Education Justice Community Engagement Coordinator (AmeriCorps*VISTA) – Seattle Young People’s Project

Seattle Young People's Project (SYPP) is a youth-led, adult-supported, social justice organization that empowers young people (13-18) to express themselves and take action on the issues that affect their lives. The bulk of our work is leadership development for young people in the Seattle area. Our youth leaders identify problems in their community and work to address the root causes of the problems they face.

Overall Responsibilities

The Education Justice Community Engagement Coordinator will educate people; uniting community organizations in partnership to pool resources, information, and to work together to advocate for policy changes that will decrease poverty in Seattle.

This includes:
-        Contact local schools and set-up on-site outreach and recruitment

-        Coordinate community outreach events

-        Create and update outreach materials

-        Set up workshops (respond to requests, find facilitators to do them)

-        Coordinate the SYPP newsletter, supporting youth to write articles and ads

-        track donations & send receipts

-        Assist with fundraising initiatives

-        Be an ally to youth projects

Hours and Days Needed

The VISTA Member is expected to serve a flexible, 40 hour week. This includes Sound Youth VISTA Team meetings and trainings on Fridays twice a month. Hours at SYPP will typically be Monday – Thursday from 10am until 7pm.

Qualifications and Skills Required

·      An interest and commitment to providing service to the community

·      Willingness to let youth take the lead and to act as a supporter and mentor of their work

·      Commitment to social justice and working to undo all forms of oppression

·      Willingness and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences

·      Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team

·      Self-starter and able to take initiative with sometimes limited supervision and direction

·      Dedication and commitment to 11.5 months of service

·      Strong interest and desire to work with teens

·      Previous experience with community organizing, youth organizing, and anti-oppression work preferred!!

·      Good communication skills—written and verbal

·      Proficiency in Word, Excel, Photoshop, Publisher, and Access would be a bonus!!

 
TO APPLY: Send email with cover letter and resume to sunny@sypp.org by July 9th. In the cover letter, address why you would be interested in an AmeriCorps VISTA position focused on educating youth. To apply for this position, all applicants must ALSO complete an AmeriCorps application. The AmeriCorps application includes an online form to be filled out by 2 references. It can be accessed online at the national "My AmeriCorps" site. You can find our listing by searching for “Sound Youth” here.

Before applying, please read additional information about serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.

About Sound Youth VISTA

AmeriCorps*VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. AmeriCorps*VISTA members are stipended volunteers that serve for one year, full time at nonprofit or governmental organizations building capacity. Sound Youth VISTA recruits, places and supports VISTA members in nonprofit organizations working with underserved youth in the Seattle area. See our website for more information: www.soundyouth.org.

About the Organization

AmeriCorps*VISTA Benefits

·         A living stipend of $12,696/year (pre-tax)

·         A three day Pre-Service Orientation (PSO)

·         Loan forbearance or deferment for qualified student loans.

·         An education award of $5,500 or $1,500 (pre-tax) end-of-year cash stipend

·         Health coverage

·         A child care subsidy

·         10 personal days and 10 sick days

·         Some subsidized transportation for service-related travel

·         A relocation allowance for people moving >50 miles

·         1 year of non-competitive eligibility for Federal jobs

*Note: VISTA members CANNOT hold secondary jobs or make additional income during a VISTA service term.

Member Duties and Responsibilities

Qualifications

·         Must be at least 18 years old

·         Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

·         A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, however some college combined with work experience may substitute for a degree

·         Significant experience with community service and/or non-profit organization work

·         Must be available to serve full-time for one year

If you have any questions about the position, Sound Youth, or AmeriCorps VISTA, please contact the Sound Youth Director by email at elord@thechurchcouncil.org.