South Sound YMCA Advancement & Outreach Coordinator (AmeriCorps VISTA)

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Year of Service with AmeriCorps VISTA
Start Date: Dec 7, 2020
End Date: Dec 7, 2021
Apply here: http://tiny.cc/SouthSoundYMCAVISTA
* Applications close October 23

The VISTA member will have opportunities for development in both technical skills and leadership competencies, and will build organizational capacity through service activities related to fundraising, communications, and outreach. They will support our fundraising work by researching and applying for new funding opportunities and working directly with volunteers to implement best practices for effective annual fundraising. By increasing fundraising capacity, they will ensure the financial resources necessary to offer free and reduced-price programs to all individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. Communications activities will increase the efficiency and reach of our marketing and communications efforts by creating new automated systems and strategies for reaching out into underserved communities within our service area. With this service activity, the VISTA member will fight poverty by connecting marginalized communities to program and employment opportunities.

South Sound YMCA:
The Sound YMCA has over 125 years of experience working with youth and families in our region.
Our programs typically include community health and recreation programs at 2 YMCA branches, 33 school-based childcare sites, and robust youth sports and day-camp programs. We are the largest provider of youth programs in our area.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of dollars are distributed in financial aid to families and individuals who cannot afford membership fees. When schools closed in March due to COVID-19, the Y quickly pivoted to provide childcare for essential workers. We offered free care for essential workers, and first responders, and increased the amount of financial aid distributed. During this time, 80% of students received free or reduced cost child care.
Our mission is to provide youth and our community an affordable and accessible resource for the positive development of spirit, mind, and body through recreational, health, and leadership programs.
As an employer, the Y is a place to belong. We value personal and professional development through training and coaching opportunities. We understand that looking at program development and community outreach through a lens of equity and social justice is critical to ensuring our ability to foster healthy communities and meet our overall mission. For this reason, the South Sound Y is currently making significant investments in an organization-wide evaluation and training opportunity focused on our goal of becoming a more equitable and anti-racist organization. As we move through this work, we anticipate shifts in the population of individuals served, programs offered, and the way in which we reach out in the community.
The Advancement Department supports this work through strategic community outreach including fundraising activities, marketing and communications, and volunteer development. In doing so, this small, supportive group works with staff in all areas of our organization, as well as volunteers and community partners throughout the region.
Departmental goals in the coming year include the successful launch of a new YMCA facility in Shelton, evaluation and restructuring of our annual fundraising plan to meet current community need, and evaluation of current communication systems with focuses on both administrative efficiency and equity/access.

AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps is the only federal agency for community service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides resources and people power to organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps VISTA is the only AmeriCorps program entirely focused on anti-poverty projects. When you join the AmeriCorps VISTA program, you become part of a nationwide network of people and organizations that are committed to ending poverty.
The role of AmeriCorps VISTA Members is to:
1) Coordinate the involvement of community members in the design of the project,
2) Improve reach, scale, efficiency, and/or effectiveness of the project,
3) Leverage new resources for the project (such as volunteers, monetary donations, knowledge, and in kind donations),
4) Make the project sustainable in the long term.

Our local VISTA team is the Greater South Sound VISTA Team. We are a program of United Way of Thurston County that helps organizations like Quixote Village host AmeriCorps VISTA members. As a member of the Greater South Sound VISTA Team, you will be part of a cohort of 19 other VISTA members and supported by the VISTA Leader, who coordinates professional development opportunities, provides individualized support and resources, and supports your project’s success.
Stipend & Benefits:
Stipend: Receive $513.94 (pre-tax) every 2 weeks
Choice of $6,195 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or approximately $1,800 cash stipend
Healthcare
Childcare assistance if eligible
Loan forbearance and interest accrual payment or deferment on qualified student loans
Comprehensive leave benefit (20 days of paid leave)
High-quality training, orientation, and professional development
Team experience and networking as part of United Way and AmeriCorps
Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA benefits at https://www.vistacampus.gov/members/benefits-of-service.