The VISTA member working with Genesis Youth Foundation (GYF) must manage the soccer program of a growing non-profit organization that serves youth from the African immigrant and refugee community in the greater Des Moines area.
The VISTA member's primary project is to work with Iowa Soccer to establish Genesis FC as an Organizational Member. The VISTA member will establish processes and procedures to ensure that Genesis FC meets all requirements defined by Iowa Soccer. The work will require the VISTA member to overcome language, cultural, financial, and transportation barriers to meet the requirements of an American soccer system that demands participation and communication from parents/guardians of players. The VISTA member will also recruit and lead a team of volunteer coaches and parents, and serve as the travel coordinator and registrant for soccer tournament play.
Experience playing or coaching soccer is required. Familiarity with the United States Youth Soccer (USYS) system is preferred, but not required.
Multi-African languages such as Swahili, Kinyardrwanda, or French is preferred, but not required.
Service Activities
The VISTA member will serve in an administrative capacity to establish Genesis FC as an Organizational Member of the Iowa Soccer League (ISL), register youth players for competitive leagues and tournaments, and manage Genesis FC registration and payment processes in coordination with the GYF membership registration team.
The VISTA member will work directly with youth to coach them to be successful soccer players, teammates, and leaders at practices, tournaments, and games. The VISTA member will lead a team of coach volunteers who will work together to empower youth both on and off the soccer pitch and to provide competitve soccer opportunities to youth who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to participate in expensive league and tournament play.
The VISTA member will also plan and run after school soccer program for kids who are not involved in the competive program.
Community Need Addressed
Low-income immigrant and refugee families can face various challenges to having access to resources and programs available to them for their well-being. This population is amongst one of the largest and fastest-growing under-enrolled groups. Barriers that often prevent this population from accessing benefits include language and informational issues, cultural norms and more. Genesis Youth Foundation is working to develop innovative approaches for reaching children and families who are not participating in programs we provide for children and families.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA position with Genesis Youth Foundation is integral to the organization's mission to provide the services our youth need to level the playing field while empowering them and their immigrant and refugee families. The VISTA member will work to provide soccer opportunities for players while building a team of parent and coach volunteers to support youth in achieving their athletic and academic goals.
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
VISTAs receive a choice of either an education award or a cash stipend.
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
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