Help us Fund the Civilian Civic Corps To Launch the Next Generation of Leaders
We're reviving a New Deal program and giving it a new twist to revitalize Tennessee's civic fabric. Read below to learn more and donate today!
In sixth grade, my school took a week-long field trip to Tremont, tucked deep inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hiked, we sang Spice Girls, we stayed up wayyyyy past our bedtimes telling ghost stories. And one afternoon, under the dense green canopy, after Coach Stroupe had told us to hush multiple times, we listened to a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Ranger describe how our park system was built and the individuals employed to create it. They were hired by the newly created Civilian Conservation Corps—teenage men, barely older than we were, who stumbled out of the Great Depression with few prospects, but a gnawing desire to better their communities, earn money for their families, and build something lasting.
In the 1930s, the CCC employed over 70,000 Tennesseans, including thousands from rural Appalachian counties, to construct trails, dams, and public buildings—and to conserve the natural beauty of a region long exploited for timber, coal, and labor. In total, Tennessee boasted 46 CCC camps, and much of the infrastructure in our state parks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park still stands as a testament to their work. FDR, who created the program, declared their work "of moral and spiritual value, not only to those ... taking part, but to the rest of the country as well."
That’s why I’m proud to introduce our newest initiative: the Civilian Civic Corps—a modern revival of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps. This paid summer program will train young Tennesseans to canvass in Congressional Districts 5 and 6, engaging with real people about the real issues Tennesseans are facing, ensuring that their voter information is up to date, and inviting them to August town halls where they can speak directly with their representatives. The cohort will also spend time learning about the New Deal, the Civil Rights Movement, and the young people behind this history as they work to restore the civic fabric in communities that have been left behind.
This program is for young people, by young people. And I’m thrilled to share that it will be led by a rising star in Tennessee’s organizing world—Wyatt Bassow. Here’s what Wyatt had to say:
“The CCC is the first-of-its-kind operation in Tennessee, which creates an opportunity for students to get their foot in the door to paid political work. It excites me that we are creating a program that emphasizes the importance of self-worth while ensuring a community system pushes for the best out of every member. We strive to create the most welcoming environment for all of our students to know that when the going gets rough in the world of politics, they always have a home base to return to in our community. This is a program for young people, by young people, that care about and understand the importance of passing the baton of pragmatism to the next generation. Together we WILL build a better future.”
I’ve often said that if I’m still in this office after a decade, then I haven’t done my job of training and investing in the next generation to lead. They are eager, strategic, and care deeply about the trajectory of Tennessee. However, none of this would happen without your support. They’ll be paid for their work, trained in the best organizing practices, and provided the opportunity to give back to their communities, which is one of the most patriotic acts one can do.
Will you contribute to funding the Civilian Civic Corps and invest in the next generation of Tennessee leaders?
$250 will sponsor a gas stipend
$500 will sponsor youth organizing for one month
$1000 will cover one full summer stipend
If you want to change the tide in Tennessee, here’s your chance. We’re trying to raise $15,000 by June 30th to fully fund this program.
If you know a young person who might be interested in participating in the Civilian Civic Corps, please share the application link below with them.
P.S. If you have any questions about this program, please e-mail wyatt@aftynbehn.com. He’s willing to make pitches and calls, so contact him today!