Stewards VISTA: Appalshop - Roadside Theater Cultural Net Y1

Stewards VISTA:
Appalshop – Roadside Theater Cultural Net Y1. Appalshop is a nationally recognized nonprofit arts and media organization based in Whitesburg, Kentucky, dedicated to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Appalachian stories through media, performance, education, and community engagement. Since 1969, Appalshop has served as a cultural anchor for Central Appalachia. Roadside Theater, Appalshop’s community-based theater program, uses storytelling, music, dialogue, and performance to strengthen community connections, celebrate local culture, and support civic engagement.

The Ameri Corps VISTA member will strengthen Roadside Theater’s organizational capacity by documenting and mapping community assets, partnerships, and engagement opportunities. The member may research historical and current partners, develop systems for tracking relationships with artists and organizations, develop archival and program materials, and create a plan to make Roadside’s history and resources more accessible to staff and community members.

The member will also develop materials for community outreach and partnership development by identifying festivals, cultural events, educational programs, and civic gatherings where Roadside can expand its presence and engagement. Responsibilities may include creating outreach calendars, contact databases, planning tools, communication materials, and resources that support long-term relationship building for staff to use. In addition, the member may develop resources for grant research and the materials that communicate the value of community-based arts and cultural programming.

Whitesburg offers a welcoming small-town environment, a vibrant arts and music scene, rich Appalachian traditions, and access to outdoor recreation throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Individuals interested in strengthening communities through arts, culture, and storytelling are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Stewards Individual Placements.

• research historical and community assets
• create a database for staff to track relationships with local artists and organizations
• research potential new partners
• develop a plan for staff to organize materials from Roadside's prior digital archive and website to make them more accessible
• research past and potential funding sources that Appalshop can pursue
• research new community and national partnerships that strengthen the program with new opportunities

• Training
• Health Coverage*
• Living Allowance
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Relocation Allowance
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• cellphone stipend

• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Car recommended

• Community Outreach
• Community and Economic Development

• General Skills
• Team Work
• Writing/Editing
• Computers/Technology
• Communications