A program connecting community resources. IEC cultivates community support to increase services, build capacity and strengthen the network of service providers who are addressing the needs of underserved populations. IEC AmeriCorps Members specifically focus on developing and disseminating information that provides Hoosiers with better access to healthcare and wellness services.
Religious literacy and cultural empathy is our program philosophy, nurturing and creating interfaith collaborations. Cultural agility underpins our ability to serve diverse communities without condescension or judgement, and builds key soft skills identified by Indiana employers as essential, including lifelong learning (willingness to learn and continually apply new knowledge) and connection (an ability to work with others through social awareness and cultural sensitivity).
Collaborating host-site agencies have included: Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health - Maternal and Child Health, Center for Interfaith Cooperation - Mental Health Programing, Touba Gardens - 4H, Felege Hiywot - 4H, Hope for Tomorrow, Cancer Support Communities of Indiana, St Monica Catholic Church, Masjid al Mumineen, and Catholic Charities Immigrants and Refugees Program.
Service Activities
Members participate in interfaith outreach across Central Indiana to build sustainable programs and relationships with community congregations to further understanding, communication and cooperation over the topics of mental wellness, and immigrants and refugees. Member activities include outreach, referrals, partner and program arrangement, communicating quality information, and resource opportunities. In addition, members will leverage volunteers who will be engaged in relevant host-site capacity building activities.
Members' service is individualized to their service site mission and served community, with a focus on
• Building capacity at host-site by establishing 2-3 new activities/enhancements that increase relevancy/accessibility of services
• Engage and further the unique mission of your host-site organization, particularly by recruiting and managing volunteers
• Attend and participate in two-week training & orientation and the bi-weekly enrichment series throughout the service year.
• Build authentic professional relationships with immigrants and refugees, faith groups, and service providers by facilitating and engaging in honest and sensitive conversations.
• Identify and pursue training that leverage local experts and professionals for the benefit of your site and AmeriCorps team.
• Cultivate a network of clergy and volunteers to assist in sustainable program building.
• Foster enriching and effective experiences for members and service-sites through training and productive evaluations.
Community Need Addressed
Social determinants of health, especially mental health stigma reduction, awareness, and access to care; access to quality health care; social connection
Bridging the gap between faith-based communities and secular resources
Position Outcomes
Increased volunteer capacity and increased collaboration between nonprofits and faith-based communities and organizations
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education award of $6,895 upon successful completion of service (earn money for college or to pay off loans for accredited programs)
Living allowance ($23,000 per year or $884 every two weeks)
Flexible scheduling
Health coverage
Student loan forbearance
Professional and Training
Childcare assistance (if eligible)
Member Assistance Plan: Mental Health Support (online or phone sessions)
Education Benefits
College Degree, Credential or Certification
CPR/First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Member-selected certifications
Skills you will gain
time management, public speaking, conflict resolution, program management, volunteer management, goal setting, teamwork, financial literacy, self-discipline, adaptability, initiative
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
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
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