This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and Forth. Forth is a non-profit trade association working to accelerate the growth of the electric and “smart” mobility industry and promote greater adoption of these technologies. Through innovation, demonstration projects, and engagement, our mission is to advance electric, smart and shared transportation in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We are a small, dynamic organization with many opportunities for taking charge of projects and collaborating one-on-one with staff.
This position will build on the successes of previous AmeriCorps Members and interact with employer organizations, municipalities, community partners, and the public to help promote the use of electric vehicle, EV charging, and other clean transportation options (30%). This AmeriCorps position that will serve with Forth staff to educate school-aged children and provide pathways for education with Portland-area school districts (30%). The Community Engagement Specialist will also interact with the public and with community partners to promote EVs to lower-income households in the communities most impacted by air pollution and tailpipe emissions, organizing “ride and drive” events, conducting public outreach, and assisting with related projects being developed by Forth (20%). The Member will participate in Confluence led leadership development activities which include: Leadership Development Program, Change Agent Project, team meetings, National Service events and other self-directed development opportunities (20%).
Service Activities
• Increase knowledge in underserved communities around the benefits of low-cost electric vehicles.
• Partner with staff, and school districts to increase the awareness and enthusiasm for clean vehicles in and out of classrooms.
• Schedule and conduct tabling events, and interactive activities related to clean-air, and transportation electrification.
• Expand the number and type of volunteer opportunities available within the organization.
• Conduct outreach activities to engage more racially or economically diverse individuals and organizations in electric mobility.
• Identify employers in lower-income communities whose employees would benefit from workplace charging support.
• Continue to develop and implement curriculum both in classrooms as well as after-school programs, with target communities in mind.
• Support and wrap up transportation equity projects begun by previous AmeriCorps Member.
• Support Forth’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, including implementation of Forth’s equity tool for organization-facing decision making.
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service requirements.
Community Need Addressed
Advancing Environmental Justice
Position Outcomes
Volunteer Generation
Youth Engagement
Transportation Equity
Adult Education
Underserved Communities
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
$100 Training Fund
Skills you will gain
Develop increased understanding and sensitivity around issues of equity and environmental justice.
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, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, 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, 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, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment