The VISTAs will help build the capacity of the Annette Strauss Institute’s youth action civics initiatives. As a part of our team, the AmeriCorps VISTA will prepare the program for statewide expansion through research, community outreach, marketing, fundraising/development, and effective utilization of volunteers.
Service Activities
Fund raising/Grant Writing , Non-Profit Management , Public Speaking , Leadership , Writing/Editing , Team Work , Recruitment, Communications
Community Need Addressed
The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, a research unit in the Moody College of Communications at The University of Texas at Austin, is seeking civic enthusiasts to support and strengthen youth programs designed to cultivate informed voters and engaged citizens. In Texas where 6,717 of public schools are eligible for Title 1 funding, the largest in the U.S, and voter turnout ranks in the bottom 5 in the country, the need for quality civic learning opportunities to close the Civic Empowerment Gap is critical. The lack of civic learning opportunities in low income schools, leaves youth from historically marginalized communities voiceless and underrepresented in democratic participation. Annually, the Institute engages thousands of students, community leaders, researchers and educators in its outreach programs.
Position Outcomes
As a part of this work, the Institute created Speak! Up! Speak Out! (SUSO), a youth action civics initiative middle and high school students that teaches young people about their communities and helps them to discover the many ways they can make a difference. Over the course of a semester, participating students work in teams to identify community problems and needs, craft innovative solutions to address them, and present their findings to community leaders at a civic fair competition. The Institute is seeking a 40 hour/week AmeriCorps VISTA to build the capacity of the Speak Up! Speak Out! (www.speakupspeakout.org) program. Join the Institute team to become a part of the civic engagement movement!
The lnstitute's K - 12 programming aims to engage underserved elementary, middle and high school students across Texas who attend targeted Title I schools. By participating in the Speak Up! Speak Out! civic education program, the TexElects arts-based civic education program and/or the Legacy of Giving elementary civic education program, students can become leaders and gain valuable skills in community research, involvement and problem-solving. We are specifically seeking a Development Assistant, the VISTA would be responsible for improving K - 12 grant funding capacity, donor cultivation and prospecting, and implementing fundraising events.
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), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Relocation Allowance; Settling In Allowance; Non-Competitive Eligibility
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Fund raising/Grant Writing , Non-Profit Management , Public Speaking , Leadership , Writing/Editing , Team Work , Recruitment , Communications
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, Provide relevant expertise
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
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment