The VISTA will conduct outreach and research with the community- both HIRTA riders and non-riders. The VISTA will compile the data collected through this research and share the stories in a compelling way. The information gathered by the VISTA will tell the stories of those served to increase awareness and advocacy efforts of the organization.
Service Activities
Contact users and non-users by phone, email, through meetings, and other means. Compile information, create marketing materials and content to best tell HIRTA's story.
Community Need Addressed
Heart of Iowa Regional Public Transit (HIRTA) provides public transit services to the Central Iowa Counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren. Ridership is increasing since the start of the pandemic, however, we need to increase our capacity to reach communities historically underrepresented and under-served.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA project will focus on outreach and engagement with people who ride HIRTA, and also with those who don't. The VISTA will capture the personal stories of the benefits and barriers transit has on their quality of life, and what they can and can't do because of transportation limitations in their area. These real life stories and the data collected will be used to effectively communicate the very real needs of these community members through advocacy efforts with local, state and federal government officials to help them understand transit is about people and not buses. Law makers and funders need to hear about the importance of transit from their own constituents so that these services can be more accessible to our most vulnerable neighbors.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Training
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment