In April, Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) started a new “Healthy Parks/Healthy People” initiative with Gettysburg’s Manos Unidas Hispanic American Center, a community organization that promotes the integration of the growing diverse population in Adams County through cross-cultural programs, understanding and appreciation. The series includes six after-school programs with Park Rangers at Gettysburg NMP, Eisenhower National Historic Site and historic downtown Gettysburg. Park Ranger Evangelina Rubalcava is coordinating the program, which runs on Fridays through May 25.
Park Ranger Evangelina Rubalcava with students from Manos Unidas on the Gettysburg battlefield.
The initiative is supported by the National Park Service (NPS) Call to Action #2 “Step by Step,” which creates deep connections between a younger generation and parks through a series of diverse park experiences. To accomplish this we will collaborate with education partners and youth organizations to create a pathway to employment with the NPS, with a focus on diversifying the workforce. Throughout all 397 units of the national park system, we will involve at least 10,000 youth each year in a multi-year progression of experiences from education programs to internship/volunteer opportunities to employment.
“A Call to Action” rallies employees and partners to advance a shared vision toward 2016. It describes specific goals and measurable actions that chart a new direction for the NPS as it enters its second century. To learn more go to: http://www.nps.gov/calltoaction/
Katie Lawhon, Management Assistant
May 17, 2012
