To implement this vital programming, SR2H seeks 20 half-time AmeriCorps members to provide service between September 17, 2018 and August 16, 2019 to serve with 4 half time members in each community. Half-time members are required to serve a minimum of 900 hours over 11 months, which is roughly 20-23 hours a week. This is a half-time service position provides an annual living allowance of $6,000. Upon successful completion of service, members are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2960 which can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
This makes it an ideal opportunity for students, parents, seniors, or those looking to build transferable skills for a new career and for those that are interested in giving back to their community.
Service Activities
SR2H AmeriCorps members will spend their service year implementing programs, and recruiting and training volunteers to assist with implementing seven comprehensive health wellness and physical activity program components at Community Festivals & Events, via Food Navigators at Farmers Markets, Fresh Conversations at senior centers, Health through Literacy at local libraries, Home Cooking: Shop and Savor at area grocery stores and markets, Get Outside: Trails, Parks, & the Great Outdoors excursions and Recreation Sampler: Rec-Connect™, which offers physical activity “tastings” for one-time physical activity demonstrations designed to provide community members with various low-cost/no-cost opportunities that can be easily practiced.
Community Need Addressed
Michigan Fitness Foundation is dedicated to inspiring active lifestyles and healthy food choices through education, environmental change, community events, and policy leadership. Their newest initiative is an AmeriCorps program called Safe Routes to Health (SR2H) funded through the Michigan Community Service Commission, the state’s lead agency on volunteerism and service. SR2H will connect citizens in underserved areas to multigenerational health, wellness, and physical activity resources in 5 Michigan communities; Benton Harbor, Newaygo, Muskegon Heights, Detroit’s east side, and Sault Ste Marie.
Position Outcomes
SR2H AmeriCorps members will spend their service year implementing programs, and recruiting and training volunteers to assist with implementing seven comprehensive health wellness and physical activity program components at Community Festivals & Events, via Food Navigators at Farmers Markets, Fresh Conversations at senior centers, Health through Literacy at local libraries, Home Cooking: Shop and Savor at area grocery stores and markets, Get Outside: Trails, Parks, & the Great Outdoors excursions and Recreation Sampler: Rec-Connect™, which offers physical activity “tastings” for one-time physical activity demonstrations designed to provide community members with various low-cost/no-cost opportunities that can be easily practiced.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance
Half-time members will serve a minimum of 900 hours over 11 months, (which is roughly 20-23 hours a week).
Skills you will gain
Tcivic engagement through community health, wellness and physical fitness programs, professional development through activities such as writing, digital marketing, program event coordinating, volunteer recruitment, and volunteer management while engaging with leaders in the private, public and non-profit sectors.
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