For this project the VISTA will be working to implement resident-identified needs of increasing business activity, job opportunities and financial stability.
Service Activities
For this project the VISTA will be working to implement resident-identified needs of increasing business activity, job opportunities and financial stability.
Community Need Addressed
Building Wealth and Prosperity in Mountain View (Anchorage)
The Anchorage Community Land Trust is a community development nonprofit that has been working in the Mountain View neighborhood of Anchorage for a decade. ACLT redevelops blighted properties, operates community gardens, and works with residents to build a more prosperous community. Core to our work is community engagement. We believe that effective community development is directed by the community, and encompasses all aspects that make up a vibrant neighborhood. Mountain View is a unique place to work-it was recently identified as the most diverse neighborhood in the United States, and being in Alaska creates its own challenges. For this project the VISTA will be working to implement resident-identified needs of increasing business activity, job opportunities and financial stability. Anchorage as a whole touts a 5% unemployment rate, but in Mountain View it is closer to 18%; average incomes are far below average and the business community faces perception hurdles based on disinvestment from the 1990s.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA volunteer will work closely with nonprofit partners, schools, businesses and resident leader to develop sustainable programs that will enhance these economic goals. Chief among these are supporting local small businesses, encouraging local hire of residents and partnering with providers to create culturally-relevant financial literacy programs. Throughout the VISTA term, the volunteer with work closely with a small staff, attend community meetings, create out-reach campaigns, and assist in building a network of supporters. ACLT firmly believes in encouraging and supporting a self-motivated volunteer to make a lasting contribution.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, College Credit, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
housing allowance $100 per month
education award in amount of $5815 after successful completion of service
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
For this project the VISTA will be working to implement resident-identified needs of increasing business activity, job opportunities and financial stability.
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, 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, 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, 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, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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 the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment