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Northwest Service Academy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Northwest Service Academy (NWSA) is an AmeriCorps program in the Pacific Northwest which focuses on environmental service.
Northwest Service Academy partners with more than 250 schools, community-based organizations and government agencies to address significant environmental issues in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
NWSA projects typically address critical environmental needs through hands-on environmental restoration, resource conservation, environmental education, environmental stewardship or volunteer programs.
NWSA is located in the Pacific Northwest, one of the most environmentally rich corners of the Earth. The region abounds with natural wonders; from the snow-capped mountains of the Cascades to the rugged Pacific ocean coast, from the remote outback of the high desert to the mystical waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge.
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There are three types of positions in which AmeriCorps members can serve with NWSA: Leaders, Individual Placements, and Field Teams.
Leaders play a dynamic role that requires a strong ethic of service, great communication skills, a desire to continually refine their leadership skills and the ability to balance the needs of team members, project sponsors and NWSA. Leaders are responsible for facilitating the creation of a strong and collaborative team, advocating for member needs, assisting NWSA staff with member-based issues, coordinating team meetings and trainings, and ensuring that the team completes all service related paperwork. Stewards and leaders usually serve alongside their team, coordinating with sponsors to ensure that the team's service meets the project needs in a safe and effective manner.
Indivdiual placements are placed with local schools, community-based organizations and government agencies. They are usually placed one per sponsoring organization and serve with that same sponsor for their entire term of service. NWSA projects are developed by project sponsors and selected through a competitive process. IP service activities vary from site to site, and generally focus on one or more of the following areas: restoring watersheds, enhancing public lands, conserving resources, increasing awareness through environmental education, increasing community stewardship and volunteerism, providing educational support, and strengthening communities.
Field teams are made up of 4 -10 members and usually include a Leader. Team projects are based on the needs of the communities being served, and often involve collaborating with local watershed groups, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups and schools. Field team projects often have a restoration, environmental education or community revitalization focus, and can involve activities such as wildlife habitat restoration, building riparian fences, trail building and rehabilitation, salmon habitat rehabilitation, planting trees in natural and urban areas, non-native species removal, public education and outreach, and community enhancement projects.