FollowAfter cutting programming significantly last year, we are pleased to announce a considerable boost to ALPAR’s Youth Litter Patrol (YLP) program in 2022 thanks to one of our legacy donors: ConocoPhillips Alaska.
ConocoPhillips Alaska not only committed $10,000 to cover the costs of the yellow safety vests worn by YLP youth, they also committed $25,000 in seed money. The YLP program aims to clean up and prevent litter in Alaska by providing seed money to communities to employ youth (ages 14-17 years old) during snow-free months. YLP also aides in the collection of recyclables during litter pickup.
Historically, ALPAR invested as much as $90,000 in 90 communities throughout the state, enlisting as many as 1,500 youth. However in 2021, due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, ALPAR could only provide cleanup bags – it was the first time since the YLP’s inception that it was unfunded statewide in what was our second budget-deficit year.
Knowing continued COVID impacts may require a moderate budget in 2022, our goal is to bring the program as close to pre-pandemic levels as possible by matching the $25,000 COPA grant with $25,000 in ALPAR funds. Doing so creates youth employment opportunities, reduces visible litter and increases the opportunity for recycling.
Funds will be dispersed as grants to pay youth and their adult supervisors. Grantees are encouraged to use these funds to leverage additional cash or in-kind donations such as rubber gloves, incentive prizes and refreshments (our practice is that funds may not be used to purchase prizes, food or fuel).
YLP supplements spring community volunteer cleanup efforts by focusing on public parks, walkways, streets, beaches and river banks throughout the entire summer. And thanks to ConocoPhillips Alaska, you will once again see youth in yellow vests practicing community responsibility – please support their work through in-kind or cash donations if asked.