Hunger Awareness and Community Engagement VISTA

START/END DATE: 5/5/2025 - 5/4/2026

Increase public awareness of food insecurity and the role of food assistance programs in Washington State through grassroots campaigns, community engagement, and strategic communications efforts.

Location: 98104, Seattle

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

United Way of King County’s vision is to build a community where people have homes, students graduate, and families are financially stable. As part of our work to end poverty, we are committed to ensuring that all children have access to healthy food in the places where they live, learn, and play.

Strengthen statewide coordination by developing an informal coalition of anti-hunger supporters across Washington State. Create compelling educational materials to highlight the impact of food insecurity and food assistance programs. Develop and maintain a blog focused on highlighting food insecurity and promoting solutions to hunger. Implement grassroots campaigns to raise awareness of food insecurity within Washington State, with a focus on building momentum within low-income communities that are most impacted by hunger.

MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Identify and connect with organizations, community groups, and individuals involved in anti-hunger efforts. Build relationships through outreach and meetings.
  • Set up an email platform, maintain a contact list, and send targeted updates. Create a monthly newsletter with food security updates and opportunities.
  • Schedule virtual meetings to share updates, engage stakeholders, and coordinate speakers. Provide summaries for those unable to attend.
  • Research existing resources, collect personal stories, and create infographics, fact sheets, and social media content using inclusive and accessible language.
  • Research food insecurity topics, maintain a content calendar, write blog posts, and collaborate with community members for guest features. Promote content via newsletters and social media.
  • Identify high-need communities, engage local partners, develop culturally responsive messaging, and leverage personal stories to strengthen impact.
  • Organize workshops, listening sessions, and community-led initiatives to educate and inspire action. Provide tools for community members to spread awareness.
  • Monitor engagement, track metrics, and refine outreach strategies based on feedback to improve effectiveness and sustainability.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

  • Understanding of economic and structural barriers to food access and a commitment to ensuring resources are accessible to community members.
  • Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills to manage multiple service activities and adapt to program needs.
  • Experience managing multiple projects and the ability to self-direct work.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with staff members, partners, and AmeriCorps members.
  • Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with teams, partners, and community members.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

As a VISTA member, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing professional development opportunities, training, check-ins, and the tools and resources you need to succeed. You will gain valuable experience in workforce development, nonprofit capacity-building, and community engagement. Those considering a future career in housing policy, workforce programming, nonprofit management, or community development are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION:

  • Bi-weekly stipend of $1,155.14 (pre-tax)
  • Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued on qualified student loans during your service term
  • $7,395 Education Award or $1800 cash bonus upon successful completion of service
  • Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance
  • 10 days of personal leave, 10 days of sick leave, and 9 floating holidays
  • Unlimited public transportation (ORCA) pass
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel between service sites, if required by your site placement
  • Childcare assistance
  • Access to emergency assistance program to mitigate unforeseen financial emergencies that put your continued participation in AmeriCorps service at risk
  • Robust professional development to support your personal, professional, and service goals and growth

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Must be over 18 years old on the first day of service
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Unfortunately, F1 visas are not sufficient.
  • Must be available 40 hours per week through May 2026. Exact hours may vary, but will primarily be Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, FBI background check and National Sex Offender Registry Check, plus state of residence background check if not currently living in Washington

Please note that United Way of King County has moved to remote and limited in-person operations. As such, be prepared to participate in interviews remotely. If technology presents a barrier to applying, interviewing, or accepting the position, please reach out

To Apply: Create an application on My AmeriCorps Portal or click here: https://fightpoverty.formstack.com/forms/uwkc_vista_americorps_application_2025

  • No resume or cover letter is required.
  • The application process moves quickly, please expect a response within 1-2 days.
  • Please contact unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org with any questions.
Apply Now
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