Seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA to boost diverse and inclusive engagement in communities across Vermont as they identify and implement critical projects for the future. This position will work with the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) team to identify and carry out outreach strategies to build inclusive community process; identify strategies and protocols to meaningfully engage lower income and BIPOC community members; engage new volunteers and leaders as community projects are identified; identify and outline community development, policy and engagement trends; and support VCRD’s ongoing Community Visit and Community Leadership Network programs.
This full-time one-year position starts August 15, 2022. VISTA member will receive a living allowance of $15,000 for the year (pre-tax), and an education award of $6,345 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of service. Other benefits include health insurance, federal school loan deferment or forbearance, and various training and networking opportunities.
The position is located at the VCRD office in Montpelier Vermont and remote, and will also include offsite activities and meetings in communities across the state.
To learn more about VCRD, visit: https://vtrural.org.
To learn more about the Americorps VISTA program and application process visit: https://servtvista.wixsite.com/vista.
TO APPLY, visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=111439. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until 7/20/22 or until position is filled so we encourage you to apply early!
At the Vermont Council on Rural Development, our mission has always been to bring together all Vermonters to build a prosperous and resilient future. In order to carry out this work effectively, we continuously evaluate our internal biases and adjust our practices, systems, and strategies to best serve all Vermonters regardless of how they identify themselves.
Fundamental to this is our commitment to dismantle barriers to universal participation, engagement, and leadership in our communities. Democratic decision-making and civic engagement are only as strong as the depth and equity of the participation they are built upon. Collective commitment to deep engagement, equitable access, countering internal bias and developing inclusive processes and systems is key to the future strength and vitality of our communities and our state.
We commit ourselves to the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. These values are central to our mission, culture, and vision internally, in our work with communities, and across the full breadth of our programs. We acknowledge that Black people, Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) have long faced and continue to face historic and systemic barriers of racism which impede or exclude them from civic participation, decision-making, and equal and fair educational and economic opportunity. Additionally, we recognize that Vermont and Vermonters have much work to do to evaluate our individual attitudes and privilege; to work together now and in an ongoing way to dismantle systemic racism; and to re-invent and expand our collective identity. VCRD's Statement on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (pdf): https://www.vtrural.org/sites/default/files/VCRD-JEDI_Statement.pdf.