The F2S Program Coordinator VISTA will be involved in curriculum development, program planning, building sustainability for programming, recruiting and managing volunteers, fundraising, and ongoing professional development. They will engage youth and community members to build, maintain, and expand school gardens through a start-to-finish growing season. They will coordinate educational programs with 8 schools during the school year and educational programs throughout the summer. Programs include farm field trips, guest visits, summer camps, garden clubs, and youth farmers markets. Members provide outreach and engagement at community events to promote Farm to School and the organization’s programs and mission. The Farm to School program addresses poverty through providing equitable access to healthy and local foods, connecting students and youth to the earth and their community, and by providing educational opportunities and classes.
Service Activities
The F2S VISTA will serve alongside staff and administration to develop, fund, and launch culturally-relevant curriculum and school food and garden programs. The VISTA will serve alongside the AmeriCorps Garden Educators to effectively and efficiently build out the Farm to School program through curriculum development, recruitment and retainment of volunteers, and fund development. The F2S Program Coordinator VISTA will also strengthen systems for efficiency and sustainability of food access programs, including localizing the procurement and purchasing of local produce and expanding on-site gardens based on produce needs, by serving in conjunction with school staff and community volunteers.
Community Need Addressed
increased access to health foods/resources/education
Position Outcomes
increased volunteer recruitment, increased curriculums, increased awareness of resources/programming
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
Housing Assistance
Skills you will gain
Community Organization , Youth Development , Education , Recruitment , Environment , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Public Speaking , Public Health , Communications .
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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
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, 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, 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