In disaster-impacted communities, the VISTA member will work closely with long-term recovery (LTR) groups to ensure that resources are made available to those with the greatest level of need. The VISTA will develop outreach strategies, promote LTR efforts, assist with grant research and writing, develop and support comprehensive volunteer engagement and management plans, and build community partnerships. In disaster-prone communities, the VISTA member will foster resilience through building or expanding capacity, strategically addressing problems, and implementing plans to establish sustainable systems and practices which will continue to serve the community once the VISTA project has ended.
Service Activities
The VISTA will develop outreach strategies, promote LTR efforts, assist with grant research and writing, develop and support comprehensive volunteer engagement and management plans, and build community partnerships.
Community Need Addressed
There have been 338 disaster declarations in Texas since 1953, by far the most of any State! The Disaster Resiliency VISTA will provide support to Texas communities that are recovering from, or at heightened risk for, disaster.
Position Outcomes
OneStar Foundation, located in Austin, Texas is a supporting nonprofit of the Office of the Governor whose purpose is to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofit sector to enable communities to more effectively solve social challenges, including during times of disaster. As the Texas State Service Commission, OneStar administers the AmeriCorps*Texas program and also plays an important role as a point of contact for National Service In the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan. OneStar is also tasked with helping to coordinate Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteers (SUV’s) through Volunteer Reception Centers (VRC’s) and the online VolunteerTX.org portal. OneStar works closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (TX VOAD), and many more great organizations to build and support community disaster resilience throughout the State of Texas.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
$100/mo. housing allowance, child care benefit, relocation and settling in stipend if moving more than 50 miles, healthcare benefit
Skills you will gain
Develop outreach strategies, grant research and writing, develop and support comprehensive volunteer engagement and management plans, and build community partnerships.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, 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, 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
Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand
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, 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, 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