Connecticut Foodshare
Volunteer In Service To America - AmeriCorps VISTA – Resource Capacity Building
Connecticut Foodshare, Wallingford, Connecticut, us, 06495
Volunteer In Service To America - AmeriCorps VISTA – Resource Capacity Building VISTA
Join to apply for the Volunteer In Service To America - AmeriCorps VISTA – Resource Capacity Building VISTA role at Connecticut Foodshare.
Description Are you ready to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare and the huge partner program network.
Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.
What is a VISTA? Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti‑poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full‑time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
Note this is a full‑time, one year volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.*
Position Summary The Resource Capacity Building VISTA will help significantly increase the scope of Connecticut Foodshare’s commitment to ending hunger by supporting network partners and volunteers. The candidate will have a hands‑on opportunity to work with food assistance programs, build capacity and shape the experience of the people served. The focus of this service role will be to build network capacity through increased access to food and funds. The VISTA member will also be responsible for building capacity for the partner network to attract, train, and retain volunteers. This member will offer Connecticut Foodshare Agency Partners in‑person capacity building support through workshop’s and learning labs.
This position is a good fit for someone with excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills with an ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds. The ideal candidate would have a passion for addressing social justice issues with dignity and creating a thriving community free of hunger. The candidate should be a self‑starter, organized, and can multi‑task.
The position is based out of the Wallingford or Bridgeport offices with statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.
Responsibilities
Connect and support food pantries, community meal centers and other food assistance providers that are part of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network
Assess partner program interest in meeting with their peers from across the state to share ideas and best‑practices
Build community awareness about food assistance and support for partner programs through digital media and volunteer training
Reduce barriers to access for people served
Build guest engagement to strengthen food assistance programming
Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements
Benefits
A biweekly living allowance ($957.46 every 2 weeks)
Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service
Childcare assistance (Eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years)
A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year
1 year of non‑competitive eligibility for federal jobs
Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country
Eligibility for forbearance for most federally‑guaranteed student loans
1 year of professional experience with a cutting‑edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit
Potential for hybrid work model
Develop skills and explore career interests
Build professional network
Make a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors
Requirements
High school diploma/GED
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
The ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds
Experience with digital media
Experience with Microsoft Office product
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree
1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
Experience with and comfort with public speaking, meeting facilitation and community organizing
Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
Some Spanish speaking ability (not required)
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources.
Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non‑discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Description Are you ready to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare and the huge partner program network.
Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.
What is a VISTA? Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti‑poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full‑time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
Note this is a full‑time, one year volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.*
Position Summary The Resource Capacity Building VISTA will help significantly increase the scope of Connecticut Foodshare’s commitment to ending hunger by supporting network partners and volunteers. The candidate will have a hands‑on opportunity to work with food assistance programs, build capacity and shape the experience of the people served. The focus of this service role will be to build network capacity through increased access to food and funds. The VISTA member will also be responsible for building capacity for the partner network to attract, train, and retain volunteers. This member will offer Connecticut Foodshare Agency Partners in‑person capacity building support through workshop’s and learning labs.
This position is a good fit for someone with excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills with an ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds. The ideal candidate would have a passion for addressing social justice issues with dignity and creating a thriving community free of hunger. The candidate should be a self‑starter, organized, and can multi‑task.
The position is based out of the Wallingford or Bridgeport offices with statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.
Responsibilities
Connect and support food pantries, community meal centers and other food assistance providers that are part of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network
Assess partner program interest in meeting with their peers from across the state to share ideas and best‑practices
Build community awareness about food assistance and support for partner programs through digital media and volunteer training
Reduce barriers to access for people served
Build guest engagement to strengthen food assistance programming
Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements
Benefits
A biweekly living allowance ($957.46 every 2 weeks)
Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service
Childcare assistance (Eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years)
A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year
1 year of non‑competitive eligibility for federal jobs
Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country
Eligibility for forbearance for most federally‑guaranteed student loans
1 year of professional experience with a cutting‑edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit
Potential for hybrid work model
Develop skills and explore career interests
Build professional network
Make a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors
Requirements
High school diploma/GED
Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
The ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds
Experience with digital media
Experience with Microsoft Office product
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree
1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
Experience with and comfort with public speaking, meeting facilitation and community organizing
Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
Some Spanish speaking ability (not required)
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources.
Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non‑discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr