April, 2022
Each month we recognize an AmeriCorps member serving in Utah for going above and beyond the pledge they took to “Get Things Done.” This month we are proud to recognize Alli Riebel who is serving with Utah Conservation Corps.
This story was adapted from Heal the Planet, Heal the Self: One Conservationist’s Journey — a profile by David Mallery, originally published by Utah State TODAY, April 5, 2022. Read the full, original article here.
Submitted by Emma Fantuzzo on 4/14/2022 to The Corps Network
“Working with conservation corps has helped me to become the absolute best version of myself.”
Alli Riebel has served several terms with various Conservation Corps and is currently a field logistics technician with Utah Conservation Corps. Through her service terms Alli has developed conservation skills, led groups of new Corpsmembers, and served as an inspiration for those seeking to join Corps. But it wasn’t always this way for Alli.
Before joining the Corps movement, Alli struggled with her mental health and was in search of a path that would help her forward. Encouraged by an interest in the outdoors and a friend who’d served as a Corpsmember, Alli applied to a one-month term with Minnesota Youth Corps. Initially, Alli says she struggled to gain her footing. She faced challenges in the immersive Corps environment that pushed her out of her comfort zone and eventually, helped her to thrive.
After her term ended, Alli attended trade school where she became an auto technician but realized her true passion lay in conservation. She applied to Wisconsin’s WisCorps where she learned about invasive species removal, tree planting, and more, before becoming an assistant Crew Leader with the Corps.
Alli says, “I realized that I was free to travel the country, meet new people, and face whatever challenges that nature and human nature might throw my way.”
Alli’s next step was with Utah Conservation Corps. She served as a Crew Leader where she was able to lead groups of new Corpsmembers and share her passion for conservation. Today, Alli serves with Utah Conservation Corps as a field logistics technician. She manages crews, supports project management, and makes sure equipment and vehicles are working properly.
Alli hopes to continue working in the field of conservation. Her path serves as an example of a successful trajectory for young people seeking a career in conservation, and her story shows the transformative effect Corps have on the lives of young people.
Read this article from Utah State Today to learn more about Alli’s story.
We extend our congratulations to Alli for being recognized as the AmeriCorps Member of the Month and thank her for her dedicated service.
What is AmeriCorps? AmeriCorps is your moment to take the path less traveled, to break the status quo, to stop talking about the problem and be the solution. Join AmeriCorps and you can mentor and tutor kids, rebuild a community after disaster, help veterans, or work with local communities to alleviate poverty. There are thousands of opportunities to choose from, find the one that fits you.