Your work at the local United Way agency will help these families so that they are better able to access nutritious food. As a result of your efforts, the United Way will better understand what food services are currently available in the community, and which best practices can be adopted to enhance program impact and leverage resources to better achieve program goals.
Service Activities
The Food Security VISTA will contribute to the enhanced implementation of food access networks. They will leverage relationships to increase food security for BIPOC families. Specific responsibilities will vary by site location and may include: (1) Community Assessment – identify food deserts & food programs; make recommendations for programmatic action (2) Community Awareness – expand community understanding & support for the program through meetings & social media. (3) Financial Resources – organize fundraising events, seek support through relationships with donors (4) Material Development – improve and expand materials that support programming such as curricula and brochures (5) Program Development and Delivery – Develop new and enhance existing programs that improve access to food and provide food education (6) Volunteer Recruitment and Management – recruit, train and manage volunteers to provide food access and education on budgeting, cooking & growing food.
Community Need Addressed
As a United Way Food Security Program VISTA, you will be addressing food insecurity & hunger in a community.
Position Outcomes
You will build the capacity of a United Way agency and partner organizations to empower BIPOC families living in poverty.
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), Student loan forbearance, Training
Housing, grocery gift cards and other assistance varies by site.
Education Benefits
College Degree
Program Development and Capacity Building in communities
Skills you will gain
Volunteer recruitment, fundraising and community research
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, Turn taking, 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, 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, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, 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, 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, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment