Importance of Partnerships
The MRCA is committed to offering our services – from building parks to outdoor programs and youth development – to underserved audiences. We are particularly concerned with urban youth. The success of our programs has been in part due to the partnerships that we have formed with community-based organizations. These groups work with us to develop programs, recruit participants for our programs, and participate in both planning charrettes and advocacy of parks and open space. We rely on these groups to work with us so our programs are meaningful and relevant in the communities we serve. The partners featured in this issue of Symbiosis exemplify the type of ground breaking community work with youth that the MRCA honors and respects. By offering our programs and services, and developing new programs together, we bring the mountains and the MRCA to exponentially more people.
Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC)
The Los Angeles Conservation Corps is perhaps our oldest and most comprehensive relationship. The primary mission of the LACC is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success by providing them with job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community. The LACC is a partner on youth leadership programs, trail maintenance projects, building parks, outreach for special events, the Americorp fire fighting unit and, this past summer, on the Paddle the LA River program. Currently LACC members are building the natural park at Washington Elementary School in Compton (see page 10) and will operate that park once it opens.
Anahuak Youth Soccer Association (AYSA)
This non-profit children’s sports organization provides group team soccer opportunities to children whose families cannot afford the fees charged by other local programs. AYSA also provides a social network for youth and their families and community leaders. Unlike other sports organizations, Anahuak is also involved in providing environmental educational opportunities for the youth they serve. Anahuak teams have gone though MRCA’s Junior Ranger programs as a team, with the coach serving as liaison and chaperone. The MRCA and Anahuak are currently developing a youth leadership through camping program at Ramirez Canyon Park in Malibu. Read more about our partnership on page 14.
Compton Junior Posse
Using hard work and horses to keep kids out of gangs and off the streets, the Compton Junior Posse is an innovative nonprofit organization dedicated to provide a safe haven for at-risk youth, to guide both academic and career choices, and to develop an acceptance of socio-economic and cultural diversity. For over 20 years, the Compton Jr. Posse has given inner city kids hope by teaming them with horses. By partnering with the MRCA, these young people are now exploring the Santa Monica Mountains, learning about nature and outdoor skills. Read more about this partnership on page 14.
The City Project
The mission of The City Project is to achieve equal justice, democracy, and livability for all. By focusing on parks and recreation, schools, health, and transit, The City Project aims to enhance human health and the environment. The City Project partners with the MRCA and AYSA for the Transit to Trails program, which provides transportation from the city to parks.
Winter 2012 13
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