Chimayo Youth Conservation Corps

Chimayo youth conservations corps, inc. (cycc), a non profit organization in rio arriba county, new mexico, began service in 2006 following its mission "to provide our youth alternatives to drugs, gangs, crime and imminent incarceration" and revitalize cultural institutions by "promoting our youth as a valuable resource" throughout rural communities. Cycc fulfills its mission by implementing a "cultural-systems" based model for revitalizing the interwoven cultural traditions denigrated by the current socio-economic status of this region.cycc participated in on-going community assessments and analyses of services to identify the most effective solutions to drug use, school drop out rates, and unemployment statistics. Outcomes of these assessments provided a blue print for cycc to build capacity in the following areas:1. Access to, and participation in, civic activity at all levels.2. Improving community infrastructure.3. Provide service learning activities during after school hours.4. Target services for youth not attending school.5. Offer youth a safe haven for risk reduction.6. Expand upon and nurture a solid eductional, training, skills and employment base for youth.cycc implemented/managed projects through this fiscal year that offered workforce development opportunities for local young adults:1. Acequia restoration: monitoring and maintenance of acequia water for irrigation.2. Hazardous fuel reduction projects: thinning of forests/public lands for fire prevention, then recycling to low-income and disabled elders for heating fuel.3. Ancianos firewood initiative: reconnection of young adults and elders through volunteerism where corps members deliver the above noted free fuelwood to low-income and disabled ancianos who then gain respect and appreciation for community youth and their efforts.4. Wild fire risk reduction: education, outreach, prevention and firewise implementation activities with landowners in rural communities rated high-risk by the county's wildfire protection plan.