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Safe Community Task Force Recommendation_Volunteer Center CoordinatorMasterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Safe Community Task Force Recommendation Implementation - Volunteer Center Coordinator DATE: February 2, 2011 Dubuque bfril 11111 All4mmica j 2007 City staff continues to research possibilities to fulfill the recommendations of the Safe Community Task Force. In an effort to increase citizen participation in neighborhood activities and to help the City supplement City staff efforts generally, Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware is recommending an enhancement to the City's use of volunteers by creating a temporary Volunteer Center Coordinator position. Recently the City was advised of an application process to receive an AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) worker from the Corporation for National and Community Service through the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. The City of Dubuque application to create a Volunteer Center Coordinator was approved. This would be a full -time one -year position requiring a $5,500 match that is available. Leisure Service Manager Marie Ware is requesting approval of this application and position subject to a future budget amendment. concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager Phyllis Russell, Management Intern Mi ael C. Van Milli 9 en Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manage SUBJECT: Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) AmeriCorps VISTA Position Grant Application DATE: February 1, 2011 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request Council approval of the ICVS AmeriCorps VISTA position grant application for a Volunteer Center Coordinator and enter into the Memorandum of Agreement for the position. BACKGROUND Dubuque kritil M-AmnicaCity 11 111! 2007 The City of Dubuque has relied on volunteers in a number of capacities including board and commission members. A number of departments also use volunteers to assist in committees, initiatives and special projects. Currently there is no centralization of volunteer efforts and no way to assist citizens in easily getting connected with the various volunteer opportunities that exist. When we talked about a more formalized approach and opportunities for expansion of volunteers in the city we discussed the possible match VISTA would have because of its focus on capacity building. Recently the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service received notification from the Corporation for National and Community Service that Iowa would be receiving five VISTA positions. On a tight turnaround requirement I developed the attached application and submitted it. We were approved and now have been provided the Memorandum of Agreement to sign. Barry Lindahl has reviewed the agreement. The position would begin April 4th of this year and last for one year. Our financial commitment is $5,500. $4,000 of this would come from savings in the Recreation Program Supervisor position opening, 10034460 -61010 and $1,500 would come from lead paint training reimbursement. I have discussed this with Jenny Larson and she approves of this funding proposal. ACTION REQUESTED request Council approval of the City of Dubuque's application for an AmeriCorps VISTA position to serve as Volunteer Center Coordinator and enter into the Memorandum of Agreement for the position. MLW:et attachment: Applicatibn, Memorandum of Agreement cc: Jenny Larson Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager SUBJECT: Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) AmeriCorps VISTA Position Grant Application DATE: February 1, 2011 INTRODUCTION Dubuque City 1 2007 The purpose of this memorandum is to request Council approval of the ICVS AmeriCorps VISTA position grant application for a Volunteer Center Coordinator and enter into the Memorandum of Agreement for the position. BACKGROUND The City of Dubuque has relied on volunteers in a number of capacities including board and commission members. A number of departments also use volunteers to assist in committees, initiatives and special projects. Currently there is no centralization of volunteer efforts and no way to assist citizens in easily getting connected with the various volunteer opportunities that exist. The Safe Community Task Force identified two recommendations that would be positively affected by this VISTA position. They are the following: Neighborhood Engagement and Social Capital Human Relations (A Task Force Priority) - The SCTF believes that in order to achieve its goals there will need to be a major citywide human relations effort. The human relations effort will have these objectives: 3. Increase resident participation using such vehicles as clean up campaigns, neighborhood picnics, new neighbor welcome events and other strategies developed by residents Management of Physical Environment 6. Increase the number of neighborhood clean -ups and educate the community on city waste disposal policies in an effort to clarify the purpose of neighborhood clean -up programs. When we talked about a more formalized approach and opportunities for expansion of volunteers in the city we discussed the possible match VISTA would have because of its focus on capacity building. Recently the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service received notification from the Corporation for National and Community Service that Iowa would be receiving five VISTA positions. On a tight turnaround requirement I developed the attached application and submitted it. We were approved and now have been provided the Memorandum of Agreement to sign. Barry Lindahl has reviewed the agreement. The position would begin April 4th of this year and last for one year. Our financial commitment is $5,500. $4,000 of this would come from savings in the Recreation Program Supervisor position opening, 10034460 -61010 and $1,500 would come from lead paint training reimbursement. I have discussed this with Jenny Larson and she approves of this funding proposal. ACTION REQUESTED I request Council approval of the City of Dubuque's application for an AmeriCorps VISTA position to serve as Volunteer Center Coordinator and enter into the Memorandum of Agreement for the position. MLW:et attachment: Application, Memorandum of Agreement cc: Jenny Larson Title for VISTA Position: Volunteer Center Coordinator Host Site /Agency Name: City of Dubuque Host Site /Agency Organization Type (i.e. 501c(3) nonprofit, local government, faith - based): Local government Host Site Contact (will serve as contact with ICVS during application process): Marie Ware Site Supervisor (will serve as contact with ICVS if a position is awarded): Marie Ware Phone: 563 - 589 -4264 Email: mware @cityofdubuque.org Phone: 563 - 589 -4264 Email: mware @cityofdubuque.org Service Area (city, county or region): City of Dubuque Desired VISTA Start Date (June, July, August, or November): ASAP Number of VISTA Positions Requested: 1 Amount of Funding Available for Cost - Sharing Fee (current maximum fee per member is $11,000): up to $10,000 Indicate the ICVS Priority Area Under which this Placement Falls: 4t Environmental Sustainability 2 Youth Development & DisasterNolunteer Management 4T Economic Opportunity Copyright © 2007 by JBS International, Inc., Aguirre Division HOST SITE APPLICATION ICVS AmeriCorps *VISTA Instructions Please complete the following application and submit to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) VISTA Project Coordinator: Jamie Nagel 200 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309 515.725.3096 iamie.nagelaiowa.gov Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but all potential applicants must be approved by the Commission before a VISTA placement can be awarded to a partner host site. Please note that the Commission meets only every other month and that VISTA positions are awarded to sites well in advance of the date on which the members actually start service. Therefore, interested applicants are advised to submit this application as soon as possible after an interest in VISTA has been identified. It is also strongly suggested that potential applicants review the "Facts for Host Site Applicants" document available on our website, www.volunteeriowa.orq, and schedule a meeting with the ICVS VISTA Coordinator in advance of submitting this application, to ensure that the VISTA program is a good fit for the applicant agency. VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) Assignment Description: The VISTA assignment description should identify key capacity - building tasks and activities that can be realistically accomplished in a single year. Include enough detail in the VISTA assignment description to guide the VISTA member while still allowing for flexibility in carrying out day -to -day tasks and activities. Activity 1: Develop an understanding of the community and current volunteer efforts of the city, its initiatives and its partnerships. Step 1: Develop and complete a community assessment. Step 2: Meet with city departments currently utilizing volunteers as well as city initiatives and partnership organizations. Step 3: Identify current volunteer opportunities, recruitment efforts, successes and challenges. Step 4: Identify new volunteer opportunities and future outreach opportunities that have yet to be established. Step 5: Identify real needs that could be addressed by potential volunteers. Activity 1 Comments: Currently several city departments use volunteers on a limited basis. There has been minimal coordination, recognition, and training. As a city we are very active in numerous initiatives and partnerships that would also benefit from the establishment of a Volunteer Center. Many of these initiatives and partnerships work on issues related to poverty including but not limited to Crescent Community Health Center, AmeriCorps Partners in Learning, Bridges Out of Poverty/Circles Initiative, Multicultural Family Center, faces and voices, Project Hope, Sustainable Dubuque, Every Child1Every Promise, Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, and the Safe Community Task Force. Activity 2: Develop and establish a Volunteer Center for the community beginning with the city and its initiatives and partnerships with a goal of increasing capacity to engage volunteers in meaningful service. Step 1: Research best practices and develop the tools, policies, procedures and paperwork needed. Specific research can be done on successful city as well as community models. Step 2: Participate in VGF cohort for training, sharing of research, and support during development and establishment. Step 3: Create a volunteer referral program, volunteer management, volunteer training, volunteer recruitment, volunteer recognition program, volunteer retention and consulting and training opportunities for departments and partners based on volunteer initiatives. Step 4: Develop a database of department, initiative and partnership volunteer coordinators. Step 5: Research and select a volunteer management system and input necessary data. Step 6: Identify goal targets for categories including but not limited to volunteers connected by referral, partners engaging volunteers in meeting critical community needs, number of new volunteer opportunities, number of community assessments completed, volunteers attracted and volunteers retained. Planned Period of Work: 4/2011- 6/2011 Planned Period of Work: 4/2011- 12/2011 Copyright © 2007 by JBS International, Inc., Aguirre Division Step 7: Establish the Volunteer Center focused on connecting people with activities to serve. Activity 2 Comments: The foundation established in this activity will be based on best practices and understanding successes of others. Activity 3: Increase the awareness of civic engagement, opportunities and participation to the community at large. Step 1: Develop a marketing plan and materials Step 2: Assist with creation and maintenance of a Volunteer Center website presence. Step 3: Investigate social media best practices in volunteerism to reach youth and young adults. Step 3: Promote volunteering as a whole in the community through a variety of venues. Planned Period of Work: 6/2011 - 3/2012 Activity 3 Comments: The Volunteer Center will be as successful as the awareness of it. It's about connecting individuals with service but they must be aware that opportunity exists that matches their interests. Activity 4: Organize seminars and workshops and consult individually with departments, initiatives and partners to provide tools necessary to the success of the Volunteer Center. Step 1: Prepare training for the initiation of the Volunteer Center. Step 2: Provide ongoing consultation with departments, initiatives and partners. Step 3: Create evaluation tools to gather feedback from both volunteers and volunteer coordinators for Center improvement. Step 4: Provide volunteer management training for the city, its initiatives and partnerships as well as outreach with training in the community assisting non - profits. Planned Period of Work: 10/2011 - 3/2012 Activity 4 Comments: As we learn, we will share our insights and begin broadening the focus of the Center into the community. Trainings can assist others in our community to manage their volunteer resources better. Activity 5: Create the Volunteer Center with sustainability beyond the VISTA's tenure. Step 1: Investigate sustainable Volunteer Center models in Iowa and the US. Step 2: Research best practices to incorporate into the Volunteer Center. Step 3: Periodically provide written reports on activities and progress toward goals. Planned Period of Work: 4/2011- 3/2012 Activity 5 Comments: Dubuque's sustainability model includes environmental /ecological integrity, economic prosperity and social /cultural vibrancy. Our vision is "Dubuque is a viable, livable, and equitable community. We embrace economic prosperity, social /cultural vibrancy and environmental integrity to create a sustainable legacy for generations to come. The establishment of a Volunteer Center dovetails into this vision on all levels. Copyright © 2007 by JBS International, Inc., Aguirre Division Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service AmeriCorps* VISTA Memorandum of Agreement This agreement entered into between 1. the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (the ICVS) and 2. City of Dubuque (the Operating Site) I. General Provisions. D. Status of AmeriCorps *VISTA Members during Service AV -10 -21 covers the placement of one 1) AmeriCorps *VISTA members) who will serve from April 8, 2011 (start date) to April 7, 2012 (end date). This document aims to lay out the responsibilities and expectations for each party, but should not be considered an exhaustive list. The following is understood and agreed to by the parties: A. Statement /Purpose of Work: The VISTA will work to determine community needs around volunteer management, including identifying gaps in service and working with community partners to develop a Volunteer Center. Over the three -year period, the VISTA will work to determine the best organization to house the Volunteer Center and to determine the best structure to ensure sustainability for the Volunteer Center. The timing of this VISTA placement will enable them to participate as a cohort with the new VGF grantees. B. Duration: This Agreement is for one year, and shall become effective on the date AmeriCorps *VISTA Member begins his /her service, after execution of this Agreement. Activity on the project shall be considered to have begun on April 8, 2011 and shall end on April 7, 2012 , unless terminated sooner by either or both of the parties. C. Budget: The Operating Site will pay a sum of $ 5500 per AmeriCorps *VISTA member, for a total of $ 5500 , to cover the costs associated with AmeriCorps *VISTA service. The Operating Site's cost -share of up to one (1) member is subject to annual review and renewal every 12 months. 1) AmeriCorps *VISTA members are eligible for all benefits and coverage provided to them under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (the Act), including the "income disregard" provisions as set forth at 42 U.S.C. § 5044 of the Act; the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA); and the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). 2) AmeriCorps *VISTA members are not considered employees of the Operating Site. AmeriCorps *VISTA members are deemed employees of the federal government only for those limited purposes identified at 42 U.S.C. § 5055 of the Act. 1 II. Commission's Role and Responsibilities. The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service will: A. Assist with recruiting member(s) for agency position(s). B. Help agency to develop a Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) that fits with the overall project goals, as listed in the Project Application. C. Assist in the development and implementation of the On -Site Orientation and Training (OSOT) plan, as requested. D. Provide a VISTA Coordinator who will oversee the entire ICVS AmeriCorps *VISTA project. Coordinator will: AV -10 -21 1) Provide day to day oversight of the AmeriCorps *VISTA project. 2) Serve as the contact for all questions related to the AmeriCorps *VISTA project. 3) Be the liaison between the Operating Site and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) staff. E. Mediate with supervisors and members if any problems arise related to member attendance and /or compliance with leave policy. F. Provide ongoing training opportunities for AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) and supervisor. Subject to the availability of funds, training may be made available by: 1) Allowing AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) and /or supervisor to participate directly in training opportunities hosted by the ICVS. 2) Providing funding to help AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) travel to and attend trainings (by ICVS or other providers) related to the development of their personal and professional goals. 3) Notifying the Operating Site of training opportunities for AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) and supervisor that are offered by CNCS. G. Coordinate and submit all reporting due to CNCS. H. Conduct site visit(s) at Operating Site. I. Make necessary payments /reimbursements to CNCS, as required. J. Periodically review and assist the Operating Site's use of AmeriCorps *VISTA members to achieve the objectives and perform the task(s) specified in the Project Narrative. K. Provide the Operating Site timely information concerning applicable ICVS, CNCS, and AmeriCorps *VISTA regulations, policies and procedures. Provide technical assistance regarding compliance with the provisions of Title 1, Part A of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act [(42 2 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.) hereinafter referred to as "the Act "] and any other CNCS or AmeriCorps *VISTA regulations which become applicable to the project. III. Operating Site's Role and Responsibilities. The operating site will: A. Take primary responsibility to recruit member(s) to fill the available position(s). Operating site should check with the ICVS to ensure that person(s) selected as AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) to serve at the Operating Site are not related by blood or marriage to Operating Site staff, ICVS staff, officers or members of the ICVS or Operating Site Board of Directors, or responsible CNCS program staff. B. Work with the ICVS VISTA Coordinator to compose a VAD for each member. Submit the VAD(s) to the ICV S no later than 5 weeks before the member start date. C. Work with the ICVS VISTA Coordinator to develop and implement an OSOT plan for each member. This plan should be submitted to the ICVS VISTA Coordinator no later than 5 weeks before the member start date and OSOT should be completed within the first 4 weeks of member service. D. Designate a site supervisor for the AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s). This supervisor will: 1) Provide day to day oversight of the AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s). 2) Serve as the agency contact with the ICVS. 3) Complete the online AmeriCorps *VISTA Terms, Conditions, and Benefits tutorial prior to the service start date. 4) Be allowed to attend any necessary supervisor training. G. Provide and maintain a system for tracking AmeriCorps *VISTA attendance, including the number of sick (limit 10) and personal (limit 10) days taken. In addition, attendance policy should: AV -10 -21 E. Provide AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) with sufficient office space, materials, and supplies to complete their duties, as outlined in the VAD. F. Provide AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) with mileage reimbursement and /or access to agency vehicle for use in service - related travel. If members will be required to use their own personal vehicle, they must be notified of this in advance. Mileage reimbursement and /or agency vehicle access for AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) should be in accordance with agency travel policy for other employees. 1) Allow AmeriCorps *VISTA members to participate in Days of Service (e.g. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, September 11 Day of Service, AmeriCorps Week), should activities be organized in the communities where the members are in service. 2) Provide AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) opportunities to participate in local and /or national emergency disaster relief efforts, in the event of a locally- and /or nationally - 3 2) Develop AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) toward achievement of personal and professional goals. IV. Joint Responsibilities. 4 AV -10 -21 declared disaster, and with direction from the ICVS and CNCS. All AmeriCorps *VISTA Program policies, terms and conditions remain in effect and benefits and protections afforded and provided to AmeriCorps* VISTA member(s) and Operating Site shall continue while on special disaster relief assignment as if the AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) are in traditional service at the originally assigned site. H. Report to the ICVS VISTA Coordinator, within 24 hours, the unscheduled departure of AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s), and otherwise keep the ICVS timely informed of unscheduled changes of status and conditions of AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) which undermine her /his effectiveness or interfere with her /his ability to perform, such as arrests, hospitalization, and absence without leave. I. Provide ongoing training to the AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s), either by offering instruction directly or by arranging for the member to attend training opportunities offered by the ICVS, other AmeriCorps *VISTA agencies, or additional trainers. These trainings should serve to: 1) Help AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) gain the skills needed to complete assigned duties. J. Ensure that Monthly Progress Reports and monthly Performance Measure Reports are properly completed and filed with the ICVS by the 5 of the following month. Also complete any additional reporting that is required by CNCS in a timely fashion, as requested by the ICVS VISTA Coordinator. This will require: 1) Coordination with the ICVS prior to the start of service in order to ensure that plans are in place to track required reporting items for Monthly Progress Reports. 2) Developing Performance Milestones, in conjunction with ICVS staff, that will document progress of AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) toward completing their VAD(s) and achieving overall project goals. K. Participate in site visits with ICVS VISTA coordinator and /or CNCS staff. L. Make payments to the ICVS as requested, to total the amount agreed upon above. M. Engage in best efforts to accomplish the goals and objectives set out for the AmeriCorps *VISTA members in the Project Application. N. Operate the project in accordance with the provisions of the Act; applicable program policies and regulations; and other Federal laws, regulations, and policies which are, or become, applicable to the program. A. The Operating Site has primary responsibility for recruiting AmeriCorps *VISTA member(s) with support from the ICVS. B. The Operating Site and the ICVS will cooperate to provide trainings, in accordance with all applicable CNCS policies. C. The Operating Site and the ICVS will work together to develop reporting tools and Performance Milestones that will highlight progress made by AmeriCorps* VISTA member(s) toward overall Project Application goals. V. Nondiscrimination. AV -10 -21 A. General Prohibition: No person with responsibilities in the operation of the project shall discriminate against any AmeriCorps *VISTA member, or member of the staff of, or beneficiary of the project, with respect to any aspect of the project on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, or military service. B. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex, which is prohibited as addressed directly above. The Operating Site is responsible for violations of the prohibition against sexual harassment and for taking corrective action and /or disciplinary action if violations occur. Such sexual harassment violations include: 1) Acts of "quid pro quo" sexual harassment where a supervisor demands sexual favors for service benefits, regardless of whether the operating site, its agents or supervisory employees should have known of the acts. 2) Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature which have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive service environment. 3) Acts of sexual harassment toward fellow AmeriCorps *VISTA members or non - employees, where the operating site, its agent or its supervisory employees knew or should have known of the conduct, unless it took immediate and appropriate corrective action. C. By the start date of this Agreement, the Operating Site should conduct a self - evaluation of its compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including that it has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that its facilities are accessible to qualified persons with disabilities, promote their equal participation, and do not otherwise discriminate against such persons based on disability. VI. Delegating and Subcontracting. The Operating Site is prohibited from delegating or assigning any of its obligations or duties contained in this Agreement. VII. Supplemental Payments Prohibited. Monetary subsistence allowances provided to AmeriCorps *VISTA members are designed to permit AmeriCorps *VISTA members to live at or below the economic level of the persons served, as required by law. The Operating Site is strictly prohibited from supplementing these allowances with additional monetary payments directly to AmeriCorps* VISTA members and must assure that others do not do so. 5 VIII. Prohibitions. AV -10 -21 A. The Operating Site agrees that no AmeriCorps *VISTA member assigned under this agreement shall participate in, or funds from the Corporation or ICVS be used in, the following activities when they would result in the identification of such programs with: 1) Partisan and non - partisan political activities, including voter registration. 2) Direct or indirect attempts to influence passage or defeat of legislation or proposals by initiative petition. 3) Labor or anti -labor organization or related activities. 4) Religious instruction, worship services, proselytization, or any other religious activity as an official part of their duties. B. The Operating Site further agrees not to: 1) Carry out projects resulting in the identification of such projects with partisan or non- partisan political activities, including voter registration activities, or providing voter transportation to the polls. 2) Assign AmeriCorps *VISTA members to activities that would result in the hiring of or result in the displacement of employed workers, or impair existing contracts for service. 3) Accept or permit the acceptance of compensation from AmeriCorps *VISTA members or from beneficiaries for the services of AmeriCorps *VISTA members. 4) Approve the involvement of any AmeriCorps *VISTA members assigned to it in planning, initiating, participating in, or otherwise aiding or assisting in any demonstration whatsoever. IX. Amendments. This Memorandum of Agreement may be amended at any time, in writing, executed by authorized representatives of the Operating Site and the ICVS Executive Director. X. Termination, Suspension, or Non - Renewal. A. The Operating Site or the ICVS may terminate, suspend, or decline to renew this Agreement at any time by giving thirty (30) days notice in writing to the other of its intent. B. Termination, suspension, or non - renewal of this agreement may also occur, with written notice, if the Operating Site materially fails to comply with any its terms. C. If the Service Site is not satisfied with the AmeriCorps* VISTA member performance, the Site may request in writing that the member be removed from this placement, in accordance with Program policies and procedures, by indicating and documenting the reasons for such a removal. The ICVS will then work with CNCS in response to this request. 6 XI. Communication. XII. Signatures. Operating Site By: Title: Date: A. All notices and communications required to be given to the ICVS by the Operating Site, unless otherwise specified, should be directed to Jamie Nagel , the ICVS VISTA Coordinator at the following address: 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 is m ie. nage l P iowa.gov B. All notices to be given to the Operating Site by the ICVS shall be directed to Marie Ware , the site supervisor, at the following address: Leisure Services Manager 2200 Bunker Hill Road Dubuque, IA 52001 mwarePcityofdubuque.org 563- 589 -4264 (0) 563- 564 -7566 (c) C. Both parties agree to inform the other of any changes in the names or addresses above. (Signature) Name: 7 Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service AV -10 -21 By: (Signature) Name: Adam Lounsbury Title: Executive Director Date: Iowa Volunteer Generation VISTA Dubuque Center Coordinator Overview: The City of Dubuque has received notification of award of an Iowa Volunteer Generation VISTA full -time position for Dubuque Volunteer Center Coordinator to assist with capacity building for volunteers for the city of Dubuque as well as its initiatives and partners. The position will research, develop and establish a Volunteer Center for the City of Dubuque and its initiatives and partnerships. The VISTA member will be supervised by the Leisure Services Department but work with a variety of city departments and community leaders. Current Job Posting: Iowa Volunteer Generation VISTA Dubuque Center Coordinator position will require skills of communication, public speaking, leadership, writing, recruitment, computers and community organization. This position requires an outgoing, self- starter that can work well as a team player. The member will work from April 4, 2011 -April 7, 2012. Benefit Information: VISTA living allowance of $10,296. Choice of education award of $5350 or end of service stipend. Health insurance and child care subsidy provided if eligible. No other employment may be held during VISTA term. Dubuque Volunteer Center Coordinator Duties: Develop an understanding of the community and current volunteer efforts of the city, its initiatives and its partnerships. Develop and establish a Volunteer Center for the community beginning with the city and its initiatives and partnerships with a goal of increasing capacity to engage volunteers in meaningful service. Increase the awareness of civic engagement, opportunities and participation to the community at large. Organize seminars and workshops and consult individually with departments, initiatives and partners to provide tools necessary to the success of the Volunteer Center. Create the Volunteer Center with sustainability beyond the VISTA's tenure. Service Description: The City has worked collaboratively with community partners for many years, working to meet community needs. For example, the City was instrumental in establishing the Multicultural Family Center in the low- income, downtown area to offer a variety of services. In addition, the City is taking a leadership role in building green energy and sustainability initiatives that have can have a strong impact for those living in poverty. The City manages an AmeriCorps project as a way to provide increased services to area youth. These are some examples of how the City supports "overall" community development initiatives, including volunteer efforts, to strengthen the community and not just "city" projects or initiatives. The VISTA will work to determine community needs around volunteer management, including identifying gaps in service and working with community partners to develop a Volunteer Center. The VISTA will work to determine the best organization to house the Volunteer Center and to determine the best structure to ensure sustainability for the Volunteer Center. The timing of this VISTA placement will enable them to participate as a cohort with the new VGF grantees. The city sees this as a distinct advantage for moving the project forward and participating in a strong network of Volunteer Centers. How to Apply: On -line: Applications are taken on -line at www.americorps.gov. On the homepage under Join AmeriCorps select Iowa, On Iowa listing page, scroll down to Iowa Volunteer Generation VISTA - Dubuque Center Coordinator. Click Apply. In Person or Mail: Send resume and references to City of Dubuque Leisure Services, 2200 Bunker Hill Road, Dubuque, IA 52003. If selected as a top candidate you will be asked to fill out the on -line application and provide references. Application deadline is 2 -3 -2011. Contact Information: For questions or additional information, please email parkrec a(�citvofdubuque.orq or 563 - 589 -4263.