What is AmeriCorps*VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program specifically dedicated to fighting poverty in the United States. VISTA members with Rural Action serve in the low-income, rural communities of southeastern Ohio, working with local farmers, landowners, and cooperative groups to increase market opportunities, developing environmental education and restoration projects, coordinating youth leadership programs, linking volunteers to service projects, and increasing the capacity of the organization through member development and media projects.

Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA service:

Full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a living stipend of $833 per month to cover room, board and expenses.

In addition to the living allowance, VISTA members earn an education award of $4,725 upon completion of one year of service. Alternatively, members may elect to receive a cash award of $1,200 payable at the end of service.

Members receive health coverage at no cost and receive ten days each of sick and vacation time.

Other benefits include: deferment of Perkins and/or Stafford student loans, payment of accrued interest on those loans during their term, optional low cost life insurance, a relocation allowance of $550 if they move over fifty miles, childcare assistance for qualified individuals, and access to non-competitive hiring in the federal civil service after completing a full AmeriCorps VISTA year.

VISTAs at Rural Action also have the opportunity to develop professional skills, complete local community service projects, meet new people and experience a distinct culture.

Summer AmeriCorps VISTA members receive an $833/month living stipend and a $1,000 education award.

How to Apply:

Go to the AmeriCorps website: www.americorps.org In the “Join AmeriCorps” section, go to “Advanced Opportunity Search”; enter Program Name “Rural Action” to view the full listing of positions.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are selected through a review process involving an initial screening of the online application, an interview, and a review of references.

After completing the online application, applicants may also send a resume to Candi Withem, Rural Action VISTA Coordinator, at cswithem@yahoo.com or PO Box 157 Trimble OH, 45782.

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Job Descriptions for Current Openings:

Full Time Positions:

Rural Action Sustainable Forestry:
The VISTA member will work with regional cooperative and woodland owners groups to help develop outreach materials, produce workshops, increase membership and identify market opportunities. Working in herbs, medicinals and value added wood products, this position will have access to field experience and training from forestry and herbal professionals. This position requires a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies or Natural Resource Management or equivalent experience. Skills include excellent communication skills, knowledge of regional sustainable forestry issues, event planning, and working with diverse groups of people. Marketing experience a plus.

Rural Action Media and Communications Developer:
The Media and Communications Developer will coordinate media and internal communication for all Rural Action programs. He/she will develop media strategies for workshops, fundraisers, and other events, and will facilitate internal communication through memos and events calendars. The member will maintain a database of media sources and will develop relations with the local press. Activities include writing and copy editing all press releases for programs, attending and covering major events, creating ideas for future stories, organizing and copy editing all print materials (including the annual report), producing a bi-weekly e-newsletter, and producing a weekly radio program. The member works with the Development and Communication Team, so often works on long-term projects related to membership, donations, and events.

Skills needed include: the ability to work with a diverse group of people in Appalachian Ohio and be able to work independently and in small groups. A background in public relations and/or journalism is needed.

Monday Creek Restoration Project:
The VISTA member will work with the local community, educational facilities, and environmental agencies on watershed restoration issues. The VISTA will conduct public meetings, including presentations in local communities, perform outreach and education programs to schools, community groups and others; plan and implement events, recruit and train volunteers, assist with reporting, grant research and other tasks. Experience with environmental education, volunteer management, event planning and public speaking is strongly recommended. Must have solid organizational and communication skills. Experience working with youth and community organizing skills are recommended.

Sunday Creek Watershed Group:
A full-time, one year AmeriCorps VISTA position: The VISTA member will work with a community watershed group in southeastern Ohio to clean up a watershed damaged by acid mine drainage and other pollutants. VISTA member activities include: building partnerships among residents, government agencies, schools, and local officials; educating local citizens on water quality and restoration issues; recruiting volunteers for watershed activities; educating local youth in environmental stewardship and water quality issues; monitoring stream health and reporting findings; developing and implementing fundraising and events.

Skills required include: excellent communication and organizational skills, knowledge of computer programs including database management, the ability to work outdoors in all weather, and public speaking skills. Experience working with youth and recruiting volunteers is helpful.

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Summer Positions:

Rural Action Sustainable Forestry:
The Summer Associate will conduct research on carbon sequestration and cooperative models; review existing herb research; plan community meetings with co-op members to disseminate research; plan woodland owners meeting to discuss carbon sequestration research. Excellent research and writing skills required. Knowledge of sustainable forestry practices and Appalachian Ohio region a plus.

Rural Action Watersheds:
The Summer Associate will work with the Monday Creek Restoration Project and Sunday Creek Watershed Group to plan, implement and evaluate a weeklong youth watershed day camp. Responsibilities include: designing educational games, conducting field trips, educating campers on water quality and other environmental issues, collecting stream samples, monitoring water quality.

Rural Action Economies:
The Summer Associate will work with a produce auction and several farmers markets to provide customer service, support, and infrastructure improvements through Rural Action’s sustainable agriculture program. Other responsibilities include: providing marketing and publicity support for agriculture-related events, developing a database and list serve as a resource for market customers, and providing research support for funding proposals. Knowledge of sustainable agriculture a plus and ability to perform physical outdoor labor required.

Rural Action Youth Leadership:
The Summer Associate will assist in planning and implementation of summer youth projects, including activities at the Trimble Land Lab and community clean ups. Other responsibilities include: working with the youth and community to plan a youth summer club and overseeing a skill building service learning project. The volunteer will work with community partner organizations and faith communities. Experience working with youth and volunteers a plus; knowledge of Appalachian culture is helpful.

Community Food Initiatives:
The Summer Associate will work with the Athens Community Garden program; develop and implement the Hope Garden Summer Youth Program, providing nutrition-based educational workshops; provide support for the CFI donation station, linking donations from the local farmers market to agencies providing meals to low-income residents. The volunteer will also work with the Composting Coordinator to educate community members, as well as provide website and administrative support for the organization.

Appalachian Nutrition Network:
The Summer Associate will assist with implementation of a summer food program for low-income children at fifteen sites, working at the sites to provide breakfast and lunch. The volunteer will also coordinate with local parents and volunteers to improve programming and outreach to insure the maximum number of children are fed.

For More Information:

Visit our main office at 19627 Walnut Street, Trimble Ohio 45782.

Contact Rural Action VISTA Coordinator Candi Withem at 740.767.4938 or cswithem@yahoo.com

An AmeriCorps VISTA Leader is available to meet with interested individuals or give presentations about the VISTA program to classrooms, civic groups, and other organizations. Contact tori@ruralaction.org for more information