Active Southern West Virginia seeks to improve the health of southern West Virginians by increasing opportunities for physical activity. Our multifaceted approach includes:
- Community Captains, trained community leaders who lead weekly physical activity groups within their communities.
- Kids Run Clubs, free and inclusive running programs in local elementary and middle schools.
- Bike Walk SWV, a program dedicated to improving the built environment with bike/walk infrastructure.
- Workplace Wellness, a program designed to help businesses create healthy workplaces. All programs raise awareness about the benefits of being active, decrease barriers to good health, and help communities to change behaviors through supportive social environments.
Goal of the Project: The Active SWV Volunteer Support VISTA member will build the outreach and communication capacity of the organization by developing and implementing the communication plan for the organization’s programs targeted to undeserved communities in southern West Virginia.
As a result of the VISTA member’s service, individuals will improve their physical health, opportunities for engaging in physical activities will increase, and residents will become more educated about exercise and physical activity.
Roles: This position will involve meeting with community members to recruit volunteers and educate groups on the benefits of physical activity. The Volunteer Support VISTA will begin by reviewing the volunteer training programs, shadowing and then leading volunteer trainings, and auditing existing volunteer trainings to provide sustainability and volunteer retention supported by funding research.
Safety guidelines are in place for virtual meetings and proper social distancing. The Active SWV office is equipped with software and tools to engage with our communities, volunteers, and participants in safe ways.
Program Benefits: choice of education award or end of service stipend, training, education award upon successful completion of service, living allowance, stipend, relocation allowance, health coverage. For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.
Terms: This is a one year position with opportunity to extend the position to three years.
Service Areas: Education, community and economic development, children/youth, community outreach, health.
Skills: Recruitment, conflict resolution, leadership, general skills, team work, teaching/tutoring, communications, community organization, public health, education, youth development, computers/technology, fund raising/grant writing.
