The country’s most respected training program for environmental organizing
Is Green Corps right for you?
Green Corps trains organizers, provides field support for today’s critical environmental campaigns, and graduates activists who have demonstrated the skills, temperament and commitment to fight and win tomorrow’s environmental battles.
“Green Corps gave me the foundation to plan winning campaigns and lead with impact. The training in organizing — how to build power from the ground up, mobilize people and think strategically — has shaped my entire career.”
Glenn Hurowitz, CEO and Founder of Mighty Earth, Class of 2002
“If there’s anything I’ve learned over the past 25 years, it is that we need more people who are trained in the art and science of organizing public support to effect change. There are many opportunities to learn but the best, in my opinion, is Green Corps.”
Bernadette Del Chiaro, California Senior Vice President at Environmental Working Group, Class of 1998
Green Corps training programs
Green Corps offers two training programs. The Organizer Program is a one-year paid training program that will prepare you for a career in environmental organizing and social change. The Campaigner Program is a four-month crash course that combines classroom training with work on an environmental campaign and serves as an introduction to environmental advocacy.
Green Corps in action
Green Corps’ legacy
With over 400 graduates, Green Corps continues to be the country’s most respected training program for environmental organizers for over 30 years. Highlights from some of our stories:
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Flora Cardoni, Class of 2017
Deputy Director, PennEnvironment
Flora has spent her career advancing environmental action in Pennsylvania. After graduating from Green Corps, she joined PennEnvironment, rising through the ranks to Deputy Director. She oversees campaign strategy, field organizers and fundraising teams. Flora leads the state’s largest environmental lobby day and serves on the Governor’s Climate Change Advisory Committee. Passionate about mentorship, she has hired multiple Green Corps alumni, including Class of 2024’s Belle Sherwood. Flora credits Green Corps with giving her the confidence and skills to lead — and she’s committed to paying it forward.
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![Mary Rafferty, Class of 2008]()
Mary Rafferty, Class of 2008
Executive Director, Virginia Conservation Network
Mary joined Green Corps right out of college, seeking hands-on experience in the environmental movement. A decade later, she became Executive Director of the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN), a statewide coalition of over 100 conservation groups. VCN strengthens Virginia’s environmental community by coordinating advocacy efforts and advancing pro-environment legislation. Under Mary’s leadership, VCN has helped unify the state’s climate, water, and land protection strategies. She credits Green Corps with launching her leadership journey in environmental organizing.
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![Annie Sanders, Class of 2007]()
Annie Sanders, Class of 2007
Shareholder Advocacy Director, Green Century Funds
Annie spent 16 years with Green Corps, including time as Executive Director, before shifting to financial advocacy. At Green Century Funds, she now directs shareholder engagement campaigns, using investment leverage to push major companies toward sustainability. Annie works with corporate leaders to improve climate policies, reduce plastic use and protect biodiversity. Her leadership reflects a career-long commitment to fighting for environmental accountability—whether through grassroots campaigns or boardroom negotiations.
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Phil Radford, Class of 1999
President & CEO, Consumer Reports
Phil has led some of the country’s most influential advocacy organizations, including Greenpeace and the Sierra Club. Now, he leads Consumer Reports, advancing fairness and transparency in the marketplace. At Greenpeace, he grew revenue by 233% and drove corporate climate action. At the Sierra Club, he worked closely with lawmakers and businesses to develop environmental policy. Phil started his career with Green Corps and credits it for launching his lifelong commitment to impact-driven leadership.
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Pete Maysmith, Class of 1993
President, League of Conservation Voters
Pete launched his career with U.S.PIRG and was a member of the inaugural Green Corps Class of 1993. He has since played an instrumental role in building up grassroots organizing capacity in his home state of Colorado. More specifically, he first joined the Conservation Voters Movement network as the head of League of Conservation Voter’s Colorado affiliate in 2009, and became the founding executive director of Conservation Colorado when two organizations merged in 2012. He then served as the senior vice president of campaigns for the League of Conservation Voters before stepping up as the organization’s new president in the spring of 2025.
