This position is a partnership between Confluence Environmental Center, AmeriCorps Program and SOLVE. This new AmeriCorps position will collaborate with SOLVE outreach staff to focus on reaching and engaging more members from underserved communities. The Member will conduct outreach to community groups, schools, non-profit organization, government agencies, religious organizations, companies, and others to ensure that the leaders and participants in SOLVE programs reflect the diversity of the Portland-Metro area. Specific activities include conducting meetings, attending tabling events, organizing trainings, developing printed and online materials, organizing and leading volunteer projects, and supporting projects organized by new volunteer leaders, all with a specific focus on engaging diverse communities.
Service Activities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (to include, but not limited to):
• Conduct outreach to historically underserved communities in the Portland-Metro area to encourage and increase participation in SOLVE programs to both lead and volunteer at environmental volunteer projects. (50%)
• Organize and conduct volunteer leadership trainings to underserved audiences in the Portland-Metro area (10%)
• Conduct presentations and meetings to build relationships with organizations serving diverse communities. (10%)
• Create and update online resources to ensure access for diverse communities. (5%)
• Complete and submit all necessary paperwork and reports in a timely manner; abide by program policies; attend and complete all training and service requirements. (5%)
• 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%).
Community Need Addressed
Advancing Environmental Justice
Position Outcomes
Volunteer Generation
Youth Engagement
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