Member Duties : T
he VISTA member will build capacity of the EJP through the creation of a train-the-trainer program that can be provided to partner organizations in rural Alaskan communities. This will greatly expand the geographic reach of the EJP. Currently the Project provides services in the Anchorage area through partnerships with Catholic Social Services, NeighborWorks Alaska, and Covenant House Alaska. The VISTA will help alleviate poverty by creating education and outreach materials that will help rural Alaskan organizations provide financial and career skills training to their clients. As a result, the VISTA will empower and support low-income rural Alaskans as they develop skills and gain knowledge to become financially stable and self-sufficient.
Program Benefits : $1,333 per month living allowance, $100 / month housing stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible, health benefits, relocation and settling in allowance ($1,550), education award upon completeion of service ($5,775)
Service Activities
A. Build a train-the-trainer program based off of the current EJP course curricula to expand financial management and job readiness opportunities in rural Alaska.
B. Design an outreach strategy and materials for the expansion of the EJP project to provide financial management and job readiness opportunities to rural Alaska organizations and communities.
C. Build the capacity of the EJP by building new partnerships with rural Alaska serving organizations and communities. This will allow the EJP to expand to rural Alaska communities and clients.
Community Need Addressed
In Alaska, 5% of the population is underbanked, meaning that they use a checking account, but no other services from a financial institution. In addition, 56% of Alaskans have subprime credit and 9% fall below the poverty line. YWCA’s Economic Justice Project (EJP) enhances the financial stability of low income and at risk community members by providing a comprehensive set of services in the areas personal financial management and career building courses and individual counseling by creating and fostering partnerships with organizations already serving those populations. The VISTA member will build capacity of the Program by greatly expanding the geographic reach of the EJP by means of creating a train-the-trainer program that can be provided to partner organizations and taken to rural Alaska communities. Currently the Project provides services in the Anchorage area through partnerships with Catholic Social Services, NeighborWorks Alaska and Covenant House Alaska. The VISTA will help alleviate poverty by expanding the EJP to help rural Alaska organizations better serve their communities through education and outreach materials. This will increase financial literacy and job readiness opportunities in rural Alaska.
Position Outcomes
As a result it will empower low income rural Alaskans to have support as they develop skills and gain knowledge to become financially stable and more self- sufficient.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Project Management, Public Speaking, Skill Devlopment
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
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
Teamwork
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, Facilitate group planning, 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, 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