Phennd Fellows-Phila Zoo Neighborhood Conservation Coord.

PHENND Fellows-Phila Zoo Neighborhood Conservation Coord.

As America's first Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo has been a pioneer in animal care and conservation for over a century. Home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals, the Zoo continues to reach new heights, offer award-winning animal exhibits, education and conservation programs, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and exceptional guest services while uniquely housed in the West Philadelphia community situated nearby Fairmount Park and many prominent local cultural institutions.

For years the Zoo has organically and strategically partnered with neighborhood organizations on local conservation efforts, economic mobility efforts, shared sustainable practices and collaboratively advanced entrepreneurial projects directly on site at the Zoo. In addition to these efforts the Zoo has positioned their Community Access Program to ease and increase access to the Zoo for its nearest neighbors. The Zoo's immediate neighborhoods-Mantua, Belmont, Parkside and Brewerytown - are among the most challenged by socio-economic conditions.

Poverty in Philadelphia remains among the highest of major U.S. cities at 26 percent-but in our surrounding communities, the poverty rate is a staggering 45%. Accessibility for our nearest neighbors is one of the Zoo's top priorities. In addition to easing and increasing accessibility, conservation and environmental justice issues are local and global concerns. While the Zoo supports and funds efforts on several continents, we must also uplift and acknowledge our own backyard.

Strategies to achieve this include co-designed and co-led community specific programming and conservation efforts, partnerships increasing job opportunities and entrepreneurial efforts, and additional collective impact as identified with neighborhood partners. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties : The VISTA in this role will support the Philadelphia Zoo's vision to be an integral part of our local community by 1. Continuing to find unique and productive ways to increase access to the Zoo 2.

Co-designing and facilitating neighborhood programming with neighborhood partners 3. Increase awareness of job opportunities, resources and entrepreneurial business opportunities at the Zoo with neighborhood partners 4. Identify and support goals and projects neighborhood organizations seek resources for when there is mission alignment or obvious benefit to our shared neighborhoods. The VISTA will immediately provide support to existing programs such as the Neighborhood Membership model, West Philadelphia Zoo Scholars and Community Access Program initiatives with a goal to identify ways to sustain and expand these programs while simultaneously identifying additional ways the Zoo can achieve our vision to provide increased community support.

Program Benefits : Stipend , Living Allowance , SEPTA Transportation Pass , Childcare assistance if eligible , Health Coverage* , Education award upon successful completion of service , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Training , Relocation Allowance .

Terms :

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

Service Areas :

Entrepreneur/Business , Health , Education , Neighborhood Revitalization , Environment , Community Outreach , Community and Economic Development .

Skills :

Team Work , Business/Entrepreneur , Youth Development , Community Organization , Computers/Technology , Environment , Social Services , Leadership , Public Speaking , Writing/Editing , Communications , Education , General Skills , Urban Planning .