Ecolibrium3 has hosted AmeriCorps programs since 2017, working with over 130 members who built capacity and directly served our community. Earlier this year, we felt a devastating loss as our AmeriCorps programs were terminated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These cuts affected 21 members and had impacts that rippled through our community as our partners lost the much-needed capacity to serve others in need.
In response to this termination, we launched a fundraiser to support our members through their abrupt transition. With the support of our community, partners, and program alumni, we were able to raise more than $7,300 and help all of the members who asked for assistance. A special thank you to Terry McCarthy, a jewelry designer who donated a portion of his earring sales at the Siiviis Gallery to our cause.
Since the termination of our program, a federal judge in a US District Court in Maryland ruled that AmeriCorps programs included in the lawsuit must be reinstated. Fortunately for Eco3 and the Duluth community, the Eco3 VISTA program and Energy Training Corps were included in the case brought by 24 state Attorney Generals. With the restoration of our program, seven of the 21 members in our AmeriCorps programs returned to service in June to finish their volunteer terms. The other members moved on to employment opportunities in Duluth and beyond.
In August, both programs received new grant awards, so they are back for another full year! We are currently planning our positions for this service year. We are looking forward to hosting members with a number of organizations in our community, working on issues such as energy security, food access, planning, communications, and community engagement. If you are interested in serving in the Eco3 VISTA or Energy Training Corps, fill out our interest form, and we will reach out when we start accepting applications.
Lastly, we would like to extend an abundance of gratitude to our members for their resilience through this difficult time; our community for supporting our programs and members; and our host sites for their continued partnership and passion for making our community a better place for all. AmeriCorps has always represented the best of us.