The University of Toledo began hosting an AmeriCorps*VISTA on campus in 2001 through Ohio Campus Compact. The VISTA position is only a year-long commitment with the opportunity of a second year if desired by the VISTA. Therefore, the University usually hosts a new VISTA each year.
What is Americorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps*VISTA is a national service program in which volunteers live in the communities they serve, designing programs that will continue after they complete their service. Created in 1965, VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) was designed to meet the needs of underserved communities and to address and combat poverty. In 1993, AmeriCorps was created and merged with the existing VISTA program. The Corporation for National and Community Service, also created in 1993, has oversight for all AmeriCorps*VISTA programs.
What is Ohio Campus Compact?
Ohio Campus Compact (OCC) is the state affiliate for National Campus Compact, implementing the mission and goals of the national organization at the state level. OCC promotes community service that develops students’ citizenship skills and values, encourages collaborative partnerships between campuses and communities, and assists faculty who seek to integrate public and community engagement into their teaching and research. The Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA program was created in 1998 with six VISTAs focusing on literacy. In 2004 the program grew to 22 VISTAs on 20 member campuses assisting their colleges and universities to enhance and expand the civic engagement of students and faculty in their respective communities.
AmeriCorps*VISTA White Papers (Yearly Reports)
At the end of each year, the VISTA(s) must present their White Paper, which is their end-of-the-year report about the past, present, and future of service programs and service-learning at The University of Toledo.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Application
Please visit the OCC website for specific information about the benefits of becoming a VISTA volunteer.
University of Toledo
Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteer
Campus & Community Collaboration Leader
Necessary Skills and Requirements: A bachelor's degree, ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to complete projects, strong communication skills, desire to make a difference in the community, flexibility and self-motivation, has a positive attitude, and good organizational skills. Ability to demonstrate skills or experience in working with community agencies or creating/managing large projects would be helpful.
The position will offer a stipend of: $10,380 per year, an educational award of $4,725 and health insurance from Ohio Campus Compact. A living allowance covering $420 a month for housing/utilities, a food allowance of $925 per semester $600 for the summer, a parking permit, and the costs to attend a professional/academic conference (not more than $1,400) will be paid by the University of Toledo.
To submit an application online, go to www.americorps.org. Register, apply and submit the application to the Ohio Campus Compact, University of Toledo Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement program.
To apply for the position: submit a cover letter stating the position you are interested in and your suitability for the position, a resume, the names and contact information for three professional references to: Director, Office of Service Learning & Community Engagement, Student Union Room 3020; The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606-3390; Fax (419) 530-2689; or email spasupu3@utnet.utoledo.edu. Use only one method of application: fax, email or mail.
For further information, please contact Sudershan Pasupuleti, Director of OSLCE at spaupu3@utnet.utoledo.edu or 419-430-2213, or servicelearning@utoledo.edu.
Campus-Community Collaboration Leader
The University of Toledo is a metropolitan university that has at the heart of its student-centered mission: to improve the human condition, and advance knowledge through excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement. Under the Office of the Provost's academic innovation division, the Office of Service Learning and Community Engagement (OSLCE) seeks to carry out that mission of service and engagement.
Position Description: The University of Toledo is looking for a qualified, self-directed, and energetic individual to serve an AmeriCorps VISTA* position. The successful applicant will assist and report to the Director of the University of Toledo's Office of Service Learning & Community Engagement. This is a one-year, full time volunteer position providing stipend, and room & board. Successful candidates for the position must hold a bachelors degree and have one or more years experience in community service, or service learning, involving students and community agencies.
Position Responsibilities: Campus-Community Collaboration Leader (CL): The VISTA will report directly to the Director of OSLCE and will be primarily responsible for duties focused on community outreach, and involving the community in university life. The responsibilities of this position include, but not limited to: integrating and streamlining outreach initiatives on campus and in the community while infusing service learning pedagogy into them; support the Great Cities, Great Service grant initiative to empower area youth through service learning experiences; strengthen and expand community partnerships through issue-based community meetings and other actions; train and supervise Service Learning Ambassadors and other student employees; be knowledgeable of and maintain good communication with community agencies in order to assist other OSLCE projects with their community component; and participate in committees and offices within the university as needed.
2008-2009 AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Goals and Objectives
1. ASSIST THE SERVICE-LEARNING DIRECTOR IN COMPLETING THE GOALS OF THE OFFICE OF SERVICE-LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CONTRIBUTE TO UT MISSION.
• Assist the Director in creating and sustaining partnerships with faculty, agencies, and other groups interested in Service-Learning.
• Communicate grants, conferences, projects, and other service-learning opportunities to the appropriate students, student organizations, faculty, staff, or community members via emails and webpage
• Implementing the current plans and developing new initiatives of OSLCE.
2. SUPPORT THE OFFICE’S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OHIO GREAT CITIES GREAT SERVICE GRANT TO EMPOWER YOUTH.
• Work with partners (United North, Woodward H.S., and UT faculty/classes) to facilitate service projects, classroom activities, and regular planning meetings – as determined by the partners.
• Work to create programming and meet the partners goals for the Community-Based Learning Center at Woodward H.S.
3. ASSIST THE SERVICE-LEARNING DIRECTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND UT STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SERVICE-LEARNING ACTIVITIES.
• Forming a community advisory committee for service learning and endorsing the Issue-based Learning Communities comprising faculty, community partners, and students.
• Organizing and facilitating Issue-Based Community meetings, Community Partners meetings, and Advisory Council meetings
• Maintaining contact with past participants, making new agency contacts, and determining the feasibility of future partnerships
4. SUPERVISE AND LEAD SERVICE LEARNING AMBASSADORS, M3C FELLOWS, AND STUDENT EMPLOYEES AS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS OF THE OFFICE
• Plan Service-Learning floor session in the fall to introduce and begin floor communication.
• Coordinate and provide leadership for training sessions for Student Ambassadors.
• Acting as a liaison between the Student Ambassadors and the Toledo-area agencies. Making new agency contacts and determining feasibility of partnerships.
• Match Student Ambassadors with an agency and coordinate any background checks, training sessions or communication needed.
• Monitor ongoing interaction so that agency and students find experience beneficial.
• Work with student employees to train and provide work for them that meets the goals of OSLCE.
4. PARTICIPATING IN COMMITTEES AND OFFICES WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY AS FITTING TO THE OFFICE.
• Dean’s Programming Council, Office of Residence Life, Office of Student Activities, Service Learning Committee, Issue Based Communities, First Reads
6. MAINTAIN THE OFFICE OF SERVICE-LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
• responding to email and phone messages.
• Keep accurate documentation of all Service-Learning activities and service hours completed on campus.
• Contribute positively to team working and collective responsibility to achieve the goals of OSLCE.
• Assist in developing and conducting assessment of outcomes of various service-learning activities on the campus.
7. PURSUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, SPECIFICALLY INCLUDING READINGS, LECTURES, CONFERENCES, AND CONSULTATIONS WITH OTHER SERVICE LEARNING PROFESSIONALS