Today a large group of teens in blue shirts emblazoned with “The Mayor’s Conservation Corps” (MCC) were passing out door hangers as they walked down Kentucky Avenue. While they weren’t particularly chatty about their activities, they certainly were a visible presence, and I’m excited to see what other city-sponsored green activities they’ll be up to in the neighborhood.
The marketing materials say the MCC will work M-F through August 21 to respond to requests for assistance with green projects such as removing trash and weeds from streets, sidewalks and parks.
The MCC was part of former Mayor Anthony Williams’ Youth Champions Partnership Campaign, a component of the District’s Passport to Work Summer Youth Employment Program. According to Fenty’s office, the program has funds to employ 5,000 young people. Last year, DC Employment Services placed 5,494 District young people in work-readiness programs and summer jobs. This year, more than 9,000 young people aged 14 to 2 registered for the summer program.
What kind of activities have you seen DC summer employees doing?
While I missed getting my door hanger today, I did see the whole group meeting up with staff supervisors at Lincoln Park late this afternoon. They had quite a crowd out there working today. Looking forward to some new green initiatives in the city!
DCist has an update: http://dcist.com/2009/06/mayors_conservation_corps_blankets.php
Don’t be surprised if you them around again today removing the door hangers!
I have to admit, I was out walking around last night, and saw a lot of them on the streets and sidewalks.
“…if you SEE them…”