This VISTA project will focus on enhancing and expanding the work of Home ReSource, a nonprofit sustainability center, working to reduce waste and build a vibrant, sustainable, circular economy where people of all backgrounds can thrive. The project will support youth education programs including the Zero Waste Ambassadors Program (ZWAP!) with curriculum development, systems building and support, and helping to pilot new schools or curriculum exposing youth to future green careers. The project will also support the Youth Internship Program, celebrating green trades professions and engaging high school aged students in paid, hands-on opportunities to explore future careers, with a focus on marginalized students. The role will also support Zero Waste Systems, helping to connect community members with Zero Waste resources and volunteers with zero waste opportunities.
Service Activities
The AmeriCorps VISTA will grow Home Resource’s partnerships, community outreach programs, and educational programs. This includes expanding programming like ZWAP!, a zero waste and materials economy education program that highlights future green careers in thirty 5th-grade classrooms in and around Missoula, including all area Title I elementary schools. The member will also be responsible for supporting Home ReSource’s Youth Internship Program. In addition to working with youth, the VISTA will support Pledge Zero, a program that provides zero-waste consultations for local businesses and leads green efforts at local events.
Community Need Addressed
This position will increase zero waste education within the Missoula, MT community for both youth and local business owners.
Position Outcomes
increase Home ReSource's youth program to specifically provide opportunities for marginalized youth, as well as expand community outreach, and connect community members with methods to reduce waste.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
10 Days of Personal Leave; 10 Days of Sick/Medical Leave; Professional development and training opportunities; Eligible for hiring preference with Employers of National Service; Access to My Life Expert member assistance program.
Skills you will gain
Communications
Curriculum Writing
DEI Skills
Event Planning
Leadership
Marketing
Nonprofit Administration
Public Speaking
Relationship Building
Teamwork
Time Management
Volunteer Management
Youth Programming
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