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President Roosevelt Did it Then, President Obama Can Do It Now

"I propose to create a Civilian Conservation Corps. . . . More important, however, than the material gains will be the moral and spiritual value of such work."
--Franklin D. Roosevelt March 9, 1933

“People of all ages, stations, and skills will be asked to serve. Because when it comes to the challenges we face, the American people are not the problem—they are the answer. We’ll call on Americans to join an Energy Corps to conduct renewable energy and environmental cleanup projects in their neighborhoods.”
--Barack Obama July 2, 2008

America's Greatest Resource

Seventy-five years ago, Franklin D. Roosevelt responded to two massive crises — a decayed environment and widespread unemployment — to create a single success: the Civilian Conservation Corps. In the CCC three million unemployed young men dramatically improved the nation’s infrastructure and public lands, while at the same time giving young Americans living in poverty hope, opportunity, and the chance to provide for their families.

For The Corps Network, the CCC is a living reality. America’s Service and Conservation Corps are on the ground today, improving communities, reducing energy use, preserving public lands, building a Twenty-First Century CCC. Learn more about the CCC's modern legacy.

The Next Big Step: Recommendations for President-elect Obama

Corps demonstrate the flexibility, power, and opportunity of service. Bold proposals for expansion are ready, leading to immediate results in communities nationwide.

With the incoming administration's support, these initiatives could result in energy savings for low-income Americans, green jobs training for youth, restoration of American forests and parks, rebuilding of our nation's transportation and infrastructure systems, and simultaneously the involvement of a generation of young people in life-changing volunteerism and civic engagement.

Learn more about The Corps Network's recommendations to President-elect Obama.

Corps are 26,000 Strong, Serving Across America

Modern Service and Conservation Corps span 42 states and the District of Columbia. Every day, Corpsmembers improve communities as places to live and work, and gain new skills, knowledge and attitudes. Corps are creating a 21st century workforce ready for the green economy, while restoring a crumbling infrastructure. In return for service to community and country, Corpsmembers gain educationally, vocationally, and grow as citizens and responsible adults.

Learn how modern Service and Conservation Corps are making a difference in communities in ways which align with the Obama Administration's plans for the nation.

Transforming Lives, Improving Communities

America's Service and Conservation Corps are already supported within active legislation and substantive policy proposals. Moreover, all across America, Corps have built an infrastructure of service — instilling civic engagement, offering real improvements to communities, re-engaging disconnected youth, and creating the workforce of the future. Learn more about Corps' efforts and the tangible results Corpsmembers have made throughout the nation.

Please contact The Corps Network’s Director of Government Relations, Mary Ellen Ardouny, for more details at 202.737.6272 or mardouny@corpsnetwork.org.