Stewards VISTA: Appalshop - Story Collection & Outreach Y1

Stewards VISTA:
Appalshop - Story Collection & Outreach Y1

Appalshop is a nationally recognized nonprofit arts and media organization based in Whitesburg, Kentucky, dedicated to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Appalachian voices through film, radio, theater, music, archives, and community engagement. Since 1969, Appalshop has partnered with Appalachian communities to tell stories that reflect local experiences, history, culture, and resilience. As the organization continues to rebuild and strengthen its programs, it is developing systems that support ethical, community‑centered storytelling and long‑term partnerships across the region.

The Ameri Corps VISTA member will build organization‑wide infrastructure for story‑gathering, oral history, and community outreach efforts. The member may research past and current story‑collection practices, develop documentation and planning resources, identify gaps in existing procedures, and develop templates, tools, and guidelines for staff that support future storytelling projects. This work may include creating planning materials that staff will use for interviews, listening sessions, community recording events, and other public storytelling activities.

The member will also support partnership development by researching potential collaborators, including schools, libraries, senior centers, cultural organizations, community groups, local governments, and other institutions interested in preserving and sharing community stories for staff to engage.

Whitesburg offers a welcoming small‑town environment, a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts community, and access to outdoor recreation throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Individuals interested in strengthening community voice, preserving local history, and supporting collaborative storytelling are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Stewards Individual Placements.

Member Duties :

• Research Appalshop's past oral history and story‑gathering practices
• Identify existing best practices and gaps
• Map potential host organizations and partnerships
• Create templates for future story‑collection projects
• Develop a tool‑kit for staff on how to conduct and coordinate oral histories and storytelling with partners
• Research potential new partners
• Research past and potential funding sources that Appalshop can pursue
• Research new community and national partnerships that strengthen the program with new opportunities

Program Benefits : Training, Health Coverage*, cellphone stipend, education award upon successful completion of service, living allowance, relocation allowance, childcare assistance if eligible, choice of education award or end of service stipend.

Terms : Permits working at another job during off hours, Car recommended, Permits attendance at school during off hours.

Service Areas : Community Outreach, Community and Economic Development, Technology.

Skills : Communications, General Skills, Team Work, Writing/Editing, Community Organization.