The VISTA member will assess target community's understanding of natural hazard and disaster hazard risk and identify effective communication modes to overcome challenges in language and culture. The member will develop and implement a public education and outreach plan and will work with local community leaders to build partnerships and develop an advisory committee who will actively be engaged in the program development and outreach. Member will participate in monthly webinars with 9 other locations and share challenges and best practices with other VISTA members. The member will help build relationship between local emergency management and the sponsoring Catholic Charities agency.
Service Activities
Provide information to local emergency management on the literacy, language proficiency, and cultural norms of the target population. The the capacity of of an Advisory Group to inform the community engagement process with target population. Develop and implement sustainability partnerships and capabilities in support of low English proficiency populations disaster preparedness.
Community Need Addressed
This VISTA Disaster Resilience AmeriCorps project is designed to build community capacity to effectively communicate in high hazard disaster risk areas with persons with limited English proficiency. VISTA members will assess cultural and language barriers to effective disaster preparedness, build partnerships, create momentum for community engagement and conduct public education and outreach.
Position Outcomes
Member will serve as a liaison with local emergency management and collaborate with influencers, local leaders and the community we intend to serve.
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, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
None
Skills you will gain
Public speaking, time management, disaster services, meeting facilitation, community organizing.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
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
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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