VISTA Opportunity

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Yes We Can - Cannery Project

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: Harvest VISTA Volunteer

Job Description

The South King County Food Coalition is currently recruiting for a Rotary First Harvest VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) to begin their year of service on November 9, 2010. The VISTA will assist eleven member food banks by spearheading increased volunteer efforts in canning, community gardening and farm-to-food bank projects.

This is a one-year volunteer stipend position administered by AmeriCorps.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

As a Harvest VISTA , the volunteer will serve as the Harvest Development Coordinator working under the supervision of SKCFC staff to assist in: 1)  building volunteer capacity for the cooperative canning intiative between Northwest Harvest, an LDS cannery, and the South King County Food Coalition; 2) assisting local communities with development of community gardens; and 3) supporting efforts to develop a farm-to-food bank program on Vashon Island.

As a result of having a Harvest VISTA volunteer, food banks in South King County will have increased capacity to provide more highly nutritious foods to low-income families in need.

ACTIVITIES

�         Coordinate recruitment efforts with Northwest Harvest, United Way and local food banks to develop a wide volunteer base supporting the cannery project

�         Coordinate efforts between local cities, food banks, gardeners and supporting agencies to enable the creation and sustainable growth of local community gardens

�         Assist the Vashon Island Food Bank in its efforts to acquire, develop and sustain a farm that will provide fresh produce for food banks

�         Develop messaging materials and strategy for neighborhood blog postings

�         Meet with community leaders and organizations to raise awareness of SKCFC programs

�         Create a volunteer management system that will interface well with existing systems of larger agencies such as United Way and the food bank distribution centers

�         Train, engage and coordinate volunteers on an on-going basis

�         Recognize and thank donors and volunteers, and strategize for participant retention

�         Document procedures, networking, volunteer hours and canning/gardening results

HOW TO APPLY

Application Process: Please send your resume and a cover letter that explains your interest and fit for the position to Benjamin@firstharvest.org.

Application Due Date: September 6, 2010

: DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

�         Interest in and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyles, sexual orientations, and of all ages;

�         Knowledge and/or experience with the nonprofit community

�         Background working with civic and/or volunteer organizations

�         Highly organized and self-directed

�         Strong interpersonal skills and public speaking ability

�         Ability to work independently, but in collaboration with several other groups

�         Ability to share a small work space

�         Ability to juggle many different projects simultaneously, and prioritize as needed

�         Commitment to diversity, innovation and community-building

�         Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings (with time off in exchange)

�         Comfort with web based social networking technology

�         Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus

�         Openness to new ideas and ways, compassion, flexibility, and respect are valued and encouraged

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

�         U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident

�         At least 18 years of age

�         Ability to commit to working 12 months beginning in November, 2010

�         Computer competency, especially using Excel, email, and internet

�         College degree, or High School Diploma (or equivalent)

�         Member may not hold additional jobs

�         Access to reliable transportation, valid driver's license, vehicle insurance that meets Washington State�s minimum guidelines and the ability and willingness to travel throughout South King County, mileage reimbursement is provided at standard rate

STIPEND & BENEFITS:

�         A living allowance of $11,724 distributed in equal installments twice monthly

�         Basic health insurance (VISTA member only, no dependents)

�         Loan forbearance for federal student loans

�         A $5,350 educational award upon completion of your service term (or $1,200 cash stipend)

�         Childcare assistance (available for those who qualify)

�         The opportunity to work for an innovative, vital and demanding organization

�         Experience in project management, marketing, and leadership

�         Exposure to dozens of nonprofits and community partners