Urban Agriculture Outreach Vista

Urban Agriculture Outreach VISTA

In recent years, disasters and extreme weather have seriously disrupted Nebraskans' ways of life. For vulnerable populations, facing this results in devastating reduced income, limited access to food and services, and heightened stress.

The vision of Nebraska Extension is "to be the trusted educational resource for every Nebraskan, inspiring fulfilled, prosperous and healthy lives." We are the public outreach and engagement branch of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), we develop and deliver meaningful educational resources and experiences to people of all ages. Our VISTA program is committed to creating innovative disaster recovery and resiliency programs that protect and support communities from the frontlines and champion sustainability. The Urban Agriculture Outreach VISTA will manage communications and organize educational programming on projects that foster grassroots work in food access, community gardening, disaster resiliency, and sustainability with local urban farmers and at-risk youth.

Our VISTA will expand agriculture-focused projects by developing innovative social media, communications, and community outreach strategies and creating vital educational content and programming for community gardeners. We are looking for someone who is passionate about transforming lives through education, media, and the power of the written word. Our ideal member is ready to tackle exciting challenges, able to identify creative ways to solve problems, can turn ideas into realities, and thrives on both team and independent projects.

Our VISTA will work in a highly engaging educational environment where they can collaborate with university experts, build their network, and participate in professional development to grow an innovative, relevant skillset. This position is located in Omaha, which is a vibrant community with plenty to offer in the arts, recreation, education, and culture. For more information, contact Julien Hoffman, julien.hoffman@unl.edu. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.

Member Duties : The Urban Agriculture Outreach VISTA's role will be to expand program communications and program functions to increase the resiliency of, and supportive resources for, low-income youth and adults in Nebraska. The Urban Agriculture Outreach VISTA will increase access to urban agriculture spaces and educational resources focused on community gardens and food security for Nebraska's vulnerable populations recovering from disaster-such as refugees, recent immigrants, and at-risk minority groups-through assessing and updating current media and outreach protocols, developing new communications protocols, curating new educational content, expanding community programming, and supporting overall program sustainability. This role will sharpen the VISTA's skills in communications, community outreach, and educational program management while providing valuable hands-on professional experience in a dynamic, academic, and educationally supportive setting.

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

Terms :

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

Service Areas :

Disaster Relief , Hunger , Community Outreach , Community and Economic Development , Health , Education , Environment .

Skills :

Public Health , Recruitment , Team Work , Communications , Public Speaking , General Skills , Writing/Editing , Leadership , Environment , Education , Fund raising/Grant Writing .