We would like to nominate Earl Millett of Baltimore’s Civic Works for a Service Impact Award.

Earl began his career in service in 2000 when he joined AmeriCorps as a full-time member serving with Volunteer Maryland.  He worked to establish a formal volunteer program at Garden Harvest, a Maryland organic farm that donates its produce to soup kitchens and homeless shelters.  He began a second full-time term with Volunteer Maryland in 2001, mentoring 12 new AmeriCorps members and helping them establish volunteer programs at small nonprofit organizations.

Earl joined the Peace Corps in 2003, spending two years in Ecuador working with the Charles Darwin Foundation on the Galapagos Island of San Cristobal.  Most of his efforts focused on environmental curriculum development for the local schools (which resulted in the island’s first annual science fair) and teaching organic farming techniques to the local farmers to encourage sustainability on the island.

When Earl returned to the United States in 2005, the gulf coast was struck by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina.  Earl joined the Crisis Corps (now called Peace Corps Response) and was eventually assigned to St. Bernard’s parish in New Orleans. Building on his experience and desire to grow community capacity, he trained a local resident who had lost his supermarket in the storms to take over his recovery efforts.  He secured funding for the gentleman to be paid for a year through FEMA.

In 2006, Earl joined Civic Works, Baltimore’s Service Corps, as a Volunteer Coordinator and has since become the Community Development Director.  Civic Works places an emphasis on helping underserved Baltimore youth obtain job readiness skills and life skills through community service, and when possible connecting them to jobs after their term of service.

Earl works to develop new programs and acquire new funding, expanding Civic Works’ capacity in volunteers and clients served. Approximately 1500 people lend a hand each year—a tribute to Earl’s commitment. He currently directs several programs, handling management of supervisors and administration of budgets.  He stays involved on a day to day basis talking to prospective AmeriCorps members to determine their best fit, and as a resource for all Civic Works members during and after service.

One project Earl helps support is a Community Lot Team consisting of both Americorps members and community volunteers. The team works to transform neglected urban spaces and lots into gardens and shared spaces. Another is Project Lightbulb, a program that sends Americorps teams to low and moderate income Baltimore City communities to provide residents with free supplies and information that they will need to increase home energy efficiency. Data suggests Project Lightbulb visit results in an average monthly electricity savings of 53 kWh per home (approximately $90 each year).

Earl’s diverse experiences and contributions to environmental stewardship make him an excellent example for others to follow and a source of inspiration. For all of these reasons and others we would like to nominate Earl for a Service Impact Award. Thank you for your consideration.