Rural Action Communications and Storytelling VISTA

Appalachian Ohio is home to a history of economies built predominantly on extractive industries, which have not provided sustainable ladders of opportunity for residents at diverse income and education levels. But stories of resilience in the face of poverty lift up communities and bring all Appalachians closer to a higher quality of life. The Communications and Storytelling VISTA will strengthen Rural Action’s capacity to document, preserve, and share the stories of community-led change across Appalachian Ohio.

This position is equal parts field presence and digital organizer: attending events and project sites to capture stories in real time, and building the organizational systems that ensure those stories are preserved and accessible for years to come.

• Attend Rural Action and partner events to photograph and document community work in progress, from grant kickoffs to project completions.
• Conduct interviews and collect stories from communities, farmers, students, volunteers, donors, and program partners.
• Develop written and visual content for social media, websites, and newsletters that centers around community voices.
• Support the design and execution of social media campaigns across platforms.
• Audit, sort, and digitize Rural Action’s existing photo archive, establishing a tagging and folder system that is usable by the full staff.
• Create and maintain a searchable, organized digital library.
• Research existing communications products and open rates of electronic communications.
• Develop style guides, templates, or workflows that support staff in capturing and sharing their own program stories.
• Support the Communications Director in maintaining a content calendar and building consistent storytelling rhythms.

• Health Coverage*
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Training
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Relocation Allowance
• Living Allowance
• For details about Ameri Corps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit

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

• Neighborhood Revitalization
• Community Outreach
• Community and Economic Development
• Environment

• Communications
• Environment
• Community Organization
• Non‑Profit Management

• Program Type:
  Ameri Corps VISTA
• Program:
  Rural Action Communications and Storytelling VISTA
• Program Start/End Date: 07/13/2026 – 07/12/2027
• Work Schedule:
  
  Full Time
• Age Requirement:
  Minimum 18
• Program Locations: OHIO
• Languages:
  
  English
• Accepting Applications:
  From 06/03/2026 to 07/13/2026

Johna Metcalf
9030 Hocking Hills Dr
The Plains OH 45780

johna
ruralaction.org