Positions available: Children & Youth AmeriCorps*VISTA Project of NW PA

[Announcement from he-sl listserv]

The Children and Youth AmeriCorps*VISTA Project of NW PA is one of the top AmeriCorps*VISTA projects in the nation with a team of 17 members working collaboratively in Erie and Crawford counties in the “chimney” Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie.  The project seeks members to serve for one year in a community host site or university campus to build capacity and sustainability around programs that address the needs of underserved youth. Activities include developing community partnerships, mobilizing volunteers, conducting outreach, grant writing, and providing education and enrichment opportunities. Members receive a living allowance and health care benefits, and are eligible for a Segal Education Award upon completion of service. The following project sites are now hiring:

Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement: Increase the number of ESL classes available to refugees to enhance employability in the Erie community. Qualifications:  An understanding of/ empathy for the plight of refugees and the United States’ role in refugee resettlement services,  interest / aptitude with statistics, experience recruiting /organizing volunteers, database knowledge preferred OR willingness/aptitude to learn, organizational skills, valid driver's license, good driving record, willingness to drive agency vehicles (vans), and public speaking skills / comfort presenting before large groups or classes.  www.cccas.org  

Gannon University: Enhance University commitment to community organizations engaged in anti-poverty work through targeted academic and co-curricular partnerships, technology, and community-based research. Qualifications: Candidates should have: excellent communication and computer skills, ability to work with many different constituent groups  (faculty, students, University administrators, representatives of community organizations, neighborhood residents, government officials, and local children and youth) a desire to be involved in structural change, a passion for service and community-based work, motivation to be a self-starter and team-player, a valid driver’s license with good driving record and willingness to drive University vehicles. Bachelor’s degree required and understanding of the culture of higher education. Preferred qualifications: experience in website construction / maintenance, social networking and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. www.gannon.edu

United Way of Western Crawford County: Serve within the United Way to develop and plan for the continued growth and sustainability of the Community Improvement Center, a volunteer center to meet critical needs related to housing; assist with coordination of Make A Difference Day; assist with Global Youth Services Day; research and write grant proposals for the United Way and its partner agencies. Qualifications: Detail-oriented individual, carpentry and home repair skills helpful but not required, volunteer mobilization, and fund raising experience. http://www.uwaywestcc.org/

Urban Erie Community Development Corporation: Increasing the capacity to impact youth and families living in poverty through enhanced after school programming and increased agency awareness through social networking. Qualifications: Interest and knowledge of urban agriculture, passion for food security issues, interest in community/youth development, ability to plan and orchestrate programs and recruit volunteers, research experience, excellent writing skills, ability to obtain ACT 33 and 34 clearances, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Additional qualifications preferred include prior experience working with refugees and/or immigrants, second language (Swahili, Spanish and Arabic), grant writing experience, and gardening/farming experience. www.uecdc.org

Interested candidates can apply on-line at: www.americorps.gov and by contacting Erin O’Day-Frye at eoday@allegheny.edu or 814-332-5318.