CivicSpark is Governor Brown’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local governments to
address climate change. CivicSpark is managed by the Local Government Commission in partnership with the Governor’s
Office of Planning and Research.
The CivicSpark Fellowship offers recent college graduates with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the sustainability field, attend regular trainings for technical skills building and professional development, and develop a strong network, all while creating a lasting difference in local communities. Fellows serve for 11 months, implementing critical climate change mitigation and adaptation projects throughout the state of California on a range of tasks from data collection and analysis, to community outreach, to report writing and presenting.
Our Model:
Gap Assessments: To build understanding of and engagement with community partners, fellows start by reviewing key documents and interviewing staff.
Volunteer Engagement: In parallel with a service project, fellows will have the opportunity to develop and lead a volunteer engagement project to increase local climate action.
Service Projects: The majority of the CivicSpark fellowship involves implementing specific climate projects that reflect the goals of the communities being served.
Transitioning Expertise: Fellows’ service will conclude with a transitional activity designed to provide training to staff or share project results with key stakeholders.
CivicSpark fellows are organized in regional teams throughout the state of California.
1. North Coast
2. Sierra Nevada
3. Sacramento
4. San Francisco Bay Area
5. Central Coast
6. San Joaquin Valley
7. Los Angeles
8. Southern California
Each regional team consists of 3-7 CivicSpark fellows and 1 regional coordinator (half-time senior project managers who provide supervision and mentorship). Fellows also receive support from the Local Government Commission, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and a regional partner.
2015-16 Project Examples
Climate Change
Climate Action Plan Implementation: Implementing Climate Action Plan measures in Emeryville, Hayward, Santa Monica, Piedmont, Union City, Walnut Creek, the Sierra Nevadas, Los Angeles County, Merced County, San Luis Obispo County, and Santa Barbara County.
Water
Regional Resiliency in the Sierras:
Supporting water/energy system improvements and providing drought training for local government staff to support water-related resiliency initiatives in the region.
Transportation
Regional EV and Fuel Cells:
Supporting the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles and other alternative vehicle fuels to develop a robust market for alternative fuels in the broader North Coast region.
High Speed Rail Vulnerability Assessment:
Identifying specific climate risks and performing a quantitative assessment of the impacts on high-speed rail assets and future operations.
Benefits:
$14,000 Living Allowance (before taxes) spread evenly over 11 months
$5,775 Segal Education Award
Forbearance on existing qualifying student loans and payment of interest accrued during service
Health insurance
Childcare assistance to qualifying fellows, paid to an eligible provider of your choice
Significant professional development training
Network development with regional and statewide contacts in the climate protection field
Valuable experience in the sustainability field and the local government sector
Connection to a network of hundreds of thousands of AmeriCorps Alums
Qualifications:
A 4-year degree (major in an environmentally related field strongly preferred)
Completion of DOJ, State, and NSOPR background checks prior to service
Must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
Capability to work in a professional office setting
Commitment to the full term of service (11 months)
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Preferred:
One year of relevant experience
Experience with community outreach and data collection/analysis
Experience w/CA climate change policies and practices, and local government operations and structures (especially as they relate to climate protection)
