15 Reasons to Join the Conservation Leadership Corps

By Ashley Hollis, Brooke Widmar, and Cassandra Barker

The Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC) is a multi-year youth education program for high school juniors and seniors and college students. The goal is to engage youth in sustaining the conservation of our natural resources, and to develop the next generation of conservation leaders.

This year we are celebrating CLC’s 15th birthday! Since 2002 we have worked with almost 400 students through the program. We want YOU to apply for CLC this year! Why? Here’s 15 reasons, for 15 years:

1. Attending the Conservation Federation of Missouri Annual Convention (CFM) – Held in March each year, students get to stay in the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City and participate in convention activities.
2. Network with Professionals – Students get the chance to rub elbows with CLC alumni, resource professionals, and even Department Directors. The Annual Convention is a great time to talk to professionals about your career interests, ask questions, and make connections.
3. Learn About Conservation Issues – Learn about issues impacting conservation from resource professionals, as well as legislative issues impacting conservation.
4. Influencing Policy – Research pressing conservation issues and help write resolutions that will be sent to government agencies or appropriate organizations. 
5. Fall Workshop – Spend a fall weekend at Camp Rising Sun at Lake of the Ozarks where students sleep in cabins, sit around the lakeside bonfire, hone leadership skills, play giant jenga and start the resolution drafting process.
6. Conservation Day at the Capitol – Join fellow students and conservation affiliates in Jefferson City to make a stand for conservation! You’ll receive a guide and run-down on speaking with legislators, meet the world bird sanctuary’s bald eagle, and get the chance to talk to your representative and state senator!
7. Internship and Volunteer Opportunities – With over 90 CFM affiliates, there are hundreds of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. CLC students have a foot in the door for internships, and often catch wind of opportunities early through affiliate connections.
   

   CLC student Cassandra Barker works with collard lizards while volunteering.

8. Prairie Fork Workday –  CLC students and alums enjoy special access to the beautiful Prairie Fork Conservation Area for a work day restoring and maintaining Prairie Fork. Students who make it out have the opportunity to meet conservation legend, Pat Jones.
9. Friendship – Make long lasting friendships with like-minded students from across the state.
10. Float Trip – Grab your camping gear, river hat, and jump in a canoe to join our annual Stream Team river cleanup! Float down one of our beautiful Ozarks rivers while helping to keep it pristine.
    

    CLC Stream Team Clean-Up Float

11. Leadership Development – It’s not a CLC event without a leadership development activity of some sort! You’ll learn effective leadership strategies and how you can put your unique leadership abilities to use.
12. Communication Skills – Whether it’s one-on-one discussion while networking, or presenting to a resource advisory committee, there are many chances to practice and improve communication skills.
13. Events Across the State – Students get to be involved with events in Jefferson City, Williamsburg, Lake of the Ozarks, Kansas City, St. Louis, Eminence, just to name a few…
14. Free Steak Dinner – Get dressed up, attend the banquet and live auction on Saturday evening, and network with directors and professionals from statewide and national conservation organizations.
15. Get Connected with the Conservation Federation of Missouri – Join the  largest voice for conservation in Missouri – CFM!

CLC students at 2017 Annual Convention

Learn More: Developing Conservation Leaders and Advocates of Tomorrow

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 work day at Prairie Fork.

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.

CLC Brochure

Click Here to Apply Online

Click here to print application

Applications are due by May 1, 2018

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.

Students at Fall Workshop

Looking for groups or events to volunteer or get involved with?  Click here for a Calendar of affiliate events.