Dear Mad River Valley Community,
Two weeks ago, we announced the welcoming of Emily Richards as the Mad River Path’s first AmeriCorps Service Member. A week later, the federal government terminated the AmeriCorps program.
The state of Vermont has determined that the termination notice was issued illegally and joined 14 other states in suing the federal government. While the state believes the lawsuit will be ultimately successful, it had to pause the summer positions.
AmeriCorps is an important program that gives thousands of young people nationwide meaningful service opportunities, while benefiting communities. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that gives Service Members a sense of purpose and belonging, while also improving our communities through meaningful work.
As an AmeriCorps Service Member, Emily will be doing important work in the valley: maintaining the Mad River Path, working with youth in our summer camps, and making progress on the Active Transportation Corridor.
The Mad River Path Executive Committee has determined that continuing our work without interruption is our obligation to the Mad River Valley community. The simple act of honoring our commitment to our service member gives all of us a sense of agency in the face of the senseless actions we would otherwise have no control over.
Please support Emily’s position. We need to raise $6,000 by Friday, May 29, the first day of Emily’s service.
Thank you,
Misha Golfman
A note from Emily Richards:
Hi all!! I will be serving as the Summer Trail Steward and Teaching Assistant for MRPA. A little about me: I have a degree in Molecular & Cell Biology from UC San Diego, am currently conducting research into prion diseases, and will be starting an MS in Epidemiology this fall. I was born in Montreal, Canada and have lived in a few different states and countries since. I am very excited to explore more of Vermont! I am incredibly passionate about both protecting nature and making it accessible. I have a plethora of camping and hiking experience and have dabbled in virtually every outdoor sport. I also have experience with teaching and trail maintenance. If you see me around, please say hello!!