Americorps*VISTA
2009-10 Americorps*VISTA workers at PMSS. (Left to right) Stacy Gloss, Elizabeth Sanders, Vincent Smith
PMSS is currently accepting applications for two AmeriCorps*VISTA positions to begin in late July 2010 and end in late July of 2011.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Community Energy Efficiency Coordinator
https://my.americorps.gov/grantee/listing/viewListing.do?id=35775
Pine Mountain Settlement School (PMSS) is accepting applications for a community energy efficiency coordinator for the second year of the AmeriCorps*VISTA community energy efficiency project. The position is part of the community component of the Pine Mountain Settlement School Sustainability Initiative. The coordinator will promote ways to save energy and related energy costs by working with volunteers and community groups to promote energy efficiency education and to weatherize homes of area residents.
The coordinator will continue the work of the first year VISTA on the project by: coordinating community volunteers and PMSS volunteers for local service projects performing home improvements/repairs related to energy efficiency and weatherization; raising $7,500 or more in funds to support service projects and workshops by providing project supplies and educational materials; meeting and working with existing project partners, community members and PMSS staff; and organizing three workshops for community members to learn how do to basic home weatherization and energy efficiency projects. The program aims to provide training and materials to 40 community members to build a volunteer base to address energy efficiency needs in the homes of elderly, disabled, or low-income community members in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
The ideal candidate for this position will be able to work independently and will have a working knowledge of energy efficiency and home weatherization measures, strong grant-writing skills, a valid driver's license and a reliable method of transportation, and will be comfortable working with diverse groups of volunteers.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Community Technology Coordinator
https://my.americorps.gov/grantee/listing/viewListing.do?id=35788
Pine Mountain Settlement School (PMSS) is accepting applications for a community technology coordinator. The position is a new position in the second year of the AmeriCorps*VISTA project, "Pine Mountain Settlement School: Serving the Local Community." The coordinator will work with area residents to build much-needed access to and training with various forms of information technology.
The coordinator will build upon the work of community members, previous AmeriCorps*VISTA members and the PMSS staff during the last year by: supporting and working with local members of Pine Mountain Residents for Broadband, a group formed by area residents to find a broadband Internet solution for residents of rural communities on the north side of Pine Mountain; identifying solutions to meet the need for community-wide broadband Internet access; working with community members and campaign organizers Appalshop and the Center for Rural Strategies on a national universal broadband access public-awareness campaign; creating a community web forum for area residents; designing a website for Pine Mountain Residents for Broadband; developing a multi-layered GIS community map that engages and trains community volunteers; designing a series of basic computer skills workshops for community members; conducting a digital story-telling project for the 2011 PMSS Day Camp programs; collecting oral histories in the community; providing technology support and training opportunities for PMSS staff; and raising at least $7,500 to support projects embracing technology that benefits the community.
The ideal candidate should be able to work independently and have a strong passion for rural communities and technology; computer, grant-writing, and GIS-mapping skills; a valid driver's license and a reliable method of transportation; and experience in community organizing.
The VISTA Assignment Description, a more detailed list of goals, objectives, and benchmarks for these positions are available upon request.
VISTA, Volunteers in Service to America, was created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 as part of a federal effort to address the root causes of poverty in the United States. Volunteers commit to serve one year with a non-profit or local government agency to create or expand programs designed to improve the lives and overall well-being of individuals and communities in underserved areas.
VISTAs also receive:
• A $5,350 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or $1,600 post-service stipend
• Modest living allowance
• Healthcare benefits while in service
• Childcare assistance while in service (if qualified)
• Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
• One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job
• Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)
Service Term: The individual selected for this position will be required to attend the VISTA Orientation training prior to starting the service term at PMSS.
To qualify for the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, an applicant must:
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Be willing to take on a wide range of challenges with flexibility and strong organizational skills
• Have a college degree or at least three years of related work experience
• Be over the age of 18
• Have strong writing skills and hands-on skills specific to the project goals
• Be available to serve full-time for one year without any other employment
For more information about Americorps*VISTA and eligibility, visit: www.americorps.org/for_individuals/ready/eligibility.asp. In addition to the AmeriCorps*VISTA online application process, all applicants must send a letter introducing themselves and their interest in this specific position to the project supervisor PMSS at the same time the online application is submitted. The AmeriCorps*VISTA application process also requires a criminal history background check to ensure community members with whom we work are protected, particularly children, individuals with disabilities, and individuals over 60 years old.
Pine Mountain Settlement School is a 97-year-old institution with a history of service to the local community and an award-winning environmental education program. The School is a National Historic Landmark and offers historic preservation programs, cultural events, and community programming. The position is ideal for a person who appreciates rural life, values the natural environment, and has a strong desire to serve a rural Appalachian coalfield community. Pine Mountain Settlement School offers dormitory-style housing, some meals, and community garden space to the individual selected for the position.
All applications must be made through the AmeriCorps*VISTA website. Please also send a letter of interest and a copy of your resume to vista@pinemountainsettlementschool.com.
For more information, visit www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/VISTA, or contact the AmeriCorps*VISTA project supervisor, Cassie Pfleger, at 606-558-3571 or vista@pinemountainsettlementschool.com.
The Pine Mountain Settlement School is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
The current 2009-10 AmeriCorps*VISTA Coordinators
The Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator will coordinate a community effort to become healthier through nutrition and exercise. The coordinator will research existing resources in the county and region that provide nutrition and wellness information, conduct outreach within the community and engage volunteers to develop an exercise program for children and adults at Pine Mountain Settlement School. The coordinator will also organize meetings with volunteers and community members to brainstorm on how to promote nutrition and wellness in the community and research grant opportunities and submit applications for funding for a nutrition and wellness initiative.
Contact:
Vincent Smith
(606) 558-3416
vsmithVISTA@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
The Energy Efficiency Coordinator will implement community-wide efforts to conserve energy. The coordinator will compile information from existing resources in the county and region that provide energy efficiency and weatherization information and use Pine Mountain Settlement School's sustainability initiative as a resource to develop community networks to address needs in the local area. The coordinator will locate funding, meet with community members, and coordinate volunteer efforts to weatherize homes of low-income families or individuals. The coordinator will also assist in organizing workshops for the community related to energy efficiency issues and develop publicity and informational materials regarding energy efficiency for homes in rural areas.
Contact:
Stacy Gloss
(606) 558-3416
sglossVISTA@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
The Community Agriculture Coordinator will collaborate with gardeners in the local community to promote local food production, harvesting, processing, and marketing. The coordinator will recruit participants for the Pine Mountain Community Garden and support home-based food production efforts in the community. The coordinator will work with volunteers to organize community dinners and harvest assistance. This person will also create informational materials for those interested in gardening and research fund raising opportunities for the Pine Mountain Community Garden.
Contact:
Elizabeth Sanders
(606) 558-3416
esandersVISTA@pinemountainsettlementschool.com