The VISTA project will help maintain and further expand the capacity of Seeds of Change to train, track, and recruit volunteers. Throughout the year of service, the VISTA member will also analyze the current Seeds of Change programming to ensure that the programming fits addresses the unique needs of the youth that Seeds of Change serve. This is all to ensure that Seeds of Change is implementing a tracking and training system that is shaped by the needs of the youth, as well as the larger Anchorage community.
Service Activities
1. Maintain the volunteer database implemented by the previous AmeriCorps VISTA member
2. Develop partnerships with potential partner organizations in the Anchorage community
3. Maintain a positive social media presence of the Seeds of Change organization
Community Need Addressed
The VISTA member will address the ongoing food desert in the Anchorage area. Many in the Anchorage area, find that the fresh locally grown food is not available. This causes people to develop unhealthy habits. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among low-income Alaskans. This position seeks to increase the availability of fresh food to the Anchorage community, by maintaining a year-long hydroponic garden. This garden is staffed by homeless teens in the Anchorage area, therefore allowing them to gain job experience and develop the skills they need to succeed.
Position Outcomes
An increased awareness in the Anchorage community on the mission and goals of seeds of change, as well as an increase in the distribution of the produce that is created through the organization.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Training
The member will be part of a team of 15 AmeriCorps members that are serving with the member. Also, RurAL CAP will serve as an intermediary and support the member throughout their service.
Education Benefits
College Degree
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
Teamwork
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