The JEDI AmeriCorps VISTA member will develop and implement programs to engage diverse communities in environmental stewardship of the Rock Creek watershed, focusing on the east side of Rock Creek (National) Park, with its historically less equitable park access. The VISTA will support a suite of programming options to engage diverse communities in the Rock Creek watershed, including service and restoration work, virtual historical programming, and community events to foster deeper connections to Rock Creek’s parklands as a natural oasis in the Washington DC region. These opportunities will allow community members to deeply and authentically explore their connections to natural areas through stewardship, and could include hosting service events, leading nature hikes, tabling, or otherwise doing targeted community outreach and engagement. This work will enhance the Conservancy’s ability to reach marginalized communities, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change and environmental racism. The VISTA will support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) efforts at the Conservancy, including program development and leadership, community outreach and engagement, and implementation of analysis and recommendations to create more equitable organizational and community impacts. In addition, the VISTA member will enhance a six-week summer youth development program, working to engage primarily high school students in direct hands-on restoration work in Rock Creek’s parks. The VISTA will support program development, student recruitment, and field leadership to provide an engaging conservation work experience for participants.
To apply, please submit an application through the AmeriCorps portal and send an email, with subject line “JEDI VISTA” and resume attached, to asmith@rockcreekconservancy.org to connect directly with the organization to be identified as a candidate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning January 2022. Rock Creek Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.
