Stewards VISTA: Friends of Deckers Creek - Outreach Coordinator

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards/SIP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC), in partnership with Stewards, seeks a VISTA to expand education and its reach in the Deckers Creek community to promote conservation and environmental stewardship.

This position is a 365 day (1 year) public service term lasting from August 14, 2023 – August 12, 2024.

Living Allowance: $62.69/day ($22,881.85/year)

For more information regarding Stewards, please visit our website.

About FODC:

Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) is a small but effective nonprofit that works to improve the natural qualities of, increase public concern for, and promote the enjoyment of the Deckers Creek watershed in Morgantown, West Virginia.  In 1995, a small group of dedicated kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts came together with the shared goal of improving the health and wellbeing of the Deckers Creek watershed.  Since then, FODC has worked tirelessly to clean up decades of environmental degradation and abandonment inflicted upon the watershed

For more information about Friends of Deckers, please visit their website here.

About the Position

A clean creek and revived fishery mean a restored habitat, an increase in property values, greater tax revenues for local governments, and new options for innovative creek-side development with the potential to add jobs to the local economy. A healthy watershed is also a reflection of the engaged and involved community that it hosts. It is the vision of FODC to turn Deckers Creek from a liability into an asset and a source of pride for the community. That vision can only be accomplished through community support and engagement. The goal of this project is to increase environmental education for both area youths and adults through educational activities, community outreach programs, and meaningful community engagement.

Member Duties :

• Support the preparations of Grant proposals to build FODC’s capacity and provide abundant opportunities for meaningful community engagement
• Grow FODC’s presence and publicity in the community thorough educational and community events
  • Active promotion across many medias to engage and promote FODC and its events
  • Follow up and actively recruit volunteers and other individuals who want to make an impact in their community
• Help to alleviate poverty by inspiring individuals to pursue education, certifications and become environmental stewards
  Empower the community to pursue STEM education and related certifications
  • Pursue grants that can be scholarships the community can apply for
  • Support individuals seeking out scholarships
• Assist staff in field work to collect data to be used in applications for further grant funding
• VISTA will have opportunities to pursue their personal interests, and help FODC in new and interesting ways of their choosing

Program Benefits:

Segal Education Award ($6,895) OR Cash Stipend (~$1,800) upon successful completion of service, Living Allowance(62.69/day, disbursed every 2 weeks, Regular Training and Professional Development Opportunities (free and virtual), Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 in-moment support), Childcare*, Healthcare*, Non-Competitive Eligibility upon successful completion of the term*, Networking and Mentorship, Access to a nationwide cohort of like-minded peers.

*For more information regarding the Segal Education Award, check out this link as well as alternative uses for the award here.

*For more information regarding the AmeriCorps VISTA Childcare benefit, please visit https://americorpschildcare.com/

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare

*For details about Non-Competitive Eligibility, please visit https://my.americorps.gov/trust/help/member_portal/non_competitive_eligibility_overview.htm

Focus Areas:

Education, Community Outreach, Environment, Children/Youth

 For more information, please reach out to J.M. Aurednik (ore-ed-nik) (he/him) at jmaurednik@conservationlegacy.org or call at 681.238.0963.

Desired/Preferred Skills:

Public Speaking, Writing/Editing, Environment, Youth Development, Teaching/Tutoring, Education, Teamwork, Recruitment, Fine Arts/Crafts, Communications, Community Organization

This is an entry level position.

ALL who are interested are welcome and encouraged to apply!