CVMN VISTA

[HandsOn Central California]

Background:

CaliforniaVolunteers partners with local volunteer connectors across the state to implement the California Volunteer Matching Network (CVMN). The CVMN was launched in September 2006 in response to the need for a statewide online volunteer matching system to allow all Californians to quickly and easily find volunteer opportunities in their own communities.

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. VISTA members are volunteers who commit to serve one year full-time, receiving a modest living allowance and other benefits in exchange for their service.

In particular, CVMN VISTA members will strengthen nonprofits across California that serve people living in poverty by helping them strategically and sustainably increase their use of volunteers to expand the reach and effectiveness of their programs while assisting them in establishing new or enhanced volunteer management practices to ensure long-term program viability. CVMN VISTAs will also work to increase the number of Californians involved in service and volunteering by participating in recruitment activities and training nonprofit organizations to utilize the Hub’s CVMN-approved online volunteer matching technology, increasing the volunteer opportunities available online.

While CVMN VISTAs’ specific duties will vary slightly depending on the community needs where they are placed, the following represent the general duties and goals of the CVMN VISTA program.

HandsOn Central California, HOCC, is a local HUB of CVMN. HOCC, part of the national HandsOn Network, serves the communities of Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare and Merced counties. We are currently recruiting five (5) VISTA members for our entire region. One VISTA will work from our Tulare office, one VISTA will work from Merced, and three VISTA members will be based in Fresno. HandsOn Central California’s mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action to change their communities through service. If you are interested in serving with a dynamic, creative and energetic team of people, we encourage your application for the following assignment.


Activities and Tasks:

• Serve as the HandsOn Central California’s liaison to organizations that have had little or no contact with this local CVMN Hub;
• Serve as HandsOn Central California’s liaison to organizations in areas outside the primary service area of the CVMN Hub to expand the geographic reach of the Hub;
• Develop and follow up with a target list of organizations;
• Outreach to organizations who serve people in poverty to help identify ways they can better utilize volunteers to help meet their program objectives;
• Assist above-stated organizations in achieving maximum volunteer recruitment through HandsON Central California’s programming;
• Assist with the coordination and implementation of volunteer management training;
• Assist nonprofits and public agencies with the development of volunteer position descriptions;
• Assist nonprofits and public agencies with the posting of their volunteer opportunities on HandsOn Central California’s volunteer matching website;
• Brainstorm with nonprofits regarding potential new, different and additional ways they can engage volunteers to better accomplish their program goals;
• Assist with marketing to nonprofits and public agencies to encourage their partnership with HandsOn Central California;
• Participate in community activities with other CVMN VISTAs such as sharing successes and challenges via regular conference calls and meetings;
• Connect with key associations and networks to promote services offered by HandsOn Central California (i.e. health associations, schools, faith groups, etc.); Attend community meetings where large numbers of organizations are present;
• Work with organizations to develop opportunities for key demographics (i.e. youth, boomers, people with disabilities, etc.); and,
• Work in collaboration with the AmeriCorps VIP program at HOCC to support the work of the 25 AmeriCorps assisting nonprofits with volunteer coordination;
• Collaborate with other AmeriCorps programs to identify organizations needing this assistance.
• Assist with identification and training of Volunteer leaders for local service projects
• Assist with recruitment of volunteers, volunteer leaders and projects for National Days of Service

Recommended Skills and Qualifications:

• An interest in the field of volunteerism;
• A commitment to serving the needs of low-income and underserved communities;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Self-starter;
• Computer literate, able to use common software applications and to learn new technologies;
• Ability to conduct community research in person and via Internet;
• Experience in community organizing is desirable;
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or Hmong languages a plus;
• Possession of a valid driver’s license; and,
• Reliable transportation.

Terms:

• Requires full-time service for 12 months without outside commitments, such as school and other employment (some education exceptions apply); and
• Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Benefits:

CVMN VISTA members will receive:
• A living allowance of $398.16 gross bi-weekly, the Central Valley has a moderate cost of living;
• A relocation allowance, if eligible depending on the distance of the move;
• Health coverage;
• Ten personal leave days and ten sick days;
• Childcare assistance, if eligible (max $300/month);
• An option to purchase life insurance;
• Option of cash stipend of $1,200 or an Education Award of $4,725 upon completion of a full year of service; and,
• Training and personal development opportunities, a key component of the VISTA program, which includes learning about the CVMN VISTA program’s goals and methodologies, community development, the field of volunteerism, nonprofit operations, cultural issues, and other topics.

To Apply:

HandsOn Central California
Contact: Cathy Caples at [e-mail] or 559 237-3101
or
Contact: Joseph Cody at [e-mail] or 559-237-3101