• 1 person is interested
 

AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer

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ORGANIZATION: Economic Development Administration

  • 1 person is interested

Help build economic development capacity in rural, economically distressed communities through the identification of needs, resources, and development strategies.

Project Description

This project will focus on the nine county region of the Northeast Texas Economic Development District (EDD). Northeast Texas EDD partners with the U.S. Economic Development Administration to provide region-wide strategic economic development planning. The VISTA will have the opportunity to focus on two individual projects to build economic development capacity at a more in-depth level. The first project is to assist in developing a regional agricultural food hub to benefit small producers, suppliers, and markets. The second project is to design fixed routes for transportation in two communities. The VISTA will work with their communities to identify economic development needs and resources to meet those needs in an effort to attract higher-paying jobs and other opportunities. The overall goal is to build capacity in rural, economically distressed communities to alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and provide a better quality of life.

This project is sponsored by the Austin Regional Office (AURO) of the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and will be directly supervised by the Northeast Texas EDD in Texarkana, Texas. The overall EDA Mission is "to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy."

Member Duties

VISTA’s will work directly with community leaders, gathering in-depth information about local economic development needs to help create jobs and improve quality of life in economically distressed communities. Over the course of the service, the VISTA will partner with the community to problem-solve, recommend economic development activities, and identify potential resources and collaborations for those communities. The economic development capacity built by the VISTA will provide the communities the tools to build job opportunities for community members and improve quality of life.

Minimum education level:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent two years in economic development, community assessment, planning, similar field preferred

Additional requirements:

Proficient use of computer operating systems and Office suite

Presentation skills or the willingness to learn to present to various community groups

Reliable mode of transportation, valid driver’s license, and insurance

Ability to travel to regional and national conference(s) in and outside of Texas

Ability to work non- traditional hours outside of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Description of VISTA/CNCS

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency helps more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. Working hand in hand with local partners, CNCS tap the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation. CNCS invests in thousands of nonprofit and faith-based groups that are making a difference across the country. CNCS includes AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, the Volunteer Generation Fund, and more. They serve, we build, and we make an impact that changes lives and communities.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Benefits of VISTA Service

  • An opportunity to serve your country and improve the quality of life for economic distressed communities.
  • Hands-on economic development experience that will be invaluable for future educational and professional endeavors.

During Service

  • The position provides a small living stipend.
  • The volunteer position includes health care, child care, training, relocation expenses, and liability insurance.

After Service

  • After a successful year of service, VISTAs can choose to receive either a $1,500 stipend or a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award equal to the maximum amount of the federal Pell Grant (the current amount of the Pell Grant is $5,775).
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) Status- Once a VISTA successfully completes service that VISTA will receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government. This special hiring status enables the former VISTA to apply for federal jobs with the advantage of not having to go through the standard public competitive selection process. That means that you can be appointed to federal positions that may or may not be available to the general public. NCE does not guarantee a federal job, but it does provide a valuable opportunity!

To Apply:

Please apply on the MyAmericorps Website at:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=66073&fromSearch=true

More opportunities with Economic Development Administration

No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.

About Economic Development Administration

Location:

903 San Jacinto, Suite 206, Austin, TX 78701, US

Mission Statement

EDA's Mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Description

As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a critical role in fostering regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. Through strategic investments that foster job creation and attract private investment, EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States.

Guided by the basic principle that communities must be empowered to develop and implement their own economic development and revitalization strategies, EDA works directly with local economic development officials to make grant investments that are well-defined, timely, and linked to a long-term, sustainable economic development strategy.

EDA’s flexible programs and structure enable nimble operations and allow for innovation and responsiveness to changing economic needs and conditions faced by its local and state government partners. Grants made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets to support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.

CAUSE AREAS

Community
Community

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

4808 Elizabeth StreetTexarkana, TX 75503

(33.46402,-94.049545)
 

SKILLS

GOOD FOR

  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver's License Needed
  • Background Check
  • Orientation or Training
  • Full time with year commitment

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