15 Reasons to Join the Conservation Leadership Corps

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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.

    CLC Student

    CLC student working on a resolution

  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.

    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

    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 Annual Convention

    Learn more at www.confedmo.org/clc.  

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