Help restore the well-being of those affected by Hurricane Harvey and develop sustainable means and methods that will address ongoing long-term recovery needs after major disasters. County Long Term Recovery Group’s (CLTRG) is a collection of faith-based, non-profit, government, business, volunteer and other organizations and agencies which provide coordinated disaster recovery efforts to the residents of counties affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
Service Activities
Fund Development VISTA- Serve to develop and research fundraising, promotion, and communications methods. The VISTAs will identify prospective donors and grant resources. The VISTAs will cultivate relationships with current and past donors informing of the progress being made in communities affected by Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, the VISTA will create strategies to build partnerships across recovery organizations from various counties to share best practices and resources for disaster preparedness.
Volunteer Management VISTA - Serve with volunteer and construction committees as well as local, regional and national groups to create sustainable recruitment strategies. Develop tracking and volunteer deployment procedures to assign volunteers on proper projects aiding disaster-affected families, farms, and small businesses. The VISTA will also develop a year-round calendar of rebuild activities requiring volunteer resources. Additionally, the VISTA will create strategies to build partnerships across recovery organizations from various counties to share best practices and resources for disaster preparedness.
Marketing and Communications VISTA - Serve with the communications committees to promote and publicize the recovery efforts, accomplishments and events. This will involve building comprehensive communication plan streamlining social media and website content utilizing national best practices and maintains a focus on outreach to vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the VISTA will establish relationships with media contacts to issue press releases. The VISTA will also create disaster preparedness and readiness materials to ensure that affected residents have accurate information and are ready for future disasters. Additionally, the VISTA will create strategies to build partnerships across recovery organizations from various counties to share best practices and resources for disaster preparedness.
Community Need Addressed
Our goal is to provide additional long-term assistance to individuals affected by disasters who do not have adequate personal resources for basic needs as a result of disasters. With majority of national attention focused on the Houston Metro area it has been difficult to secure funding and resources for rural communities.
Position Outcomes
Hurricane Harvey recovery will last for several years to come. Research shows that natural disasters disproportionality impact poor and marginalized communities and that those living in poverty struggle the most to recover. Our goal is to create a sustainable organization that can provide recovery assistance to all individuals, families, and communities more effectively and efficiently and allow for added resources to be granted to Hurricane Harvey survivors until the recovery is completed.
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
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
Team Work , Public Speaking , Disaster Services , General Skills , Recruitment , Business/Entrepreneur , Community Organization , Communications , Leadership , Computers/Technology , Non-Profit Management , Writing/Editing .
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, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
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