Earth Conservation Corps Thanks to www.wanderings.net for the article below: Earth Conservation Corps MembersEarth Conservation Corp - Watched an inspiring story on Bill Moyer's NOW program about the Earth Conservation Corps in Washington D.C. The story has been covered by a lot of news outlets, including 60-Minutes' Bill Bradley. The Earth Conservation Corps is a non-profit on a mission to save both a polluted D.C. river and the disadvantaged teens that live in a violent D.C. neighborhood. I was weeping by the end. Diamond Teague's death. The fate of others, especially Darius and Jerome, just hit me at my core. Some of the lives of these teens were cut short, which is especially tragic and unfair given the changes their participation in the Earth Conservation Corps started. But those that survive often change the direction of their lives in huge ways. And, perhaps even more important, their success inspires others to do the same. Started by a Hollywood producer and environmentalist named Bob Nixon, the Earth Conservation Corps began in the early 1990's. With money from Nixon's own pocket and a $50,000 grant from Coors, the clean-up began. In the Moyer's story I saw imposing black men weep at the death of a friend. I saw imposing black men transformed into hopeful, enthusiastic leaders. What an inspiration. One Corps member described a scene where another member, a black teen, taught environmental science to school kids on a field trip to the Anacostia River. He noted that these kids (many black) had never seen a black man in that kind of position before. Seeing this teen's example inspired those young kids, gave them hope and a sense of possibility. What could be more important? Unfortunately, that young man (Jerome?) died of leukemia, which was diagnosed at his death. Had the disease been caught early and treated, think of the contributions Jerome could have continued to make with his life. Yet another reason why we need national health care program...and support for programs like the Earth Conservation Corps. First Street and Potomac Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-554-1960 202-554-2060 info@ecc1.org http://www.ecc1.org