January 18, 1996
(Executive Council)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Economic Recovery Commission:

Environmental Leadership Program '96 Experience of a Lifetime

Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador are again planning on sending six young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on the experience of a lifetime!

Every year the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, Asociacion de Apoyo y Promocion de Ideas para el Desarrollo, and Canada World Youth send up to 16 young Atlantic Canadians on the Environmental Leadership Program.

This will be the fourth year of the successful ELP. The program is divided into three phases. During the first, participants are briefed on cultural adaptation, group standards, roles and responsibilities.

The second phase of seven to eight weeks is conducted in Costa Rica where the focus of the program is on developing leadership skills while engaged in environmental activities. While in Costa Rica, the group works with APID partaking in environmental, development and leadership workshops.

The third phase of the program takes place back in Canada where Newfoundland participants become team leaders with the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador. For eight weeks they will be putting the skills and experiences gathered in Costa Rica to use while working on environmental projects in their home communities. Projects range from trail development, stream enhancement, archaeological digs, wildlife/vegetation surveys, and environmental education.

Participants in the program are volunteers and all expenses to Costa Rica (travel, meals and accommodations) are covered by the ELP. Participants receive a modest amount of weekly pocket money and a stipend of $850 upon successful completion of the entire program.

"My experiences in the ELP have exposed me to opportunities that I did not know existed. It helped me to develop my leadership skills and has given me the confidence to become involved at the community level to help bring about needed changes." Christie Dean, ELP '94.

Interested students must be residents of Newfoundland and Labrador between the ages of 21 and 24, motivated to learn about environmental issues of both a local and global nature, interested in becoming involved at their local community level, and able to effectively adapt to new situations and cultures.

Contact: Darren Feltham, Program Manager, (709) 738-0527 or fax (709) 738-2469.