Quarter-Time AmeriCorps 4-H Members will work with volunteers, community partners and professionals to enhance and expand positive youth development programming and outreach opportunities to youth in their community and county. The member will strive to deliver recurring, nonformal programming that lead toward multiple youth life skill outcomes, including Productive Citizens, Outstanding Communicators, Effective Leaders and Successful Learners. The member will also be responsible for recruiting and training volunteers to enhance programming opportunities and lead to sustainable programming for the host organization.
Service Activities
Specific service activities are dependent upon the Host Organization and local community. Examples of service activities are listed below:
- Coordinating weekly before- and after-school programs to deliver 6+ hours of educational
content to youth in the local elementary school, focusing on grades K-3.
- Develop and facilitate a 4-H project area workshop for both current 4-H members and nonmember participants each month.
- Organize a minimum of three summer day camps for local youth in partnership with business and organizations to increase youth content knowledge and career readiness.
- Recruit and train volunteers to assist in program development and delivery.
- Collect program evaluations from community partners and participants and submit required
documentation to the program director and county staff on a monthly basis.
- Develop partnerships with schools, youth organizations and agencies, businesses and individuals to deliver research-based curriculum to new audiences across the county.
- Plan, coordinate, lead, deliver and evaluate educational 4-H programs to youth in out-of-school
settings.
- Incorporate and implement service-learning events for youth participants on MLK Day of Service
and Global Youth Service Day, and one other National Day of Service selected by the member.
- Participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps and/or
Iowa 4-H Youth Development.
Community Need Addressed
Increasing the number of youth programming opportunities.
Position Outcomes
Increase academic skills relating to positive youth development.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Training
Professional Development Fund which allows members to determine their own professional development opportunities, Positive Youth Development training, CPR/First Aid Training (or Disaster Response Training if CPR is completed), Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, Leadership Experience, Strong Connection to Alumni Network, Worker's Compensation, Included in Iowa State University's Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and financial planning resources.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid
Skills you will gain
Organization, Project Management, Non-formal Education and Teaching Experience, Volunteer Management, Data Collection, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Adaptability, Collaboration, Accountability, Interpersonal Skills
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment