention
The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has long been a catalyst for engaging citizens in conserving Missouri’s natural resources. With the growth of urban areas and increased population, it is essential that the strong conservation heritage of Missourians be passed on from generation to generation.
To achieve this goal, the CFM sponsors a special multi-year program. The Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) offers high school and college students a unique opportunity to influence conservation policy and actions.
The CLC promotes leadership for the next generation by engaging students in the politics of conservation. Students develop personal conservation leadership skills that requires teamwork with their peers during the resolution writing process. They are accepted as full voting members at the Annual Meeting and are invited to participate in committee discussions. The issue resolutions they research and develop in teams are submitted to the Federation’s voting membership. If approved, they carry the same weight as any other CFM policy resolution and become part of the basis for the Federation’s political activity throughout the year.
The program also allows students the opportunity to meet and interact with resource professionals from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Department of Natural Resources and other conservation organizations statewide. Students are encouraged to engage and volunteer in at least two of numerous conservation activities offered throughout the year with other CLC students. Volunteer opportunities include CFM Explore the Outdoors Regional events, Pull for Conservation, Prairie Fork Work Days, Stream team clean-ups, or affiliate events.
CLC Stream Team clean up on the Current River
The goal of the program is that no matter where their chosen careers lead them, e.g., lawyer, doctor, accountant, engineer, journalist, forester, wildlife biologist, etc., the CLC participants are prepared to personally influence policy and actions that will contribute to the conservation of Missouri’s natural resources.
The program is highly regarded by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and other conservation organizations and is beneficial for internship and job opportunities.
To apply for the CLC program students must have demonstrated achievement in organized conservation activities through school projects, environmental clubs, 4-H, FFA, Quail Academy, Conservation Honors, Environthon, Stream Team, Scouting, etc. Students are eligible for CLC from the time they become high school juniors until they receive their undergraduate college degrees.
Click HERE to PRINT an application form
Student Conservation Achievement Award -Applications due by January 31st
Graduating students who complete three years or more as a member of the CLC and a conservation-related college curriculum are eligible to apply for the esteemed “Student Conservation Achievement Award”. Recipients of the SCA earn recognition for their exceptional achievements as students and are acknowledged as tomorrow’s conservation leaders.
Prairie Fork Work Day
Fall workshop
Looking for groups or events to volunteer or get involved with? Click here for a Calendar of affiliate events.