We have hired most of our 2009--2010 team!
We are currently accepting applications for our last available VISTA position (with Consejo) through the AmeriCorps website!
Consejo Counseling and Referral Service: Consejo Counseling and Referral Service is a private, not for profit organization with over 30 years of experience. Although our services are primarily for the Hispanic/Latino community, Consejo prides itself on working with all populations. We are committed to providing education, prevention, treatment and support services related to mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence. Not only is Consejo committed to providing culturally competent support services we also operate two transitional housing programs, one for homeless/mentally ill clients and the other one for survivors of domestic violence.The Youth Promotions Coordinator (VISTA) will work directly with Consejo’s Mental Health, High Risk and Substance Abuse programs working under the guidance of the Youth Services Program Manager. This position is an essential and strategic part of helping Consejo develop its Youth Program to the fullest. Collaborating with the Program Managers, the Youth Promotions Coordinator will implement creative marketing events and a volunteer program to promote Consejo throughout the community. In addition, taking an active part in the funding process will keep you involved with every aspect of making a difference in our communities.
Please email Elaina at eellis@thechurchcouncil.org for more information. We look forward to hearing from you...
Notre Dame-Seattle Positions
NDA Seattle members serve an 11 month term, from late August/early September until the end of July 2008. During this time, each member completes a total of 1700 service hours, (equivalent to a 40 hour work week with approximately 3 weeks of vacation) primarily at their assigned site. Over 80% of this time is spent in direct service to youth (tutoring, mentoring, event planning, etc.) Additional hours are devoted to training and to volunteering at other sites in Seattle. Each member receives a taxable living allowance of $11,400 over the course of the 11 month term of service. In addition members can elect to receive free health insurance and childcare, as well as forbearance of any student loans. At the completion of the term of service, each member will receive an education award of $4,725. This award can be used to enroll in future courses at an educational institution, or to pay off student loans.
Members typically work at their assigned sites from Monday to Thursday each week. Fridays are reserved for team meetings, which consist of trainings, team building events, and group service projects. Each member, as part of their professional development, is required to plan and facilitate a minimum of one team meeting during the 11 months. Meetings are a combination of team-building, skill-based trainings, and issue-based activities looking at root causes of poverty through a social justice lens.
Additional required events during the course of the year may include a fall weekend retreat and a Presidents Day NDA weekend retreat in Washington DC (this is where you get to meet the awesome nuns who support our program on a national level — the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur).
Sound Youth VISTA Positions
Sound Youth VISTA members build capacity in communitities, organizations, and schools to support and empower Seattle's young people.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members spend one year in full-time service addressing the needs of low-income communities. All projects focus on building permanent infrastructure in nonprofit organization to help them more effectively bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Sound Youth*VISTAs opperate at various sites as grantwriters, programs developers, community organizers, and volunteer managers on behalf of youth.
Members typically work at thier assigned site Monday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for team meetings which consist of vocational training, team building events, and service projects. Each member, as part of their personal developement, is required to plan and facilitate a minimum of one team meeting during thier 12 month tenure.
Additional required events during the course of the year include an innitial out-of-state orientation, a mid-year out-of-state training, and may include a fall retreat. There are many other optional trainings and events for members to attend.
In exchange for one year of service, Sound Youth VISTA members recieve a modest living stipend, and a $4,725 post-secondary educational award upon completion of service. In addition, they can elect to recieve free health insurance, student loan deferment during their term of service, and child care. VISTAs also choose between a monthly bus pass, and mileage reimbursement for service related expenses.
Apply Online
FAQs
What is the difference between Notre Dame AmeriCorps and Sound Youth VISTA?
NDA members spend about 80% of their time in communities working directly with low-income youth. They tutor, mentor, coordinate volunteers, facilitate community engagement activities, and run programs that work to address the needs of youth in our community. They are coaches, allies, and bridge-builders.
Sound Youth VISTA members spend about 80% of their time bolstering programs for low-income youth. VISTA members are charged with capacity building and creating and implementing plans for sustainability. VISTA members are fund developers, volunteer managers, outreach workers, and program developers.
Together we provide effective direct service while planning for program sustainability. It is our goal that by placing teams of AmeriCorps*Direct and VISTA members with partnering sites, we will enable youth programming to continue to thrive in Seattle.
Should I be a Notre Dame AmeriCorps member or a Sound Youth VISTA? (Or does my organization need an NDA or SYV member?)
FOR POTENTIAL MEMBERS: This depends on what you want to do. Do you prefer working directly in community, or do you prefer doing administrative planning behind the scenes? Do you thrive in a classroom? In an office? In a community center doing a little bit of everything? Read through the position descriptions. What is exciting to you? What sounds like it would help you reach you future goals?
FOR ORGANIZATIONS: What is your greatest need at this moment - a member to help with direct service (NDA) or a member to help build capacity by recruiting more volunteers, writing grants, or growing special projects (SY VISTA)?
Are the Benefits and Restrictions the Same?
With our program, AmeriCorps*Direct and VISTA members will receive roughly the same stipend for the year. AmeriCorps*Direct members make an 11-month commitment (to serve 1700 hours within that 11-month term), while VISTAs make a 12 month commitment (to work full time with 20 days sick/personal leave). Both arms of our program offer an Educational Award for a full term of service. VISTAs will receive assistance with work-related transportation, whereas AmeriCorps*Direct members will not. AmeriCorps*Direct members may hold jobs outside of their service hours, and may attend school during their year of service, while VISTA members may not hold jobs or attend school. To learn more, visit the AmeriCorps website.
From Where Does the Funding for These Programs Come?
Notre Dame AmeriCorps-Seattle is supported in part by the Baltimore Notre Dame Mission Volunteer Program office, which offers administrative support, administers payroll, and coordinates recruitment. Sound Youth VISTA is supported in part by the Church Council of Greater Seattle, which offers administrative supports and rents office space to both programs.
Both programs are funded by a combination of government grants set aside specifically for AmeriCorps programs and private funds solicited through grant writing, appeals letters, and out annual auction.
Are These Programs Religious? Do I Have to be Christian? Do I Have to be Catholic?
The simple answer is "no." While our parent organizations are faith-based, our larger umbrella of AmeriCorps is a non-religious service organization. The services we provide are not religious in nature, nor is service restricted by religious affiliation. Both The Church Council of Greater Seattle and Notre Dame Mission Volunteers are progressive organizations with a broad concept of social justice at their base. Stadd and members have included Protestant Christians, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, atheists, and more. We are LGBTQ friendly and committed to fostering a respect for a diversity of experiences and beliefs.