INSPIRED IMPACT™ is an ongoing blog series that gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of purpose-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and around the world.
Annie Sanders is the Executive Director of Green Corps headquartered in Denver. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and learn more at greencorps.org.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Green Corps’ mission is to train organizers, make an impact on today’s most pressing environmental campaigns, and graduate activists who possess the skills, temperament, and commitment to fight and win tomorrow’s environmental battles.
WHY DO YOU DO IT?
We have plenty of solutions to the biggest environmental challenges we face, yet decision-makers are quick to yield to special interests whose priorities are often antithetical to environmental protection. Despite well-resourced opposition, we can convince those in power to protect our environment by mobilizing everyday people to wield their collective power for systemic change. The environmental movement needs to capture the energy and potential of young people across the country and give them the tools to organize for change.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
Since our founding, Green Corps has partnered with more than 100 environmental organizations, provided critical field support to more than 150 environmental campaigns, and secured dozens of significant victories in conservation, corporate accountability, public health, climate, and clean energy. With the threat of climate change and myriad environmental challenges facing our world today, the environmental movement needs ever more well-trained, strategic organizers and leaders to help solve the most pressing issues of our time. That has been Green Corps’ legacy since 1992, and we will continue training organizers to fight for environmental progress in the years to come.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
The natural environment is a place of solace, respite, energy, and beauty. This world is not ours for the taking, but one to explore, enjoy, and protect. The most pressing environmental problems plaguing us today are born not from a lack of technology or know-how; these are political problems, and thus require political solutions. In order to convince decision-makers to protect our environment, we need to build and wield power in communities across the country and mobilize them to push for change.
WHAT’S YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Our aim is simple: to train environmental organizers. Train them well, train more of them, and get them doing this work for a career. My big dream for Green Corps is that we train as many organizers as well as we can for as long as we can. The planet doesn’t have time for anything less.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE?
We need financial support for our recruitment and training efforts. All amounts are welcome and appreciated; we are a people-powered organization and don’t take money from corporations.
WHAT IS (OR HAS BEEN) YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
It all starts with hiring. We’ve been challenged in the past to find enough candidates who are a good fit for the rigor of the program, as well as to establish the exact right criteria for assessing who will excel. We’ve gotten better as the years have gone by but can always do better.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
It is incumbent upon each of us change-makers to pursue a vocation at the nexus of our unique talents and passions. Figure out your comparative advantage and hone in on the issues you’re most passionate about. Find a job that combines those things, and give it your all.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
The best way to support Green Corps’ work is to donate through our website. You can also refer candidates, funders, or campaign partners to us by emailing annie@greencorps.org. Thank you for supporting Green Corps’ work to train the next generation of environmental leaders!
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations is an award-winning agency that generates awareness, engagement, and, ultimately, support for purpose-driven organizations. We amplify their voice and reach so they can increase their income and impact. If you would like to be featured on INSPIRED IMPACT™, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.