VISTA Opportunity: Bring "Town" and "Gown" Together for Real Change
Rhode Island Campus Compact (RICC) AmeriCorps*VISTAs are needed to deal with the pressing issues facing low-income communities by improving the quality of campus community service and service-learning programs and increasing the number of student volunteers. Through their unique campus-based placements, AmeriCorps*VISTA members build relationships with community-based organizations and connect them with campus resources such as student volunteers, faculty teaching service-learning courses and community Federal Work Study programs.
Having VISTAs placed at K-12 public schools and institutions of higher education will enable members to build linkages between higher education and K-12 schools around our core program areas of service learning, civic education, and access/equity issues of higher education.
ACTIVITIES:
RICC AmeriCorps*VISTAs will perform a wide variety of service activities in support of the goals and objectives of the program. Key activities will include:
* Work with community-based organizations and their partnerships with higher education and K-12 schools
* Increase awareness of and access to higher education resources
* Work with college and K-12 students connecting them to their local community through volunteer recruitment, training, and leadership development
* Work with faculty to help connect course work to meet community needs
* Develop resources and information sharing systems to help colleges better connect their community
* Develop and administer alternative spring break opportunities and trips
* Develop and coordinate community service opportunities
QUALIFICATIONS:
* A college graduate – Bachelor’s or Associates
* Interested in service/service-learning in Higher Education or K-12 schools
* Organized and able to work independently
* An effective communicator- written and verbal
* Interested in creating positive change in the community
BENEFITS:
Each RICC AmeriCorps*VISTA is a full-time member and is eligible to receive:
* Leadership and team development
* Post service choice of educational award ($4,725) or stipend ($1,200)
* Health coverage
* Child care assistance
* Monthly living allowance of $909
* Up to $550 relocation allowance
* Training/professional development opportunities throughout the year
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants must apply online at www.americorps.gov. To find our program information search for the following: AmeriCorps VISTA, Rhode Island, Campus Compact.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Please send cover letter to Morgan DiPietro at mdipietr@risd.edu
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Morgan DiPietro, VISTA Leader 401.427.6946 or mdipietr@risd.edu