AmeriCorps Community Coordinator

Purpose:

United Way of Greater Charlotte was established in Mecklenburg County 90 years ago as "Emergency Relief" to assist people impacted by the Great Depression through the power of collective giving. In 2020, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic's public health and economic crises, we were reminded that United Way's work is as important today as it was nine decades ago. United Way ensures that the most vulnerable populations have the chance to accomplish economic mobility by collaborating with local government agencies, businesses, faith communities, donors, and volunteers to mobilize resources swiftly and efficiently and advance long-term solutions.

United Neighborhoods, one of the main intervention programs for the United Way, is a place-based, holistic, two-generation strategy that focuses on changing the odds in Charlotte's most underinvested neighborhoods through comprehensive, resident-driven neighborhood revitalization so that children and families can achieve economic mobility. Unlike other community-level interventions, United Neighborhoods depends on neighborhood residents to express their vision for their neighborhood, rather than outside decision-makers dictating what is best for a neighborhood. This model also assists local community-based organizations with strong ties to community residents in gathering partners and resources and connecting residents to services they identify as essential. United Neighborhoods collaborates with a community-based organization known as a "Community Quarterback" to assist residents achieve their goals. Community Quarterbacks support the work of United Neighborhoods' many community partners by bringing together knowledgeable allies.

The success of this program is highly reliant on residents' involvement with their Community Quarterback. The position of Community Coordinator will be critical in ensuring that Community Quarterbacks increase interaction with residents, which will help inform community and resident needs. This individual will be in charge of collecting and sharing neighbor opinions with Community Quarterbacks, as well as ensuring that identified needs are met.

Description of Duties:

AmeriCorps Community Coordinators are expected to perform the following essential functions:

• Build relationships with neighborhood residents
• Plan and execute with Community Quarterback at least 4 community events over the member year
• Community canvassing and surveying activities
• Connect residents to Community Quarterback for coordination of services
• Disseminate information about partner supports for youths and adults
• Attend monthly member meetings with United Way staff to share best practices for engagement, Community Quarterback support, resident support, etc.
• Support the Community Quarterback communication platforms and determine how to increase marketing and awareness (social media, newsletter, email list, etc.)
• Identify and document strengths, assets, and needs that emerge from residents
• Utilize resident information to help Community Quarterback agencies identify the best way(s) to serve in their role
• Attend neighborhood events/meetings
• Conduct 2 focus groups with community members to gain a deeper understanding of strengths, assets, and need; strategies for engaging residents, and learning barriers to use of services, etc.

Qualifications:

• Age Requirements
  • Be at least 17 years of age at the beginning of service; or
  • Be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the beginning of service
• Education Requirements
  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
  • Not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; or
  • Obtain a waiver from the Corporation of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
  • Be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);
• Be a citizen, national of lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required:

• Understand how to work with historically underserved communities
• Basic understanding of neighborhood canvassing
• Basic understanding of data analysis and processing
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• People oriented
• Able to interact with a diverse set of community members
• Ability to relate to and serve individuals from historically oppressed populations

Term of Service:

Members are expected to serve Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Some community events/meetings may take place during evenings and weekends. Members will be allotted all United Way of Greater Charlotte holidays and will are expected to participate in the following events:

• AmeriCorps National Day of Service
• United Way Service days

Orientation and Training:

Members will participate in a 2-day long orientation where they will participate in team building exercises to build connections and community with each other and the Community Quarterback agency. Additionally, members will receive information about United Way of

Greater Charlotte, United Neighborhoods and the impact they have had on the Charlotte community and be provided with a deeper understanding of the communities the history and issues within the communities they swill serve. Throughout the service year, members will have the opportunity to enhance their skills in the following areas:

• AmeriCorps history and impact
• United Way of Greater Charlotte/United Neighborhoods history and background
• Canvassing
• Understanding and analyzing data
• Events management
• Technology and social media,
• Engagement strategies
• Racial Equity and Inclusion training

Benefits:

All members will receive the following benefits:

• Healthcare Coverage
• $6,895.00 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (must successfully complete terms of service to qualify)
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments
• Childcare

Additionally, all members will create positive impact in communities that have historically been disenfranchised. Data shows that these communities have generational issues such as higher health related issues, lower wages, instability in food and housing, lower access to quality education. Member duties and results will significantly support improving outcomes for residents increasing opportunities and access to improved economic mobility.

The Agency's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.