The outreach VISTA will be responsible for maintaining a pipeline of volunteers to help fulfill the mission of the organization. The outreach worker will serve as a key ambassador for UWMF, demonstrating excitement when speaking about the program and services. The VISTA outreach worker will increase his/her skill in the various areas for success in reaching out to vulnerable populations in targeted areas.
Service Activities
The VISTA member will serve as a self-person in terms of grant writing, fundraising, and business partnership development. VISTA outreach worker must demonstrate social awareness and above average perceptiveness to recognize situations of concerns or benefits of the organization.
Community Need Addressed
The pandemic has caused instability for the refugee community due to employment loss, lack of up to date information, daycare support, housing, and English classes. Then the August derecho hit, damaging 75 square miles of Cedar Rapids. Families are now homeless and displaced into shelters, hotels and cramped homes with friends and families. The AmeriCorps VISTA Resource Coordinator will assist with coordinating and recruiting volunteers and will help UWMF apply for grants and navigate for resources that will sustain its mission and programs. Together with Mission of Hope and UWMF, we can continue to work better and strong with a shared VISTA.
Position Outcomes
United We March Forward (UWMF) is a community-based organization with a purpose of economic development. We connect individuals in the community to local resources. We strive to cultivate a respectful, inclusive and diverse community through education, organization, and community coalition. We provide education between multicultural populations and its community through workshops and network partnership. UWMF is a mutual assistance agency, which means it was started by immigrants and majority of its member consist of immigrants. Compelled to reciprocate the success and opportunities provided within the community, the founders began to set an example of refugees serving refugees. Committed to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services. UWMF embraces the human potential that every immigrant/refugee come to us for help for many reasons which is why we provide services that are integrated and personalized. UWMF serves the African immigrant and refugee community.
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), Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
General Skills , Writing/Editing , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Youth Development , Social Services , Recruitment , Team Work .
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