Important
Please note that this VISTA term is:
The living allowance for Energy Communities VISTAs is $88.63 per day (including weekends). This is equivalent to $15.51/hour ($32,349.95/year).
For more information about Energy Communities AmeriCorps, please visit our website.
For any questions, please contact Shelby Street at [email protected]
To apply, please use the AmeriCorps link here.
About The Site And Position
The Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) is the planning and development district for an eight (8) county area. The VISTA member will focus on the following four of the eight Eastern counties: Breathitt, Lee, Owsley, and Wolfe. These counties are economically disadvantaged and distressed by the loss of coal mining in the region. Additionally, there has been a substantial population decrease exacerbated by both COVID-19 and the recent floods in 2021 and 2022. There is an opportunity to strengthen the communities by increasing economic development, services, and highlighting what makes this region special and unique. KRADD and the VISTA member will research ways to support the switch from a coal economy to a manufacturing and tourism-based economy, and by working with the ongoing efforts in the region to meet the goals outlined in the Infrastructure and Investment Act as well as the Inflation Reduction Act. These goals will be achieved through the VISTA writing and administering applications for the cities, counties, and non-profits in Region 1. The VISTA member will support federal and state efforts through projects that supply infrastructure to low-to-moderate income families that rely on failing drinking water wells, community projects that provide ADA compliance, improvements to existing parks and trails and the creation of new ones, showcasing our cultural heritage, assisting in the creation of new economic development opportunities, and working with our communities to improve broadband. The VISTA member will also work with trained grant writers at KRADD to learn how to properly develop, write, and administer these projects through research, data collection, public meetings, and hearings, utilizing steering committees, and making valuable contacts on both the state and federal levels.
Member Duties
This VISTA will work in the following counties: Breathitt, Lee, Owsley, and Wolfe.
Program Benefits
VISTA service provides an excellent opportunity for the member to develop professional skills and experience, build their network, and make a tangible impact on critical community needs. VISTAs also access the following benefits:
What is an AmeriCorps VISTA?
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members are dedicated individuals who serve full-time in their assigned communities to build capacity, support economic development, and foster sustainable programs. They receive various benefits, including a living allowance, education award, professional development, healthcare and childcare, and non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs after service completion.
What is Energy Communities AmeriCorps?
Energy Communities AmeriCorps offers technical support to help communities impacted by previous or pending coal mine and power plant closures. This program bridges the gap between environmental and economic concerns by focusing on a more diversified economic portfolio. Creating opportunities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, small businesses, tourism and more strengthens communities and builds for the future.
The Basics
What is Stewards Individual Placements?
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) 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.
Stewards VISTA Program is a national intermediary sponsor with 22 years of experience operating VISTA projects that support economic development and environmental stewardship in coal mining communities. Since 2002, Stewards has engaged over 1,200 VISTA members, securing $41 million in grants and in-kind resources, recruiting 100,000 volunteers, and developing capacity for organizations to strengthen mining communities.
Stewards Individual Placements is a program of Conservation Legacy, a national organization with a 25-year history of operating AmeriCorps VISTA and State and National programs.
For more information regarding Stewards, please visit our website.
Stewards Individual Placements does not and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application, interviewing, and/or onboarding process, please send your request to the hiring manager in your preferred method of communication.
Required Skills
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Required Experience
Applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree.