Community Engagement Coordinators (CEC) build the long-term capacity of their service sites by developing culturally inclusive systems, programming, partnerships, and events. By collaborating with community groups, CEC’s demonstrate how the sustainable use and conservation of land can help address community needs related to education, public health, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, homelessness, poverty, hunger, and cultural decline. By helping a broader cross-section of people experience the benefits of open space, CECs build connections between land and people that increase public support for land access, revitalization, and conservation initiatives.
Service Activities
CECs may partner with homeless shelters or food pantries to build community gardens; hospitals to build wellness gardens and walking paths, neighborhood groups to revitalize urban parks and greenways; farmers markets to increase community access to locally grown food; disability groups to create wheelchair accessible outings; youth and adult groups to inspire artistic expression; public health programs to support recovery; and any underrepresented community groups who want to provide access to the outdoors for recreational and entertainment purposes. By engaging with diverse peoples and collaborating with community partners, CEC’s build bridges that reinforce the connection between land and a sustainable social, economic, and environmental future for all people.
Community Need Addressed
By helping a broader cross-section of people experience the benefits of open space, CECs build connections between land and people that increase public support for land access, revitalization, and conservation initiatives.
Position Outcomes
Massachusetts nonprofits, focused on land access and conservation, will have increased capacity to:
- deliver programs and services to a broader cross-section of people,
- improve community knowledge and attitudes towards land
- increase the ability of communities to protect local natural resources, and
- increase public access to nature and open space.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
TerraCorps members receive real world experience that will challenge the way they think and give them the hands-on skills and professional network to succeed. As a member, you will also have the opportunity to build professional networks, receive mentorship, attend conferences and training and receive other professional development opportunities.
Skills you will gain
Timekeeping, public speaking, project management, event planning, volunteer recruiting & management, skills related to land trusts and community conservation, communication, diversity & inclusion
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Maintain open lines of communication with others, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
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
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, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment