PCCE- Ithaca College VISTA

PCCE
- Ithaca College VISTA

Ithaca College's (IC) Ithaca Forever Strategic Plan includes the goal to "develop cross-sector and community partnerships that address challenging issues, optimize the use of resources and serve the public good." IC sees the the continued support through Americorps VISTA as an important way to further foster community partnerships, reduce regional poverty and advance sustainable action. The VISTA member will support IC by advancing several key Year 3 initiatives, building off of Year 1 and efforts, with the priority project of improving regional food security efforts and a renewed interest in energy cost savings.

Approximately 11.5% of adults in Tompkins County are food insecure - including many on our own campus. At the same time, local schools, businesses and organizations - including IC's campus dining and catering - regularly produces food that end up being wasted. Food donation and waste reduction efforts to reduce this disconnect are currently underway but lack the capacity for creating institutional change.

Working with the added capacity of a dedicated VISTA member, IC will strive to increase the rate and extent of weekly food collection and expand the avenues of getting that food to those who are food insecure through collaboration with local service agencies. This effort will have the added benefit of helping to reduce campus food waste. Further, in recognizing the barrier that affordable energy plays to those in in our community in poverty, the VISTA member will work with IC and community agencies to improve access and raise awareness for how to save money and advance green energy options.

Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties :
In this Year 3 project, the VISTA member will build capacity by strengthening partnerships with both on and off-campus partners to help alleviate regional food security issues and energy savings while also reducing waste. This position will work to improve engagement and awareness on these issues to help build broader capacity in this work. In doing so, the VISTA member will develop long-term sustainability, such as tracking mechanisms to help quantify impact.

Program Benefits :
On Campus resources and facilities , Education award upon successful completion of service , Housing , Health Coverage* , Living Allowance , Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Relocation Allowance , Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .

Terms :

Permits working at another job during off hours , Permits attendance at school during off hours .

Service Areas :

Health , Education , Community Outreach , Hunger , Environment , Community and Economic Development .

Skills :

Urban Planning , Community Organization , Work-issued laptop , Public Speaking , Writing/Editing , Environment , Computers/Technology , Leadership , Education , Recruitment , Fund raising/Grant Writing , Social Services , Teaching/Tutoring , Non-Profit Management , Youth Development , Team Work .