The VISTA member will develop and enhance the volunteer management best practices at GACO by doing the following activities:
a) develop a Board-approved comprehensive procedure manual to recruit, vet, orient, and train GACO volunteers.
b) implement the Board-approved procedure manual to determine the best practices are being followed
c) evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure manual by surveying 1) the volunteers; 2) their immediate supervisor; 3) Front Desk staff; 4) the GACO Board; and 5) community partners.
d) Suggest changes for Board consideration to address any remediation or change in procedure to more adequately describe, implement, or
Service Activities
The service of the VISTA member with Grand Avenue Community Outreach (GACO) will consist of many capacity building activities, mostly to support volunteer recruitment, productivity, and retention.
The VISTA member will develop an ongoing volunteer training program to recruit, vet, and orient new volunteers.
Additionally, the member will work to develop a Volunteer Mentoring program component so successful volunteers can be encouraged to recruit family, friends, and neighbors to lend a hand in meeting their community's basic needs.
Within all this, the member will work to implement a fellowship/sense of community component within the GACO volunteering experience to reduce social isolation and a stronger sense of belonging.
The member may also participate in relevant grant-writing as determined by the GACO Board and designated individuals to promote the sustainability of the organization.
Community Need Addressed
Grand Avenue Community Outreach (GACO) is an organization in Spencer, IA that supports economic development in Clay County by being a source of free food and clothing to low-income individuals and families. Additionally, multiple other low-income-serving nonprofits are housed in GACO's building, making it a hub of support and resources for those in need in Clay County.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA member with Grand Avenue Community Outreach (GACO) will create and implement volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and managing best practices. Doing so will increase GACO's ability to serve the Clay County area by leveraging the skills and passions of community members. This VISTA position will lead to a larger volunteer base for GACO to draw from.
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), Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
Community organization, conflict resolution, fundraising and grant writing, leadership, recruitment, teaching and tutoring, writing and editing, teamwork.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, 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, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, 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, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others