RFP Program Guidance WACC AMERICORPS VISTA PROGRAM

2016-2017

WACC AMERICORPS VISTA PROGRAM

RFP Guideline Table of Contents

Proposal Timeline 1

Program Eligibility 2

Program Overview 4

Member Benefits 8

Member Recruitment 9

Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) Sample Activities by Year 11

VAD Development Tips 13

Sample Education VAD 14

Sample Healthy Futures VAD 16

Sample Education Job Description 18

Sample Healthy Futures Job Description 20

On-Site Orientation Timeline 22

Glossary 23

Proposal Checklist 24

WACC VISTA RFP TIMELINE February 10, 2016 WACC VISTA RFP Released March 1, 2016 Time: 2-3 Technical Assistance Call for New Applicants March 10, 2016 Time: 10-11 Technical Assistance Call for new/returning applicants March 24, 2016 Time: 3-4 Technical Assistance Call for new/returning applicants April 5, 2016 Full Proposal Priority Due Date – electronic submission (WACC will

continue to accept proposals after this date, but will give priority to proposals received by April 5th)

April 11, 2016 Hard copy proposal with original certification signatures is due April 22, 2016 WACC VISTA Program partners notified April 29, 2016 WACC VISTA Members Local and National Recruitment begins (positions

posted on AmeriCorps electronic portal and through local site sources) May 31, 2016 WACC VISTA Member Application Deadline. All enrollment paperwork

and documentation MUST be completed and submitted to WACC by this date

June 23, 2016 WACC VISTA Project members selected June, 2016 New Supervisor Training August 29, 2016 Member’s first day of service at site (tentative)

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PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Host Eligibility • Applicants must be a member in good standing of WACC or intend to join WACC • Applicants agree to pay a participation fee of $8,000 • Applicants agree to retain and make available $500 in emergency funds to the VISTA member in

the event of an emergency • Applicants agree to comply with AmeriCorps*VISTA Terms and Conditions

Host Responsibilities

• Participate in all program activities such as orientation, trainings, site visits, conference calls and assessments

• Participate in the recruitment of WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member • Develop Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) for WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member • Supervise and provide ongoing training to WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member • Provide materials, supplies, mileage reimbursement, and adequate working space to permit

WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member to perform her/his assigned duties • Support WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member to network with other national service participants

in their community and participate in local emergency disaster relief efforts, if needed • Support WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member participation in National Days of Service, i.e., 9/11

Day of Remembrance, MLK Day, National Volunteer Week and Make a Difference Day • Notify Program Manager immediately regarding unscheduled termination of WACC

AmeriCorps*VISTA member and unscheduled changes of status and conditions of WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member such as arrest, hospitalization, and unapproved absences

• Participate in WACC program assessment efforts including campus data collection and progress reports

• Recognize WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member at end of program year (certificate of completion, letter of appreciation from president, recognition event, etc.)

• Use Washington Campus Compact and AmeriCorps*VISTA logos and names in marketing materials including website, brochures, etc.

• Provide link to Washington Campus Compact website on department website (http://www.wacampuscompact.org )

Host Selection Each proposal will be evaluated by external reviewers who have expertise and interest in VISTA programming, as well as internal staff reviewers. New host site placements will be determined through a competitive process according to the following application criteria:

10% Project Synopsis 10% Statement of Need 20% Project Plan 10% Community Partnerships 10% Organizational Capacity and Sustainability

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10% Member Development and Support 70% Narrative

20% Volunteer Assignment Description 10% Detailed Job Description 30% Supplemental Information 100% Total Host site continuations will be evaluated on project proposal, as well as previous year accomplishments and project sustainability. Final selection may also be based on type of institution, geographic location and/or population diversity. Member Eligibility

• College degree • At least 18 years of age • U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident • Interest or experience related to anti-poverty issues • Ability to work nights and weekends as necessary • Interest and experience in community service and knowledge of and/or interest in working with

college students, faculty, staff, and community partners • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Computer proficiency, experience with databases preferred • Ability to make a full-year commitment • Ability to pass criminal background check before employment begins

Member Responsibilities

• Participate in all program activities such as orientation, trainings, site visits, conference calls and assessments

• Comply fully with all provisions outlined in AmeriCorps*VISTA Prohibited Activities • Complete and submit all required reports and timesheets • Regularly update WACC on project successes and challenges • Communicate regularly with other team members via email, WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA Facebook

Page, VISTA Blog, etc. • Complete WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member evaluations • Notify Site Supervisor and Program Manager • immediately regarding early termination or other change of status including arrest, sickness, or

accident • Participation in Days of Service, i.e., Martin Luther King Holiday, National Volunteer Week, Make

a Difference Day, should activities be organized in the communities where the members are in service

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WASHINGTON CAMPUS COMPACT AMERICORPS VISTA PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

What is Washington Campus Compact? Washington Campus Compact (WACC) is a membership organization of college and university presidents who promote the education and commitment of college students to be active, civically engaged leaders in their communities, furthering the civic and public purposes of higher education, and strengthening communities.

WACC helps member sites and their community partners to expand and improve services, foster collaboration among organizations, recruit volunteers, and engage community members as partners in creating sustainable solutions to local problems.

What is the AmeriCorps VISTA Program? AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a full-time national service program for men and women 18 years and older who wish to apply their skills to building the capacity of community-based organizations through the development of sustainable anti-poverty programs that engage and empower residents of economically disadvantaged communities across America. AmeriCorps VISTA Members serve in community organizations, higher education institutions, local governments, and other agencies to develop and expand services and programs that help support the efforts of low-income individuals to rise out of poverty. All VISTA projects must demonstrate four key principles:

1) Anti-poverty focus 2) Capacity building 3) Sustainability and 4) Community Empowerment

The purpose of VISTA is to build capacity of non-profit organizations and communities to help bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Projects should be responsive and relevant to the lives of community residents and engage them in project planning and evaluation. Host site applicants should keep these key principles in mind as they consider their plans for a VISTA’s service. What is the Washington Campus Compact (WACC) VISTA Program? The WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Program represents a dynamic relationship between higher education and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which recognizes the power of campus-community partnerships in addressing critical community needs. WACC AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time, for one year, building the capacity of college campuses and community-based organizations to increase access to educational resources and fresh, nutritional food sources across Washington State. In addition, the program recognizes the unique needs of veterans and their families. Members may not provide direct service to individuals, rather their activities should focus on building the capacity of organizations and communities. They do this by serving as liaisons, leveraging resources and promoting reciprocity between campuses and their identified community partners to build infrastructure, secure long-term resources, and recruit, coordinate and train volunteers to create systems that remain long after service ends. The WACC AmeriCorps VISTA program uses an evidence-based approach to demonstrate community impact and solve community problems. WACC uses strategic, ongoing mechanisms for assessment and evaluation to track

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progress toward program objectives. Furthermore, WACC regularly analyzes data to inform program planning and improvement. What is the goal of the WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Program? The goal of the WACC VISTA Program is to move people out of poverty through educational attainment and food security by building the capacity of community-based organizations working to address these critical issues. Program objectives:

• Develop sustainable campus-community partnerships that improve educational access, persistence and completion and increase access to secure and nutritional food.

• Develop sustainable local community-based projects that improve educational access, persistence and completion and increase access to secure and nutritional food.

• Mobilize volunteers to address community needs in the areas of education and food security, as well as to support National Days of Service.

• Serve and engage low-income veterans through programs that improve educational access, persistence and completion as well as increase access to secure and nutritional food.

What is the focus of the WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Program? In recognition of WACC’s vital role in strengthening communities through education and civic engagement, the WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Program will highlight two focus areas; Education and Healthy Futures. Working with the host site and identified community partners, the WACC AmeriCorps VISTA member will build the capacity to sustain programs in one or both focus areas. In addition, WACC will prioritize projects that emphasize low income Veteran support in both foci and an increase in STEM.

Focus Area 1: Education The relationship between education and poverty reduction is very clear: educated people have a higher income earning potential and are better able to improve the quality of their lives. In fact, education is the primary vehicle by which economically and socially marginalized adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty and obtain the means to participate fully in their communities. WACC AmeriCorps VISTA members will develop, build, support, and deepen campus-community partnerships that directly impact the educational access, persistence and completion for economically disadvantaged children and youth, as well as veterans. These partnerships will focus on: • School Readiness: helping economically disadvantaged pre-K students enroll in, maintain enrollment in,

and succeed in early childhood education programs • Success in School: helping economically disadvantaged students in grades K–12 maintain enrollment in,

and succeed in school • College Access: helping first-generation and economically disadvantaged students in grades 9–12

prepare for and access college • College Persistence and Completion: helping at-risk college students, as well as veterans, persist toward

graduation through coaching, tutoring, mentoring, enrollment support, learning communities and community engagement initiatives

• STEM: increasing the number of underrepresented students in the STEM disciplines

Additionally, priority will be given to high quality proposals that: • partner with recipients of Title I school improvement grants (SIG)

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• increase college access and success for veterans and military families • increase educational opportunities in rural communities

Focus Area 2: Healthy Futures Diet-related disease has been steadily increasing over the last 30 years mirroring the rise of processed, less nutritious foods and the scarcity of accessible fresh fruits and vegetables; resulting in food deserts in many regions of the country. To build a safe, just, accessible and sustainable food system, we need many different kinds of people, organizations and businesses within a community to work together to increase access to healthy, affordable, fresh food. WACC AmeriCorps VISTA members will develop, build, support, and deepen campus-community partnerships that contribute to an equitable, sustainable and healthy food system for economically disadvantaged children, youth and adults, as well as veterans and military families. These partnerships will focus on: • Obesity and Food: supporting anti-hunger efforts that increase access to healthy food through food

banks, farmer’s markets, community gardens and other projects • Nutritional Education: supporting campus and community efforts that teach healthy eating and

nutrition through research-based education programs

What do VISTA members do to build capacity? • Develop partnerships with local community agencies and Title I schools • Conduct community asset mapping • Develop student leadership to sustain impactful community service • Recruit and mobilize volunteers to serve at Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in activities related

to focus areas • Develop and coordinate programs and services to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged

children and youth • Create new systems and processes • Leverage cash and in-kind resources • Plan, coordinate and implement community-service projects (focused on education or healthy futures)

for National Days of Service • Report on project accomplishments

WACC VISTA Performance Measures WACC VISTA Performance Measure are intended to measure the impact of capacity building activities at the performance site.

Capacity Building Performance Measures All host sites will track Capacity Building outputs (activities) and outcomes using a WACC developed Pre/Post Survey. These will include the following aligned outputs and outcomes: Capacity Building Outputs:

• Number of volunteers recruited • Number of volunteers managed • Hours of service performed by volunteers • Staff trained • Monetary resources raised • In-kind resources raised • Number of beneficiaries

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Capacity Building Outcomes: • Increase in effectiveness • Increase in efficiency • Increase in number of new systems and business processes or enhancements • Increase in services

Anti-poverty Performance Measures All host sites must also track outputs (activities) and outcomes in their chosen focus area. These will include the following aligned outputs and outcomes:

• Education Outputs: Number of students/children (beneficiaries) that completed participation in VISTA supported program.

• Education Outcomes: Number of children/students with improved school attendance while in program.

• Healthy Futures Outputs: Number of Individuals receiving emergency food from food pantries or other non-profit organizations. Number of individuals receiving nutritional education.

• Healthy Futures Outcomes: Number of individuals who reported increased food security and nutritional knowledge

How does the VISTA Grant work? All WACC AmeriCorps VISTA projects must be designed with a three-year timeline in mind to support sustainability. VISTA projects typically span three years, however, host sites must re-apply each year. Contingent upon available funding and project performance, host institutions will be eligible to renew each year of the three-year grant period. Each year is meant to build upon the previous year:

• Year One: Member creates project foundation and begins implementation process • Year Two: Member continues to implement project and begins to create structure for sustainability • Year Three: Member focuses on project institutionalization

The natural progression from project creation to institutionalization is illustrated below: Year 1: [Project Creation & Management] ⇒ Year 2: [Improvement & Process] ⇒Year 3: [Project Institutionalization]

Projects should incorporate all three aspects with increasing emphasis on capacity building and sustainable endeavors in year two and three. Fourth year applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Fourth year applications will need to illustrate a combination of significant community need and strong program results.

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AMERICORPS*VISTA MEMBER BENEFITS

Benefits include:

• Monthly living allowance (dependent on project location) • AmeriCorps*VISTA Members have the option to receive the Segal Education Award of $5,775

(taxable) or a $1,500 cash stipend (taxable) upon successful completion of their year of service. The education award can be used to cover the costs of future education or to repay qualified student loans.

• Basic health plan (not insurance) • Student loan forbearance on eligible student loans • Basic child care assistance when applicable • Relocation allowance, if moving more than 50 miles to serve

Reimbursed travel expenses (when applicable) • Extensive training and professional development opportunities • Professional networking opportunities • Access to institutional resources • Access to AmeriCorps* network • Non-competitive eligibility for Federal Government service (for one year after service) • Mileage reimbursement for work related travel

Site specific benefits (varies by campus):

• Campus bus pass • Access to campus resources such as library, technical support, rec center • Meal Plan (if available)

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MEMBER RECRUITMENT

During AmeriCorps WACC VISTA member recruitment Washington Campus Compact (WACC) and the host site work in tandem, each with unique roles and responsibilities.

Overall Responsibilities

● WACC: National outreach, management of WACC recruitment web page and AmeriCorps application database, application review, screening interviews, reference checks, communication of final offer

● Host Sites: Management of local community outreach, application review, interviewing, member selection

National Recruitment

WACC posts position on the AmeriCorps.gov website

WACC receives application through the AmeriCorps system

If qualified, WACC performs initial interview with the candidate

WACC forwards qualified candidate’s information to potential host site

Host site interview candidate

Host site selects candidate and informs WACC of decision

WACC communicates final offer

Candiate accepts postion and has a successful VISTA year

Local Recruitment

Host site posts their AmeriCorps*VISTA position locally and manages position

specific recruitment campaign

Host site receives resumes and cover letters from several candidates

Host site directs all applicants to submit official Americorps.gov

application

Host site interviews candidates and identifies their top choice

Host site forwards preferred candidate's information to WACC

WACC confirms elegibility of applicant

WACC communicates final offer

Candiate accepts postion and has a successful VISTA year

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Outreach

• VISTA Leader (VL) enters information from host site proposal into AmeriCorps online application database and makes position description available, sharing corresponding links with host site recruitment coordinator (RC)

● RC (typically the site supervisor) reviews posting and position description notifying VL of any necessary changes

● Additionally, VL posts position to applicable listservs, discussion forums, and job search websites

● Simultaneously, RC promotes position locally using campus and community communication channels, directing interested people to http://www.americorps.gov and Recruitment page of WACC VISTA Program website

Application

● Full application process is listed on Recruitment page of WACC VISTA Program website. All applicants whether recruited locally by host site or nationally by the WACC office must submit an AmeriCorps online application

● VL monitors AmeriCorps site and sends an e-mail to all applicants, acknowledging submission. The e-mail states what application parts (if any) are missing and explains that they need to e-mail a resume and cover letter to Denise.Blike@wwu.edu

● VL inputs applicant information into the database and begins review of completed applications

Screening

● VL invites qualified applicants to participate in initial phone interview

● During this interview, candidates are informed about both the expectations and benefits of VISTA service, including:

● Start date and end date ● Pre-service Orientation ● Importance of commitment ● Explanation of Prohibited Activities

● VL forwards qualified candidates to RC at applicable host sites

Host Site Interview

● RC reviews the forwarded materials, and if interested, conducts a site specific interview

● If RC is not interested in an applicant, the VL should be contacted by phone or email

● The interview process should be conducted within one week of receiving application materials, to ensure a successful placement.

Please note: As illustrated in the graphic above, if a host site identifies a candidate locally, a site specific interview may precede the candidate speaking with the VL. However, all applicants must submit the full AmeriCorps.gov application and speak with the VISTA Leader at some point.

Matching

● RC decides, if candidate is good choice for host site, and communicates decision to VL

Selection

● The VL is responsible for communicating all position offers or rejections. This ensures consistency in the information provided to all candidates regarding WACC and AmeriCorps expectations

● When a candidate accepts the position, VL confirms selection in the AmeriCorps database

● VL sends the WACC Welcome packet to the newly selected VISTA

● RC prepares on-site orientation and training plan (OSOT) and submits to VL

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VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION (VAD)

SAMPLE ACTIVITIES BY YEAR In recognition of WACC’s vital role in strengthening communities through education and civic engagement, the WACC VISTA 2016-17 Program will highlight two Focus Areas (FA); Education and Healthy Futures. Each campus will select one or both focus areas. In addition, the program will place special emphasis on Veterans and Military Families and STEM within each of the focus areas. The following are examples of appropriate VISTA activities: YEAR One: Project Creation & Management

● Participate in on site orientation and training conducted by site supervisor ● Become familiar with community resources, assets and needs around focus area (FA) ● Plan community outreach events to potential community-based organizations (CBOs/Title 1 schools) working in

FA ● Work with new CBOs to identify organizational needs ● Recruit faculty interested in working with CBO in FA ● Facilitate collaboration between faculty members and CBO in developing service project ● Recruit, train, and/or place student volunteers at CBOs working in FA ● Develop and manage activities for on-campus programs serving low-income students and veterans ● Develop website and web-related tools to promote FA program ● Assist in the planning and implementation of local community service projects in FA,including veterans and

military families ● Collaborate with student organizations on service activities and opportunities ● Write articles and/or press releases to publicize service efforts ● Plan and coordinate MLK Day and/or other days of service ● Conduct reflection activity with students attending one day events ● Make class presentations on FA and aligned service opportunities ● Connect faculty members with community partners for community-based research ● Plan issue-based educational forums and events ● Present to campus groups about the needs of those in poverty and potential strategies of FA ● Develop outreach materials for campus and community about FA ● Present to stakeholders on the status of partnerships and statistics related to needs and progress in the

community ● Recognize publicly through press releases, newsletters, etc. community partner progress ● Recognize students, faculty, staff, and community partners during a formal ceremony ● Document effective practices to share with other VISTAs ● Present effective practices at local and/or state-wide conferences ● Create and distribute an annual report highlighting campus-community partnerships ● Begin a handbook for Y2 and Y3 VISTA members ● Participate in WACC assessment and reporting

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YEAR Two: Improvement & Process

● Participate in on site orientation and training conducted by site supervisor ● Become familiar with Year Two community resources, assets and needs around focus area (FA). ● Use Year One program assessment to strengthen programs and partnerships ● Sustain and enhance campus/community partnerships established in first year ● Conduct outreach to potential new community partners ● Design brochures or website materials to promote FA ● Recruit, train, and/or place student volunteers in designated CBOs or Title I schools ● Document and present the results of FA service programs to local businesses, community and educational

leaders, and those on campus to garner further support ● Promote effective models and practices for recruitment, training, and placement among FA partners ● Recruit FA ambassadors for community partnerships ● Determine procedures and systems for FA volunteer initiatives (i.e. procedures for responding to community

requests for student volunteers, procedures for fundraising, communication systems) ● Develop a system for feedback from all constituents (student volunteers, community partners, faculty and staff ● Develop and host an email listserv for those involved in partnerships ● Organize FA service orientations, workshops, learning circles, and/or fellowships for faculty ● Develop, diversify, and expand a library and/or website of FA resources, available to faculty, staff, students, and

community partners ● Meet with various student programs on campus to strengthen and/or leverage community service FA goals ● Foster cross-campus FA programming ● Develop a strategic plan and leadership structure for a community task force, advisory board, and/or coalition ● Develop an advisory board to determine structure for campus/community partnerships ● Develop a communication plan or strategy within a campus-community partnership ● Use data from service program evaluations and/or an audit of campus-community programs to develop new

strategies for collaboration ● Create a structure for student leadership within FA ● Provide leadership development training for FA student leaders ● Participate in WACC assessment and reporting

YEAR Three: Project Institutionalization

● Participate in on site orientation and training conducted by site supervisor ● Write a handbook or guide for one-day service events in FA ● Formalize a curriculum to train/advise others in FA, develop a FA training handbook ● Create a FA student leaders handbook or manual ● Cultivate appropriate campus advisory relationships for student organizations in service ● Find creative ways to integrate FA community service and/or service-learning into existing programs ● Institutionalize faculty fellows program ● Standardize volunteer policies and procedures for FA CBO ● Find permanent sponsorship or funding for campus/community garden project ● Work with student organization to take on ownership of campus garden ● Document a process or policy for conflict management within a campus-community partnership ● Seek financial resources to support partnerships through grant-writing or other fundraising strategies ● Train and recognize ambassadors for community partnerships and community issues ● Complete a white paper with recommendations to the campus host site on the future of service programs and

community partnerships, as well as an outline of VISTA accomplishments for the year ● Create two-year program calendar of events, days of service, recognition and advisory board meetings ● Attend and present project work at national conference (Continuums of Service) ● Participate in WACC assessment and reporting

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Developing a WACC VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)

The VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) is a roadmap for the VISTA member’s year of service. It should capture the overall (three year) goal of the project (Goal Statement), that year’s objectives and activities and the incremental steps needed to complete each activity. It should also include intended results, and measureable targets. The VAD should be clear, succinct and without jargon so that even someone outside the program can use it to gain a solid understanding of what the WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member will do, how they will do it, and what the results will be once they have completed their work.

The VAD is a working document, used by the WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member, their site supervisor, and WACC program staff to share project plans with the State Office and to frame project reporting. As with many grant applications, your project plan and results need to be aligned. All anticipated WACC activities should be documented here.

The VAD can be modified and will change as the project progresses. Changing needs, new opportunities and the AmeriCorps*VISTA member’s unique skills will influence the way the VAD is structured. The Supervisor should review the VAD with the WACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member at least once a month, and any changes submitted to the WACC program director for approval as they are proposed.

Tips for developing a solid VISTA Member Assignment Description:

1. The Goal Statement reflects what you hope to accomplish in three years and ensures that your project aligns with the overall WACC VISTA Program goals.

2. Objectives are what the VISTA member will need to accomplish to reach the anticipated results for their 12 month term of service.

3. Activities are the specific actions needed to achieve the Objectives. Examples may include; processes, tools, workshops and events.

4. Steps describe even more specifically what the member will be doing. Action verbs should be used in this section of the VAD.

5. The Anticipated Results are tangible, substantial, intermediary outcomes for the project. Most VISTA projects will have two or three.

6. The Target is the measurable quantity of the results. This is expressed by a number (for example, 30 volunteers, 1,000 hours, $200 of in-kind donation, or 300 beneficiaries).

7. How Measured defines the instrument that will be used (for example, activity log, sign-up sheet or pre/post survey).

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VISTA ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION (VAD) 2016-2017

VISTA Position Title: Jazmin Brantley

Host Site: Fir Tree College

Supervisor Name: Grace Lee

Project Title: Tree of Knowledge: A Youth Mentoring Project

Primary Anti-Poverty Focus Area: ☒Education ☐Healthy Futures ☐STEM ☐ Veterans and Military Families Secondary Anti-Poverty Focus Area: ☐Education ☐Healthy Futures ☐STEM ☐ Veterans and Military Families

Project Year: ☒Year 1 ☐Year 2 ☐Year 3

VISTA Member Objectives and Activities

Project Goal Statement: Establish a sustainable mentoring program to ensure disadvantaged children and youth of Greater Valley County receive the educational, emotional and social support necessary to access, persist and succeed in school and break the cycle of poverty.

Objective 1: Establish partnership between Fir Tree College, Riverview High School and Greater Valley Boys & Girls Club Activity 1: Identify community resources, assets and needs around college access and retention and past/current mentoring programs in the area

Step 1: Visit, observe, and meet Riverview High School and Greater Valley Boys & Girls Club stakeholders Step 2: Create report with ideas for improvement Step 3: Step 4:

Activity 2: Assemble working group of key stakeholders. Step 1: Create communication infrastructure for working group Step 2: Set up regular meetings and task groups Step 3: Prioritize work group Year 1 initiatives

Enter the date or time period for completion: Sept. 2016 – January 2017

Anticipated Results: New community partnerships and working group established Target Number: 2-4 Community Partnerships, 1 work group How Measured: Project Documentation, Advisory Meeting Notes, Report\

Objective 2: Develop plan for after school mentoring program Activity 1: Explore mentoring best practices Step 1: Document standard policies, procedures and best practices Step 2: Draft pilot plan Step 3: Enter text Step 4: Enter text Activity 2: Develop outreach and recruitment plan Step 1: Identify skills, abilities and experiences sought in volunteer mentors Step 2: Create position descriptions Step 3: Create targeted outreach materials for recruitment Activity 3: Market program

Enter the date or time period for completion: Oct. 2016 – May 2017

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Step 1: Present program in classrooms Step 2: Table events Activity 4: Pilot program Step1: Train Mentors Step 2: Coordinate Mentor/mentee matches Anticipated Results: Pilot after-school mentoring program created Target Number: 1 project, 25 volunteers, 50 students How Measured: Project documentation, teacher surveys, volunteer and participant logs, and progress reports.

Objective 3: Assess and evaluate Year 1 program to close feedback loop Activity 1: Administer Community Partner Survey and Mentor/Mentee Pre/Post survey

Step 1: Analyze data Step 2: Complete and submit progress reports Step 3: Enter text Step 4: Enter text

Activity 2: Create system for documentation of successful strategies Step 1: Develop Disseminate plan Step 2: Apply assessment results to inform project growth and development Step 3: Enter text Step 4: Enter text

Enter the date or time period for Completion: Ongoing

Anticipated Results: Community partners surveyed and reported improved efficiency, teachers surveyed and reported improved behavior, volunteers surveyed and reported improved awareness of mentoring best practices Target Number: 50 students take pre/post survey, two community partners take pre/post survey, 25 volunteers take pre/post survey How Measured: Pre/post surveys and progress reports

Objective 4: Organize a National Days of Service event (MLK, Cesar Chavez, or MADD) focused on nutrition education

Activity 1: Research current information around veteran support services Step 1: Work with student leaders and veteran organizations to form planning committee

Activity 2: Draft project plan and define roles

Step 1: Create outreach and marketing materials Step 2: Coordinate student and community recruitment

Activity 3: Host Event Step 1: Develop recommended standard policies and procedures for days of service

projects Step 2: Create event binder for further events

Enter the date or time period for completion: October 2016-June 2017

Anticipated Results: Service projects coordinated with a veteran support focus Target Number: 5 Projects, 50 volunteers, 100 participants, 20 veterans How Measured: Project documentation, progress reports, volunteer logs

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VISTA ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION (VAD) 2016-2017

VISTA Position Title: Paul Muinez

Host Site: Mountainview Community College

Supervisor Name: Cassandra Garrett

Project Title: Healthy Roots – Food for Our Future

Primary Anti-Poverty Focus Area: ☐Education ☒Healthy Futures ☐STEM ☐ Veterans and Military Families Secondary Anti-Poverty Focus Area: ☐Education ☐Healthy Futures ☐STEM ☐ Veterans and Military Families

Project Year: ☒Year 1 ☐Year 2 ☐Year 3

VISTA Member Objectives and Activities

Project Goal Statement: Develop and sustain local food sources that will improve access to fresh produce and enhance general health for disadvantaged children, youth and adults in Colby County.

Objective 1: Establish partnerships with Northwest Bounty food bank distribution center and two local food banks. Activity 1: Identify community resources, assets and needs around nutritional food access and security

Step 1: Job shadow a distribution center and local food banks to observe observations Step 2: Create report of findings Step 3: Step 4:

Activity 2: Assemble working group of key stakeholders. Step 1: Set up regular meetings and task groups Step 2: Set up regular communications system between stakeholders Step 3: Prioritize work group Year 1 initiatives Step 4: Draft pilot plan

Enter the date or time period for completion: Sept. 2016 – Dec. 2016

Anticipated Results: New community partnerships and working group established Target Number: Three community partnerships, one advisory group How Measured: Project documentation, advisory meeting notes, progress report

Objective 2: Establish a community garden Activity 1: Research and visit existing community and victory gardens in area

Step 1: Explore possible community garden sites Step 2: Set up and manage garden advisory group Step 3: Draft initial garden plan Step 4: Enter text

Activity 2: Secure garden site Step 1: Collect in-kind and cash donations of seeds and equipment Step 2: Develop recruitment and volunteer management plan Step 3: Coordinate planting, maintenance, harvest and delivery of produce Step 4: Document standard policies, procedures and best practices

Enter the date or time period for completion: Oct. 2016 – August 2017

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Anticipated Results: Community garden project established and produce delivered Target Number: $200 in-kind donations, 50 students recruited, 100 beneficiaries, 1000lbs of food delivered. How Measured: Project documentation, volunteer logs, and progress reports.

Objective 3: Assess and evaluate Year 1 program to close feedback loop Activity 1: Complete and submit progress reports

Step 1: Administer community partner survey Step 2: Administer Pre/Post survey to clients Step 3: Enter text Step 4: Enter text

Activity 2: Analyze data Step 1: Disseminate findings Step 2: Apply assessment results to inform project growth and development Step 3: Enter text Step 4: Enter text

Enter the date or time period for Completion: Ongoing

Anticipated Results: Community partners surveyed and reported improved efficiency, beneficiaries surveyed and reported improved access to healthy food, volunteers surveyed and reported improved knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating Target Number: 3 Community Partners, 75 beneficiaries, 50 volunteers surveyed How Measured: Describe the instrument you will use to measure these results.

Objective 4: Organize a National Days of Service event (MLK, Cesar Chavez, or MADD) focused on nutrition education Activity 1: Work with student leaders to form planning committee

Step 1: Draft project plan and define roles Step 2: Develop work plan Step 3: Create outreach and marketing materials Step 4: Enter text

Activity 2: Coordinate speakers and agenda Step 1: Coordinate student and community recruitment Step 2: Host event Step 3: Develop recommended standard policies and procedures for days of service projects Step 4: Enter text

Enter the date or time period for completion: Spring 2017

Anticipated Results: Planned, coordinated and implemented a Healthy Eating Symposium Target Number: 1 Project, 50 volunteers, 200 participants How Measured: Project documentation, progress reports, volunteer logs

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WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Position Description

Host Site Name: Fir Tree College Department: Community Based Learning and Research Position Title: WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Community Liaison Reports to: Grace Lee

Position Summary:

• The WACC AmeriCorps VISTA member will work to establish and develop a strong partnership between Fir Tree College, Ridgeview High School and the Greater Valley Boys and Girls club to improve access, persistence, and completion rates through increased academic support and/or after school programming.

Major responsibilities and activities: • Work with school staff to understand school structure and conduct needs assessment • Develop project plan for mentoring at Ridgeview High School and Greater Valley Boys and Girls club • Work with faculty/administrators to recruit, train and place college/university student volunteers as mentors in

programs at Ridgeview High School and Greater Valley Boys and Girls club • Implement pilot campus mentoring program • Coordinate service events with partners for national days of service which focus on addressing poverty issues

through education and healthy futures • Help develop assessment plan for volunteer projects, both on campus and in the community • Participate in all WACC networking & training events

Term of service: 365 days, averaging 40 hrs. / Week Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor degree • At least 18 years of age, U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident • Interest and/or experience in community service and/or community development • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and multi-task • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Excellent computer skills, including MS Office, social media, adobe products, and database management • Ability to make a full-year commitment • Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary • Ability to pass criminal background check before employment begins

AmeriCorps VISTA benefits:

• Monthly living allowance, dependent upon project location • Post service $5,775 Education Award or $1500 end-of-term cash award • Basic health coverage, student loan forbearance, and basic childcare assistance when applicable • Relocation allowance, if moving more than 50 miles to serve • Travel reimbursement to site (when applicable) • Extensive training, professional development, and networking opportunities • Access to AmeriCorps network • Non-competitive eligibility for federal government service (for one year after service)

Site specific benefits:

• Campus bus pass • Access to campus libraries and fitness center

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• Meal plan (if available) Equal Opportunity and Non-discrimination Western Washington University/Washington Campus Compact and sub-granted campus programs, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces equal opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and veteran status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See Western’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation (POL-U1600.02): http://www.wwu.edu/policies/policy1000.shtml As such, the subcontracted campus programs agree not to discriminate against any client, student, employee, or applicant for employment or services in administering personnel actions such as employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment, layoff, termination, compensation and training opportunities, on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and veteran status.

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WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Position Description

Host Site Name: Mountain View Community College Department: Center for Service Learning Position Title: WACC AmeriCorps VISTA Community Liaison Reports to: Cassandra Garrett

Position Summary:

• The WACC AmeriCorps VISTA member will work to address food insecurity in the Greater Valley Community by building partnerships between Mountain View Community College, Northwest Bounty, and local food banks to develop systems and structures that support food security, while educating students and community members about healthy eating and the root causes of hunger.

Major responsibilities and activities:

• Conduct needs assessment for local community based organizations working to increase food security • Recruit, train and place community volunteers in local organizations focused on food security • Plan, design, and implement sustainable community garden projects with appropriate stakeholders • Host healthy futures symposium involving interested faculty and community-based organizations • Coordinate service events for National Days Of Service focused on nutrition and food security • Participate in all WACC networking and training events

Term of Service: 365 days, averaging 40 hrs. / Week Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor degree • At least 18 years of age, U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident • Interest and/or experience in community service and/or community development • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and multi-task • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Excellent computer skills, including MS Office, social media, adobe products, and database management • Ability to make a full-year commitment • Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary • Ability to pass criminal background check before employment begins

AmeriCorps VISTA benefits:

• Monthly living allowance, dependent upon project location • Post service $5,775 Education Award or $1500 end-of-term cash award • Basic health coverage, student loan forbearance and basic child care assistance when applicable • Relocation allowance, if moving more than 50 miles to serve • Travel reimbursement to placement site (when applicable) • Extensive training, professional development, and networking opportunities • Access to AmeriCorps network • Non-competitive eligibility for federal government service (for one year after service)

Site specific benefits:

• Campus bus pass • Access to campus libraries and fitness center • Meal Plan (if available)

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Equal Opportunity and Non-discrimination Western Washington University/Washington Campus Compact and sub-granted campus programs, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces equal opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and veteran status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See Western’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation (POL-U1600.02): http://www.wwu.edu/policies/policy1000.shtml As such, the subcontracted campus programs agree not to discriminate against any client, student, employee, or applicant for employment or services in administering personnel actions such as employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, recruitment, layoff, termination, compensation and training opportunities, on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and veteran status.

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On-Site Orientation and Training (OSOT)

On-Site Orientation and Training (OSOT) should be completed in the first month of the AmeriCorps VISTA Member’s service. The following worksheet is provided to assist site supervisors in planning an effective OSOT. Please review the OSOT best practices listed below to assist with the proposal narrative questions. First Day: ● Introduce AmeriCorps VISTA Member to other staff ● Provide a tour of the campus ● Introduce the VAD to the AmeriCorps VISTA Member ● Share what previous Members have worked on, if applicable ● Set up email, voicemail, get college ID, complete necessary paperwork, etc. ● Instruct Member on use of phone, fax, copier, mail process, ordering office supplies, etc. ● Get AmeriCorps VISTA Member keys to access campus office/building and school building ● Communicate Office attire Week One: Discuss common expectations and agreements for a working relationship including, but not limited to: ● The supervisor’s other roles and responsibilities ● The supervisor’s management style ● The AmeriCorps VISTA Member’s learning style ● A clear understanding of the lines of communication between Member and supervisor ● A clear understanding of the support provided to the Member ● Introduction to the chain of command for the organization ● Establish a weekly meeting time ● Discuss professional behavior expectations and office policies, to include, but not limited to: ● AmeriCorps VISTA Member’s schedule: hours in the office, arrival/departure time ● Attendance expectations: who to call if sick, what to do if running late, etc. ● Office behavior: what is appropriate, what is not ● Employee policies: computer use, working with the media, etc. ● Mileage reimbursement procedure ● Provide Member with the culture and mission of the institution ● How the institution functions ● Introductions to staff, faculty, and administrators ● Provide Member with an introduction to the campus/community, to include, but not limited to:

o The socio-economic and political structure o The physical boundaries of the service area o Tour of community and introductions to key community partners o Potential resources that can help achieve project goals

Weeks Two-Four: ● Allow the AmeriCorps VISTA Member to learn about their project and develop their skills. This may include:

o Professional development training o Signing up for appropriate listservs o Project-related research o Sitting in on a service-learning class

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WACC VISTA Glossary of Terms

Beneficiaries: The individuals, groups, and organizations that benefit from services supported by the efforts of VISTAs. Although VISTAs do not engage in direct provision of services to people in need, the capacity-building efforts of VISTAs provide indirect support to service delivery. Capacity Building: Refers to the effort by VISTA projects to increase the ability of community based organizations (CBOs) to provide services to the community. Capacity-building efforts within or between organizations may be intended to expand resources, increase the number of beneficiaries served, improve service utilization, develop new programs and services, expand existing programs and services and/or improve service coordination among organizations. Community Need: The problem or issue in the community that the VISTA project will address. Community Volunteer: An individual from the community who offers their time and talents to assist CBOs. Community volunteers may be, but are not limited to: students, seniors, baby boomers, veterans and their families. Community volunteers differ from VISTAs, in that they are under no formal obligation to provide a specified amount of assistance (e.g., as measured by service hours), and do not receive a stipend, education award or health benefits. Data: The numbers and other raw factual information systematically collected to measure results. Data Source: Identifies the origin (place, organization, or group of individuals) of the information collected to measure results. Goal: The broad purpose toward which your project is directed. Goals address what you expect the VISTA project to achieve over the life of the project (three years) in relation to community needs identified in the application narrative. Input: A resource the program will use to achieve anticipated results. Examples include staff, VISTAs, community volunteers, facilities, equipment, curricula, and money. Logic Model: A diagram or chart that outlines how a project will address a community need by establishing a “big picture” goal, identifying the inputs and activities needed to address the goal and determining the performance milestones that will be used to assess results. The logic model reveals the basic thinking behind the project and how resources will be used to help solve a problem in the community. Project Plan: Submitted as part of the VISTA application, the project plan identifies poverty-related community needs that the VISTA project will address and key results that will be measured along the way. Service Activity: The activities engaged in by members of a VISTA project to achieve the project’s goals. Stakeholder: An individual, group, or organization with an interest in the success of the VISTA project. Stakeholders may include VISTAs, project staff, partner agencies, boards, funders, community partners, and program beneficiaries. Sustainability: The ability of programs, services, and other program infrastructure developed to endure beyond the completion of the VISTA project. Target: A concrete, measurable number that specifies progress toward reaching the project goal. It answers the question “What is my evidence that the anticipated results have been reached?” VISTA Assignment Description (VAD): Identifies key activities of VISTAs and the major steps needed to accomplish these activities. Projects develop a VAD for each VISTA.

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WACC AMERICORPS VISTA PROGRAM PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

Please ensure your proposal is accurately and fully completed before submission. The full proposal is made up of two section: Section 1: ☐ Proposal Narrative (single-spacing, 12pt., < 300 words per question) ☐ AmeriCorps VISTA Member Assignment Description (VAD) ☐ Detailed Member Job Description (used for recruitment) Section 2: ☐ VISTA Proposal Signature Page ☐ Signed Copy of the Acknowledgement of Prohibited Activities ☐ Signed Copy of the Organizational Capacity Checklist ☐ Letters of Support from two designated Community Partners identified in project narrative. This

is REQUIRED for all new applicants and continuation proposals with new community partners ☐ Letter of Support from the President, Vice President, Dean, Chief Academic Officer, or

Student Affairs Officer, verifying campus commitment and the participation fee (new applicants only)

☐ Site Supervisor Resume/Vitae (if not already on file with WACC)

Submission Procedures ☐ Send Section 1 materials (as MS Word file) to Linnea.Broker@wwu.edu ☐ Scan and send Section 2 materials, (as PDF) with signatures to Linnea.Broker@wwu.edu ☐ Mail hardcopy of entire proposal to:

Linnea Broker Washington Campus Compact c/o Western Washington University 516 High Street, MS 9101 Bellingham, WA 98225

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