The CNO AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program, led by the City of New Orleans Mayor's Office, is a national service year that tackles the nation's most pressing challenges by connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering. The program supports City Hall by expanding the ability of departments to fight poverty and provide better services to underserved and disproportionately impacted communities. The AmeriCorps VISTA projects further the City's mission of increasing job opportunities in New Orleans, as well as creating a culture of national service in our community.
Service Activities
CNO VISTA members serve at various departments to address critical city issues by engaging in capacity building work. Capacity building refers to tasks and activities that expand the scale, reach, efficiency, or effectiveness of programs and organizations. Member activities can include building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of departments, program development and delivery, research and data evaluation, community engagement and outreach, and partnership expansion and development. VISTA members do not engage in direct service, like tutoring or building houses.
Community Need Addressed
The program supports City Hall by expanding the ability of departments to fight poverty and provide better services to underserved and disproportionately impacted communities.
Position Outcomes
The AmeriCorps VISTA projects further the City's mission of increasing job opportunities in New Orleans, as well as creating a culture of national service in our community.
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), Student loan forbearance, 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
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
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, 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, 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