Volunteers

My name is Lauren Damiano. I am 20 years old and a junior at Stockton College. I grew up in Galloway Township, right outside of Atlantic City. I have always enjoyed being outdoors; whether I’m hiking, kayaking, swimming, or just exploring, I appreciate the shade of big trees. I find myself very interested in sustainability, environmental policy, and community planning. I am especially interested in urban communities, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I step back and look at a previously dilapidated vacant lot and see it transformed into a beautiful place for the community to gather.

Working with the Tree Foundation has already taught me so much, and not just about trees. Jess has taught me how to get things done right, whether it’s teaching a community member how to care for a tree, advising a contractor or organization on how to incorporate trees into a new neighborhood plan, or organizing a vast database of Camden TreeKeeper contacts. I can already tell that this internship has changed me for the better.  I hope that what I extract from this internship will empower me to bring these changes home with me to Atlantic City.

Throughout the years, AmeriCorps volunteers have dedicated their time, talent, and muscle to the NJ Tree Foundation. From planting trees to marking sidewalks to surveying trees with iTree software, AmeriCorps has been a major artery in the heart of our community-based work. In Camden, this is especially true for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).  And for those of you who remember our dear past-employee, Elise Schadler — she came to NJTF as an alumn to AmeriCorps NCCC. Shannon Buckley-Schaff, Project Coordinator for NJTF in Newark, used to be an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador.

URGE THEM TO VOTE NO on a continuing resolution that eliminates funding for the corporation for national and community service, including AmeriCorps!

Talking points:

* I am calling to urge you to vote NO on any proposal to eliminate funding for AmeriCorps or the Corporation for National and Community Service.

* Eliminating funding will decimate vital services in our communities when millions of Americans need food, shelter, healthcare, job training and educational support.

* Communities are counting on AmeriCorps members, national service participants and community volunteers to meet the increased demand for services.

* Eliminating funding will only push unemployment rates up.  Unemployment numbers — particularly for young people, veterans and military spouses, older Americans and people of color-remain alarmingly high.

* For Americans who are struggling to find work, national service programs offer participants the opportunity to earn a subsistence-level stipend, develop skills, and create pathways to future employment.  Eliminating programs like AmeriCorps will result in jobs lost for the corps members and the staff who supervise them.  Example: If Congress eliminates AmeriCorps, our 140 AmeriCorps members and the staff that supervise them will be out of work.

* The federal investment made in faith based and community organizations through the Corporation for National and Community Service leverages $799 million in matching funds from companies, foundations and other sources.   If you defund the national service programs, whole organizations will shut down and most will not be able to reopen again even if funding is restored.

THANK YOU!

Are you ready? It’s almost time to start planting trees in NJ! At the NJ Tree Foundation, August is the time to get it all together. Tree applications processed and approved, trees ordered, blocks marked-out, and volunteer tree planting events scheduled.

If you have never volunteered to plant a tree, I invite you to join one of our community-based tree planting events in Newark or Camden, NJ. Not to pat ourselves on the back (OK, we are patting!), but we do tree plantings right! Camden and Newark residents are completely responsible for organizing and planting their own trees. Outside volunteers are welcome for two reasons: 1. Our trees weigh 600-800 pounds; and 2. We would like you to see what the REAL Camden and Newark are all about.

So, dig out those old work boots and paint splattered jeans, and join us! We provide all tools, gloves and water. Residents provide snacks after the planting!

Click here for a schedule of Camden NJ tree planting events.

Jr. TreeKeepers (Camden) with their newly potted White pine trees

Help plant 35 trees and 50 shrubs along River Road!

Tools, gloves, and refreshments provided. Bring your family and friends! The event will be over by 12pm. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you can get dirty. Please help make this a successful and memorable community event!

This project is an implementation step of the Cramer Hill Now! Neighborhood Plan, developed by residents and local stakeholders. We are planting trees to shield industry and beautify a major corridor into the Cramer Hill neighborhood (Camden, NJ).

News! Mayor Redd and Assemblyman Fuentes will be plantings with us!!!

Questions? Call Jessica of the NJ Tree Foundation at (856) 287-4488 or email jfranzini.njtf@gmail.com.