Volunteer Iowa Youth Volunteer Engagement VISTA

Overview

This VISTA Member will advance a statewide initiative to help nonprofits build inclusive systems that actively engage youth as volunteers and leaders across Iowa. The member will strengthen community partnerships to ensure all youth have meaningful opportunities to serve, gaining protective factors that improve educational and social outcomes and help break the cycle of poverty. Key responsibilities include assessing current youth service opportunities and recognition programming throughout Iowa and researching state and national best practices.

The VISTA will identify schools, volunteer centers, after-school programs, mentoring programs, municipalities, foster care programs, Juvenile Court Services, and nonprofits that engage youth in service or recognition efforts. Working closely with the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council and participating in the HHS Youth Advisory Council, the member will incorporate youth voice into programming and gather feedback on barriers to service, partnering with youth to co‑create solutions.

The VISTA will coordinate youth volunteer recognition efforts, including a Youth Volunteer Recognition Spotlight, and identify successful models of youth service to elevate statewide. They will develop and promote resources for posting youth opportunities on the Get Connected platform and maintain youth volunteering resources on the Volunteer Iowa website. The member will also create content highlighting youth service for social media, newsletters, and local media in partnership with community agencies.

Additional responsibilities include expanding and improving youth volunteer opportunities, facilitating trainings on service learning and project development, hosting virtual volunteer fairs, and leveraging national Days of Service (9/11, MLK Day, and Global Youth Service Day) to promote youth engagement.

The VISTA member will champion youth volunteerism across Iowa by building strong partnerships with schools, nonprofits, courts, foster care programs, and community agencies to expand meaningful service opportunities. They will assess current youth engagement efforts, research best practices, and develop tools and resources that help organizations create impactful volunteer roles for youth. The VISTA will elevate youth voice by gathering feedback, collaborating with advisory councils, and co‑creating solutions that remove barriers to service.

They will spotlight outstanding youth volunteers, coordinate recognition efforts, develop engaging content for social media and newsletters, and promote opportunities through the Get Connected platform. Through trainings, Days of Service, and outreach campaigns, the VISTA will inspire more young people to serve, lead, and strengthen their communities.

• Relocation Allowance
• Health Coverage*
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Living Allowance
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Training

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

• Children/Youth

• Recruitment
• General Skills
• Communications
• Youth Development

Program Type: Ameri Corps VISTA

Program: Volunteer Iowa Youth Volunteer Engagement VISTA

Program Start/End Date: 06/01/2026 - 05/31/2027

Work Schedule: Full Time

Education level: High school diploma/GED

Age Requirement: Minimum: 18 Maximum:
None

Program Locations: IOWA

Accepting Applications: From 03/04/2026 To 08/01/2026

Kamryn Ryan
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines IA 50315

kamryn.ryan