Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s largest dropout prevention program. Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) serves over 4,000 elementary, middle and high school students across Denton and Wise Counties who are identified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as being at-risk of dropping out. Student qualifiers include but are not limited to: homelessness, limited English proficiency, academic failure, family crisis, and pregnancy or parenting. One of the many services that CISNT provides to student participants in our programs is mentoring and tutoring. These volunteer services have seen a 142% in just the last four years, with growth from 632 volunteers in 2012 to 1,533 volunteer in 2016. We are looking for people who are passionate about helping students succeed to work directly with the CISNT Volunteer Department to streamline our volunteer process as well as work to increase overall numbers and outcomes to best serve students in need.
Member Duties: VISTAS will serve with the Volunteer Department to establish sustainable systems for volunteer recruitment, support, and processing, to ensure an efficient deployment of a growing volunteer and mentor base. VISTAs will assist in standardizing the new Volunteer Orientation trainings, that serve to educate volunteers on CISNT as an agency, outline the Volunteer Code of Conduct, and help the volunteer understand how to work with at-risk students and those residing in poverty. VISTAs will create strategic volunteer recruitment and marketing efforts utilizing social media, website promotions, speaking and tabling engagements, and networking events. VISTAs will develop volunteer education and retention efforts, and appreciation initiatives. The VISTAs will assist with on-going fundraising efforts throughout the year to deepen donor relations so that CISNT continuously meets the needs of students we serve.
Service Activities
Community Outreach, Children/Youth, Education, Volunteer Management
Community Need Addressed
Located in Lewisville Texas, Communities In Schools of North Texas (CIS), is a local affiliate of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS serves students in Denton and Wise counties who are identified by the Texas Education Agency as being at-risk of dropping out.
Position Outcomes
VISTAS will serve with the Volunteer Department to establish sustainable systems for volunteer recruitment, support, and processing, to ensure an efficient deployment of a growing volunteer and mentor base. VISTAs will assist in standardizing the new Volunteer Orientation trainings, that serve to educate volunteers on CISNT as an agency, outline the Volunteer Code of Conduct, and help the volunteer understand how to work with at-risk students and those residing in poverty. VISTAs will create strategic volunteer recruitment and marketing efforts utilizing social media, website promotions, speaking and tabling engagements, and networking events. VISTAs will develop volunteer education and retention efforts, and appreciation initiatives. The VISTAs will assist with on-going fundraising efforts throughout the year to deepen donor relations so that CISNT continuously meets the needs of students we serve.
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
Skills you will gain
Communications, Computer/technology, Leadership, Public Speaking, Recruitment, Writing/Editing, Youth Development, Team Work
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, 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
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
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, 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