Current Job, Contract, and Internship Openings (1)
12/20/2021
Tenant Organizer - AmeriCorps VISTA Position
April 11, 2022 to April 10, 2023
40 hours per week
Organization Description
The Whittier Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization serving the residents and businesses of the Whittier neighborhood. Located just south of downtown Minneapolis, Whittier is a densely-populated, lively neighborhood known for its wide ranging diversity, its destination dining, arts and cultural institutions and its livable, bikeable, walkable streets. Over the decades, both immigrants and refugees from Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and many African nations have given Whittier its reputation as The International Neighborhood. Over 25 languages are still spoken on our streets and in our schools.
The Whittier Alliance plays a unique role in supporting and connecting stakeholders with the collective goal of building a community where everyone who desires it is able to spend time and/or get involved -- whether as a resident, visitor, or small business owner. We organize many community meetings, free events, projects/programs, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year in support of that goal.
Position Description
Whittier Alliance has been selected as a host site for a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA through the HOME Line Affordable Housing Preservation Program. The VISTA will serve for a 1-year term at 40 hours per week starting March 14, 2022. The VISTA Tenant Organizer will assist WA with building capacity -- structurally, culturally, and in relationships -- to deliver on emerging neighborhood priorities surrounding inclusive development, cultural diversity, and anti-displacement strategies. The Whittier neighborhood is densely-populated, facing significant development pressure, and working to mobilize community members to proactively drive and implement an inclusive community vision rather than passively be shaped by market forces.
The VISTA Tenant Organizer - Whittier Alliance will meet and work alongside a diverse group of people and attend the Neighborhoods Now! intensive organizer training led by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) to further build their network. The VISTA will gain an understanding of the inner-workings of a small nonprofit, volunteer engagement systems, community development, and the planning process behind both small and large-scale events. Successful candidates will be motivated, self-starters and have comfort working with Google apps. In addition to the health benefits, paid time off, and living stipend provided by the AmeriCorps program, Whittier Alliance will provide an additional housing stipend of up to $875.00 per month and access to ongoing professional development opportunities. This position requires the VISTA to be located in the Twin Cities, and the work environment will include both remote and in-person responsibilities.
Position Responsibilities:
The VISTA Tenant Organizer will:
Minimum Qualifications:
Successful candidates for this position will possess:
Preferred Qualifications:
Opportunities/compensation provided by Whittier Alliance
Opportunities/compensation provided by AmeriCorps
The Whittier Alliance is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from people of color and the LGBTQ community.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11:59pm
Tenant Organizer - AmeriCorps VISTA Position
April 11, 2022 to April 10, 2023
40 hours per week
Organization Description
The Whittier Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization serving the residents and businesses of the Whittier neighborhood. Located just south of downtown Minneapolis, Whittier is a densely-populated, lively neighborhood known for its wide ranging diversity, its destination dining, arts and cultural institutions and its livable, bikeable, walkable streets. Over the decades, both immigrants and refugees from Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and many African nations have given Whittier its reputation as The International Neighborhood. Over 25 languages are still spoken on our streets and in our schools.
The Whittier Alliance plays a unique role in supporting and connecting stakeholders with the collective goal of building a community where everyone who desires it is able to spend time and/or get involved -- whether as a resident, visitor, or small business owner. We organize many community meetings, free events, projects/programs, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year in support of that goal.
Position Description
Whittier Alliance has been selected as a host site for a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA through the HOME Line Affordable Housing Preservation Program. The VISTA will serve for a 1-year term at 40 hours per week starting March 14, 2022. The VISTA Tenant Organizer will assist WA with building capacity -- structurally, culturally, and in relationships -- to deliver on emerging neighborhood priorities surrounding inclusive development, cultural diversity, and anti-displacement strategies. The Whittier neighborhood is densely-populated, facing significant development pressure, and working to mobilize community members to proactively drive and implement an inclusive community vision rather than passively be shaped by market forces.
The VISTA Tenant Organizer - Whittier Alliance will meet and work alongside a diverse group of people and attend the Neighborhoods Now! intensive organizer training led by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) to further build their network. The VISTA will gain an understanding of the inner-workings of a small nonprofit, volunteer engagement systems, community development, and the planning process behind both small and large-scale events. Successful candidates will be motivated, self-starters and have comfort working with Google apps. In addition to the health benefits, paid time off, and living stipend provided by the AmeriCorps program, Whittier Alliance will provide an additional housing stipend of up to $875.00 per month and access to ongoing professional development opportunities. This position requires the VISTA to be located in the Twin Cities, and the work environment will include both remote and in-person responsibilities.
Position Responsibilities:
The VISTA Tenant Organizer will:
- Develop an understanding of the neighborhood, our organization’s role, and the challenges for low-income tenants exacerbated by market forces
- Build on existing volunteer engagement processes to grow a base of supporters, enabling successful initiatives to build renter power, skills, resources, and connections
- Work with staff and volunteers to execute an outreach and engagement plan related to a once-in-a-generation community development opportunity taking shape at Whittier’s southern border
- Play a key role in ensuring that community input opportunities related to the site are equitably designed and that neighbors historically left out of urban planning decision-making are supported in taking a seat at the table
- Attend committee meetings to engage new volunteers and provide progress reports on ongoing work in the community
- Lead on and expand existing organization work aimed at preventing evictions in the neighborhood
- Participate in the 2022-2023 HOME Line VISTA cohort and WA staff activities as they are scheduled
Minimum Qualifications:
Successful candidates for this position will possess:
- Fluency in Spanish with an understanding of cultural norms in Latinx communities
- Strong problem solving skills and an interest in finding creative solutions to complex issues
- A proven history of reliability, responsiveness, and consistency
- Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills
- An ability to take direction and maintain a goal of continuous improvement and growth
- The ability to maintain a flexible work schedule with excellent time management skills
- The ability to self-start and work independently as well as collaboratively in a small team environment
- An appetite for ongoing cultural competence development in order to successfully engage with and work alongside the ethnically and culturally-diverse community members who live and work in Whittier
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency with G-Suite applications including Gmail and Google Docs, Sheets, Forms
- Some basic knowledge of database and email communications platforms (Salesforce)
- Past experience with community organizing and other social justice work
Opportunities/compensation provided by Whittier Alliance
- Housing stipend of up to $875.00 per month paid directly to your landlord
- Flexible work schedule and environment
- Build upon your experience in grassroots organizing around a wide variety of issues
- Work within and in service of a highly diverse community
- Gain a deeper understanding of how a small nonprofit with a volunteer Board of Directors functions
- Access to professional development and mentorship opportunities
Opportunities/compensation provided by AmeriCorps
- Annual stipend of $12,700 paid bi-weekly during the term of service
- Eligibility for Segal Education Award of $6,095 upon successful completion of service
- Eligibility for end of service stipend of $1,800 (VISTA Leader $3,000)
- Non-competitive eligibility for federal government jobs (for one year after service)
- Eligibility for relocation allowance of up to $1000 for applicants moving 50+ miles from home of record, plus a settling in allowance (only applicable to individuals who move for VISTA service)
- Eligibility for forbearance of qualified student loans during term of service
- Eligibility for interest accrual payment (for loans place in forbearance) upon successful completion of service
- Eligibility for child care stipend of up to $400 per child per month
- View full listing on the AmeriCorps site for info on health benefits, PTO package, living stipend, and other program details
The Whittier Alliance is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from people of color and the LGBTQ community.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11:59pm