The Kansas City Public Library is a doorway to knowledge for all. It not only provides books and movies for people to check out, but it also is a community hub that connects people with quality information and resources. As an intermediary, the Library partners with local organizations serving as AmeriCorps member host sites. AmeriCorps members provide a year of full-time service, bringing their passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. Library VISTA Project members serve in a professional setting building partnerships, raising awareness, writing grants, organizing volunteers, and more.
Service Activities
Writing/Editing
Public Speaking
Communications
Computers/Technology
Social Services
Teamwork
General Skills
Public Speaking
Fund raising/Grant Writing
Education
Youth Development
Community Need Addressed
Lack of access to quality information
Increased housing insecurity, food insecurity, etc.
Limited capacity for library and community programs
Position Outcomes
Increase capacity for library and community programs
Increase access to quality information
Reduce housing insecurity and food insecurity in the Kansas City area
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Training
Teleservice
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, 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, 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, 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
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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization