Codman Square OASIS Farm Outreach Coordinator VISTA

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation

Job Description

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) is a community organization committed to developing affordable housing and fighting for racial and economic justice by building power of low/moderate-income communities of color in Dorchester. CSNDC’s VISTA project will support the establishment of an integrated one-stop center connecting the community with a range of economic and financial supports at the agency and will build capacity for the agency’s climate justice work. This initiative will benefit more than 1,000 low-income, BIPOC residents of Dorchester’s Codman Square neighborhood. The OASIS Farm Outreach Coordinator VISTA member will increase community knowledge of environmental stewardship and food security issues and educate the community about how they can engage in these issues to positively impact their financial, physical, and mental wellbeing. 

The OASIS on Ballou Farm Outreach Coordinator VISTA member will:
  1. Develop protocols, systems, and tools to implement the Energy Ambassador Initiative, mobilizing residents to adopt energy efficiency measures in their homes.
  2. Research renewable energy/energy efficiency programs available at low or no cost, in support of training CSNDC’s Energy Ambassadors on those programs. 
  3. Support development of training curriculum for Energy Ambassadors. 
  4. Support development of business plan for OASIS on Ballou Urban Farm.  
  5. Research, develop understanding of, and promote the role of urban agriculture in addressing food deserts in urban neighborhoods.
  6. Develop strategies to increase resident access to national and local food voucher programs such as SNAP and HIP through our OASIS on Ballou Urban Farm site.
  7. Outreach at farmer’s markets, through CSA partners, and general community outreach.
  8. Develop and distribute promotional materials and activities, online and in person.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program where members support local organizations to make change by fighting poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time for a one-year term, building capacity for nonprofit and public agencies to generate private resources, encourage volunteer service, and empower individuals and communities. 
 
Apply to join thousands of AmeriCorps VISTA members, united in the mission to lift people and communities out of poverty! AmeriCorps VISTA benefits include:  
  • Living Allowance: Members receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses.
  • Health coverage: For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare
  • End of Service Award: Members choose a Segal Education Award (valued about $6,495) to pay for education expenses or a $1,800 cash stipend.
  • Professional Development Training: Members attend in-person and virtual training to learn how to be a community development change agent.
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility: AmeriCorps VISTA members earn federal non-competitive eligibility, giving them an edge in hiring for federal jobs.