Transforming Lives and Landscapes
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Tessa Nicholas
Executive Director
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In 2023, we celebrated 40 years of Power and Purpose at Civicorps. Our organization remains powerful and purposeful with another year of accomplishments behind us. I’m proud to present this year’s Annual Report about our deepening efforts to inspire the young adults at the Corps to train for meaningful careers. In this report, you’ll learn more about our Conservation Career Pathways and the results they deliver to our community, our participants, and the planet.
In FY24, through land management and recycling projects, Corpsmembers obtained skills and education that helped them pursue family-sustaining careers in public service and conservation. Young adults showed up committed to learning and earned stacks of certifications to move them along in their journey. They earned placements in conservation-focused jobs with the City of Oakland Public Works, the City of San Francisco Recreation and Parks, Waste Management and East Bay Regional Park District.
Civicorps’ services are delivered with loving wrap-around support to reduce barriers to participant success. Our dedicated Wellness Team provides Corpsmembers with 1:1 counseling, daily meals, housing support, childcare, transportation, and legal matters.
This coming year, we’re excited to increase pathways to careers with local and state partners. We’re launching a new Trails Crew at Mt. Diablo State Park, and inaugurating an Arborist Crew with the City of Oakland. Funding from Parks California will support a new technical training program and a new Parks Facilities internship. In addition, we’ve deepened training opportunities with key partners such as the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC), Friends of Sausal Creek and EBRPD Fire. The common denominators here are our extraordinary partners and our committed staff.
Civicorps is incredibly grateful to the broad array of public agencies, critical state grants, private institutional investment and supporters like you who make our work possible. Thanks to your support, our fabulous Corpsmembers will continue to engage in climate resiliency work while burnishing their career credentials.
Thank you for making it possible,
Tessa Nicholas
Executive Director
Civicorps at a Glance
Pathways
In an era of unprecedented climate change, creating sustainable solutions and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders has never been more crucial. Civicorps is uniquely equipped to confront the ill effects of the climate crisis in tandem with its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. We offer seven dynamic career pathways that prepare Corpsmembers for family-sustaining careers while protecting our natural resources and serving our community. At our Job Training Center, participants earn industry-recognized certifications and acquire environmental education. In FY24, Corpsmembers stayed longer at Civicorps, gaining more experience and obtaining more certifications and training that make their resumes more competitive when seeking employment. Through fuel reduction and recycling projects that tackle climate change, we are empowering Corpsmembers to obtain skills and education that will help them pursue family-sustaining careers in public service, conservation and related fields.
Civicorps’ career pathways are designed to provide comprehensive support and training, ensuring Corpsmembers are well-prepared for meaningful future careers in green-collar fields that offer a professional track.
We prepare Corpsmembers with an intentional pathway for every individual that identifies their interests and customizes their experience. Each Corpsmember travels their unique path while the pillars of their pathways remain consistent for everyone.
FOUNDATION: sets the stage for Corpsmembers by introducing them to the basics of workplace expectations, safety, and the history of the Corps movement. It includes initial interviews, goal setting, and foundational certifications like CPR/AED and First Aid.
GROUNDING: focuses on instilling essential skills and certifications that are necessary for day-to-day operations. This includes tool and vehicle safety, brushcutter certification, and conservation awareness.
KNOWLEDGE: emphasizes the acquisition of technical skills. This includes certifications like Chainsaw 1 and 2, Polesaw, and OSHA-10, as well as training in native and invasive plant identification.
GROWING: focuses on advancing technical skills and leadership capabilities. This includes certifications and training in areas such as chainsaw operation, pruning education, and driving, preparing Corpsmembers for more specialized roles and responsibilities within conservation and related fields.
LEADING: is about developing leadership and advanced skills. This involves training in conflict resolution, crew dynamics, and leadership styles, as well as certifications like Class C Driver’s License and Forklift Certification.
Each pillar builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive learning pathway that supports personal and professional growth within the conservation field.
Foundation
Civicorps does a great job at setting a foundation for Corpsmembers…providing routine, exposing us to hard labor, and fostering collaboration with diverse groups.
AnriceEBMUD Intern
Anrice Murcia’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of the Foundation pillar. Anrice joined Civicorps in September 2022, seeking meaningful work after returning from El Salvador in the wake of the pandemic. Anrice embraced the structure provided by Civicorps: “Getting used to waking up early, learning basic job tools, and using different types of power tools was cool. It felt good to be trusted in my work.” Within six months, his dedication led to a role as an Operations Intern, where he supported tool and vehicle maintenance, and conducted Used Oil Collection Certification visits.
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Anrice’s leadership flourished as he participated in a weekend internship with Dig Deep Farms. This experience in urban farming and permaculture bolstered his commitment to sustainability; he now encourages his circles to support local farmers and reduce and reuse food waste in creative ways. His enrollment in Oakland Forward —a job corps program of CalVolunteers — accelerated his growth. This spring, Oakland Forward produced a video featuring several grantee organizations for local TV station KTOP. Anrice appears several times throughout the 6-minute video. His poise, knowledge and confidence truly shined through. Anrice’s star earned him a spot at Mayor Thao’s Oakland Youth Jobs Roundtable, alongside Josh Fryday, CalVolunteers’ Chief Service Officer.
In June 2024, Anrice propelled himself forward yet again. He left Civicorps to pursue an opportunity with the EBMUD Community Trainee Program. He reflects, “Civicorps does a great job at setting a foundation for Corpsmembers…providing routine, exposing us to hard labor, and fostering collaboration with diverse groups. The mental health benefits of being outdoors are significant; it’s motivating to see the community impact I’ve made around the East Bay. Civicorps strengthened my work ethic and adaptability—skills that are invaluable at EBMUD.”
Grounding
I do this type of work because of the big impact of nature itself and as a reminder to myself that we as people can make a difference in any community.
NajiConservation Crew Supervisor
Civicorps has steadily and strategically grown our presence in Contra Costa County following the 2022 opening of our Pittsburg job training site, In October 2023, Civicorps began a fruitful new partnership with Mt. Diablo State Park. Since then, this partnership has allowed both organizations to thrive—Mt. Diablo has completed essential conservation projects while Civicorps members have gained invaluable skills for future state jobs and mentorship from park rangers.
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One standout story from this partnership is that of Naji Lockett, Bay Nature’s 2024 Young Local Hero. Naji began his Civicorps journey in 2018 as a new Corpsmember and progressed through the ranks to Crew Leader I, Crew Leader II ultimately joining Civicorps staff as a Conservation Crew Supervisor in May 2022. His team, Conservation Crew nine (C-9), has been instrumental in fuel reduction efforts at Mt Diablo, where they practice various land management practices including vegetation clearing and burn pile creation. Working in challenging conditions, they’ve advanced their skills with power tools and faced unique experiences with local wildlife (tarantulas, scorpions, and snakes, oh my!)
Civicorps and Mt. Diablo State Park will deepen our collaboration in Fall 2024, with two crews and a full-time Maintenance Intern, We will increase Corpsmember knowledge of and appreciation for State Parks and solidify career pathways into State Parks. Join us in celebrating Naji’s inspiring journey and the truly impactful work being done through our partnership with Mt. Diablo State Park.
Naji and C-9’s dedication to their tasks and teamwork epitomize the grounding principle of Civicorps’ seven Career Pathways. Corpsmembers benefit not only from the practical skills gained but also from the profound sense of community and purpose fostered within the team. This grounding experience has prepared them for potential careers in a variety of fields.
Knowledge
“Don’t let anyone put you in a box for not following a traditional life path or college route. Make something positive out of any situation.
Hassan JohnsonRecycling Intern
The Knowledge pillar is a cornerstone of professional preparation at Civicorps. It provides essential training that prepares Corpsmembers to excel in their chosen fields and equips them with the skills essential for family-sustaining careers. Civicorps’ ongoing partnership with the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) is a prime example of effective knowledge sharing. For four years, Cal-IPC has been a dedicated educational ally, enhancing the Knowledge pillar by delivering immersive environmental training. This collaboration ensures that conservation crews are well-versed in the ecosystems they inhabit and the plant species they encounter.
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Cal-IPC’s contributions have been instrumental in enhancing Corpsmembers’ orientation with two pivotal educational courses. The first course focuses on local geography, watersheds, and climate change, while the second addresses plant identification, the effects of invasive plants, and site hygiene. These courses, led by Cal-IPC’s Conservation Specialist Constance Taylor, educate and inspire members by reinforcing the importance of their work and its broader ecological impact. Cal-IPC’s efforts help deliver ecology and career training through immersive, hands-on experiences. For example, Cal-IPC collaborated with Hip Hop 4 Change to create a Come Clean Leave Clean video. This collaboration offered Corpsmembers an engaging platform to learn and teach the importance of site hygiene in preventing the spread of invasive species. This innovative approach underscores the partnership’s dedication to making learning relevant and impactful.
“If Corpsmembers don’t understand why they’re doing [fieldwork], it can be hard to stay on this career path, so making the learning more enjoyable is essential to engage them and sustain their motivation.” Constance and Cal-IPC’s efforts continue to make ecology exciting and fun for Corpsmembers.
Civicorps’ collaboration with Cal-IPC exemplifies the transformative power of knowledge as we foster a new generation of environmental stewards ready to make a difference.
Growing
I am alive and able-bodied, I can lend my hands to the land and make a difference…and I know I am not alone.
NaudikaEBMUD Intern
Naudika’s time at Civicorps vividly illustrates their growth and determination to make a positive impact. Joining in January 2023, Naudika — who uses they/she pronouns — quickly immersed themselves in the organization, demonstrating a remarkable work ethic and passion for conservation.
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In their first few weeks, Naudika’s crew was tasked with removing concrete bricks dumped into poison oak while working in the pouring rain. Far from being discouraged by the difficulty, Naudika embraced the challenge, stating, “It sticks with me, even though it was difficult, I wanted to do [it] because it’s the right thing to do.” This tenacity drove Naudika to apply for and quickly be promoted to Crew Leader.
Naudika’s leadership and skills grew exponentially. They learned valuable technical skills using power tools, certified through the Growing pillar of Civicorps’ Career Pathways. Additionally, they honed soft skills essential for leadership, including conflict resolution and emotional regulation.The rich experiences continued as Naudika joined the Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps backcountry trails crew program. Living and working in the Sierra Mountains provided profound personal insights and strengthened their resilience. Upon returning, they applied these lessons to lead conservation projects around Oakland, emphasizing collaboration and support.
Naudika’s commitment to growth didn’t stop at Civicorps. In July, they embarked on a new chapter with a Special Training limited-term internship at East Bay Municipal Utility District in water waste treatment. Looking ahead, they aspire to continue their career in conservation, focusing on fuel management, fire prevention, and emergency work with the California Conservation Corps.
Naudika’s journey at Civicorps not only reflects their personal evolution but also embodies the essence of growth itself. They illustrated how challenges can transform individuals into passionate leaders who are ready to make a lasting impact on their communities and the environment.
Leading
These four alumni have earned roles outside Civicorps, many of them blazing a trail by becoming the first Corpsmember to fill such positions. They are leading by example, demonstrating to the Corpsmembers coming up behind them the sheer range of possibilities in conservation careers.
I’ve seen these young folks work harder than other employees. They are hungry. They are trying to prove something to themselves and the employer. They want it; they are ready, they just need the opportunity. That’s why when I see Civicorps on an application, I know I want that person.
Melissa Marizette-GreenSenior Landscape Gardener Supervisor, City of Berkeley
The success of our pathways is evident in the achievements of Civicorps alumni. Many former Corpsmembers have secured rewarding positions in various fields, from environmental conservation to municipal agency roles. The training provided by our staff and partners, including Cal-IPC, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), East Bay Municipal District (EBMUD) has been crucial to their success, demonstrating the value of hands-on, practical education.
Civicorps has given me so much. Talking about history, talking about nature, talking about conservation, wearing a uniform with a badge. I definitely wouldn’t be here without Civicorps.
Eduardo ChaidezNational Park Service park ranger, Civicorps alum, and former Board Member
Outcomes
Institutional Funders
July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024
Civicorps is honored to be supported by a diverse array of Corporate, Government, and Foundation sponsors, as well as individual donors. Our mission can only be advanced in partnership with our community.
FOUNDATIONS
Crankstart Foundation
Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
Dean and Margaret Lesher Foundation
East Bay Regional Park District Foundation
Hellman Foundation
The Koshland-Wachtel Fund of the San Francisco Foundation
The Lowell Berry Foundation
Re:wild Foundation
Richard C. Graham Family Charitable Foundation
Save the Redwoods League
Tipping Point Community
WPW Foundation
GOVERNMENT
California Coastal Commission
CalFresh Employment and Training/SNAP
CalRecycle
#Californiansforall Youth Job Corps
East Bay Municipal Utility District
East Bay Regional Park District
Oakland Fund for Children and Youth
Port of Oakland
CORPORATIONS
Block, Inc. – Premier Sponsor
Oakland Athletics
Anonymous
Beneficial State Bank
California Invasive Plant Council
CalNonprofits Insurance Services
D+H Construction
DistrictWorks
Embarcadero West
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
ExpertQuote Insurance Services, Inc.
Gigantic Idea Studio, Inc.
Google, Inc.
Kaiser Permanente
Matson Shipping
Orion Business Insurance and Risk Management Services, Inc.
Ross Stores Foundation
Royal Coffee, Inc.
Sloan Sakai
The Swenson Group
Teamsters Local 70
Unaudited Financials
REVENUE
34.5% | Recycling Contracts | $3,285,675 |
24.1% | Conservation Contracts | $2,290,771 |
25.2% | CalRecycle & CCC Grant | $2,394,442 |
7.0% | Government Grants | $664,252 |
5.6% | Foundations and Corporations | $535,317 |
1.8% | Donations | $172,516 |
1.8% | Others | $172,668 |
TOTAL | $9,515,641 |
EXPENSES
30.6% | Recycling | $2,830,929 |
30.8% | Environmental Conservation | $2,840,622 |
13.6% | Support Services | $1,252,134 |
25.0% | General and Administrative | $2,312,707 |
TOTAL | $9,236,392 |
Civicorps’ mission is to re-engage young adults, ages 18-26, to earn their high school diplomas, gain job skills, pursue college, and embark on family-sustaining careers. See how we are accomplishing our mission in an archive of annual reports.
