Oregon Campus Compact welcomes our new Americorps VISTA Program Manager, Kendra Henry.  She will manage all elements of the Americorps VISTA program including the planning, implementation and evaluation of the program while collaborating with our affiliate campuses.  Kendra brings to ORCC a wealth of experience through years of mentoring, service, and volunteering.

Kendra served as an AmeriCorps member with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (Wisconsin) participating in the SPARK Early Literacy Program.  She provided one-on-one instruction and mentoring to struggling readers in grades K-3. The program aimed to eliminate the growing educational gap for students from traditionally underserved populations. She also managed an AmeriCorps program at Northwest Youth Corps in Eugene Oregon, which focused on eradicating educational disparities through service learning, tutoring, leadership development, and outdoor education.

One of Kendra's passions is mentoring.  She had been a mentor for over 4 years through the YMCA of Albany, Oregon.  When asked what drew her toward mentoring, she responded, "If you have the resources to give, if you have the opportunity to mentor, you should do so."  She then added, "I think everyone should mentor."

In her personal life, Kendra enjoys being active.  She enjoys playing a variety of sports including football, softball, basketball and volleyball.  She also works as a sports official for basketball and volleyball games.  In addition to team sports, she likes outdoor activities as well.  She enjoys hiking and camping.  At least once a year she travels to Mayfield Lake in Washington with her family.  

Kendra aspires to bring her experiences and drive to her new position at ORCC.  She wants to develop and grow the program while connecting people and building a network of support.  She says she is looking forward to this position, and we at ORCC are looking forward to working with her

Sadly we at ORCC must wish McKenzie Miller Bon Voyage as she heads off to her exciting new job.  We asked her to reflect on her time at ORCC and what life lessons she took home from her experiences.

Before working at Oregon Campus Compact, I had no idea that any one's college experience was much different than mine. I had no idea how deeply engaged Oregon campuses were in their communities and how connected students were to impacting the issues they care about most. However, working as the AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for the 2010-2011 team and then becoming the Communications Coordinator and eventually the Communications and Development Manager, I got to see how campuses and communities are improving the places students live, work, and study.

One memorable project I got to see while at ORCC was the Food Rescue Program that Kaely Summers developed while serving as an AmeriCorps member at Pacific University. Kaely saw waste being created from campus events and dining services and recognized that leftover food could be "saved" and taken to local food pantries to feed hungry families and individuals. She partnered with the administration to research the legality of re-purposing food and established a program supported by volunteers to collect and transport excess food to local organizations.

What makes this REALLY cool is that while Kaley was developing her program, Southern Oregon University was also looking to create a Food Rescue Program. Through ORCC, the AmeriCorps members at SOU were able to connect with Kaely at Pacific and learn how to start a program. In 2012, SOU was able to create their Food Rescue Program, which in addition to supporting local food pantry also supports the Student Food Pantry.

I think that's the power of ORCC. The organization brings people together--AmeriCorps members, students, staff, administrators, and presidents--to enrich their work and share resources. As the only statewide organization working with two-year, four-year, private, and public schools, ORCC has a unique ability to bring folks to the table who may not otherwise work together to benefit campuses and communities.

I've transitioned from ORCC to Girls on the Run of Portland Metro to work as the Program Manager. I've been on the board for three years and am excited to work full-time as a staff member. Girls on the Run is a self empowerment program for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Through conversation-based lessons and running games, the participants grow as smart, free-thinking, and happy girls. The program culminates with a celebratory 5K run which unleashes the girls' confidence through accomplishment and establishes their appreciation of health and fitness.

The organization is important to me not only because of the impact that it has girls, but also because of the impact it has on the hundreds of volunteers who support the organization as coaches and running buddies. It's really electric to see all the girls, coaches, and running buddies come together at the end of the season for the 5K run, the Starlight Run, to celebrate health and wellness.

ORCC in partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service have approved 14 grants for the 2014 MLK Day of Service Collegiate Challenge.  These grants will fund high-impact projects and create lasting community partnerships.  Grants were awarded to campuses from all over the western United States, ranging as far west as University of Hawaii at West Oahu and as far south as Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Each campus came up with a unique and thoughtful way to honor Dr. King whether it be a rally to encourage and support civic engagement, a food drive, or the creation of college access kits.  Highlights of the grant proposals include:

• OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE - Occidental College will partner with 20 community organizations to mobilize 200-300 participants in activities such as food harvesting, outdoor beautfication, and gardening.
  

• SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY - SOU is partnering with Mosaic, a multicultural mentoring agency to reach out to high school students of color and/or queer identified students to engage them in community service.
• UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON at BOTHEL - University of Bothel and Cascadia Community College will host a campus day of service.  The activities include environmental restoration, a food drive, service in retirement homes, writing letters to active military service and a K12 clothing drive.
  

• WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY at VANCOUVER - Will host a day of education and service featuring a keynote speaker, educational sessions, a food drive, and a undergarment clothing drive for incarcerated women.

Oregon Campus Compact congratulates all the MLK Day of Service Grant Applicants.  May the largest mobilization of college students in the country only continue to grow with these community partnerships. 

This event is made possible by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

ORCC: Why has MHCC joined ORCC as a member? How will this support MHCC’s goals?

President Derr: At MHCC we believe wholeheartedly in the value of community service and civic participation. This belief is built into who we are (after all, the word “community” is in our name), as a college, and as individuals. I am so proud to be part of a college that has a rich tradition of getting people off the sidelines and into the action in order to make the world a better place for everyone.

MHCC’s core themes are (1) teaching and learning, (2) community engagement and (3) resource development. Certainly, our membership in ORCC and subsequent partnerships with other colleges and universities will provide many opportunities for students and employees to make meaningful impacts on communities near and far.

ORCC: MHCC is committed to strengthening students’ community engagement. Why is this a priority and how will it benefit students?

President Derr: Whatever term you choose to use—community engagement, civic participation, service learning or volunteerism—we at MHCC are committed to students’ learning both in and out of the classroom. Participants receive much personal enrichment from volunteering that pays big dividends in their persistence to complete college and become fully engaged members of their community.

Our student government manages Barney’s Pantry, a food bank located in the Student Union. Any student is eligible to visit the pantry twice a day and help themselves to food and toiletries. If you have ever tried teaching a class to students whose stomachs are growling, then you know the value of a service such as this.

In addition, student leadership has put together informational meetings and opened them up to the general public on domestic abuse, sexual assault, and a number of other important topics. The benefits to these student leaders are enormous: They gain experience in planning, promoting, and facilitating events and meetings; they get to experience what it feels like to join others in a purposeful cause; they get to experience empathy and they get to witness the results of their collective hard work.

ORCC: How will community-engaged learning contribute to supporting the school’s diverse community and students?

President Derr: Two examples come to mind.

First, Scholarships for Education and Economic Development (SEED) is an international program that brings young leaders from rural areas of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to the United States for two-year technical training programs. After completing their program of study, SEED scholars return to their native countries with the skills needed to work for positive change in such areas as reforestation, waste reduction, watershed restoration and environmental education programs.

At MHCC, these students study Natural Resources Conservation and Environmental Technology. The visiting international scholars of our SEED program provide more than 1,000 hours of community service every year, ranging from ecological restoration projects in our local greenspaces to working with disadvantaged youth in SUN school programs in several of our district elementary schools. 

MHCC is proud of the results of this kind of civic participation by our students. In the case of our SEED program, we value the lasting impact it has on our local community as well as the impact these young leaders have on their native countries as they carry on the important work of service to others on an international scale.

Last spring, our entire college rallied around Glenda Maribel Alfaro Salmeron, a SEED student from El Salvador who brought international attention to our college through the Clinton Global Initiative. Her project to replenish nutrient-poor soil and stimulate agricultural production in her native El Salvador came in second place in the Clinton Global Challenge. This event occurred before I became president of MHCC, but I am told that the Clinton Global Challenge made quite an impression on MHCC students and employees. Undoubtedly, Maribel’s work influenced others at MHCC and elsewhere to work through their church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship; through charitable organizations; and through their community college—to seek ways to make a difference.

Second, MHCC partnered with Associated Student Government (ASG) to open a Diversity Resource Center on the Gresham Campus this fall. The center is about more than color or culture. It offers engagement, along with awareness, understanding, and conversations, all in a safe place—which of course all translate to education. We believe that the Diversity Resource Center expands worldliness, enhances social development, and prepares students for future career success.

ORCC: How will this impact the Governor’s 40-40-20 goal and why is it good for Gresham and Oregon?

President Derr: MHCC has an active and award-winning Rho Theta organization, the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society that promotes academic achievement among community college students. Rho Theta students visit nearby Alder School, MHCC’s “Dreamer School,” to encourage children to study hard and stay in school. They invite kids to sign a pledge promising that they will complete college. Similarly, Rho Theta members also collect pledges from our own MHCC students.

By helping others with their own commitment to persistence, it enhances Rho Theta’s members’ commitment to their own academic success. We know that if students engage in their college, they are more apt to complete their academic programs and contribute to attainment of the Governor’s 40-40-20 goals.

The Oregon House’s poorest district (Parkrose) is located in our MHCC district. Since MHCC was formed in 1966, our district has looked to MHCC for services—classes and career training, certainly, and also activities such as Red Cross blood drives, flu inoculations in preparation for a particularly virulent outbreak, job fairs, and many other activities.

In June, we brought back a popular tradition on our Gresham Campus, the Strawberry Short Course Festival. Employees and students volunteered their time to teach classes in Whiz-Bang Chemistry and dozens of other topics. Interestingly, one of the instructors for the chemistry class developed an interest in science when he attended the festival as a 10-year-old. Today, he serves as lab coordinator at our college, where he influences students every day to achieve their academic and career goals—even 10-year-olds on a sunny summer day!

We’re wishing Signe Bishop well as she bids adieu to Oregon Campus Compact and transitions to her new position at Oregon Health and Science University. Signe has been an indispensable part of our team and the brainpower behind the success of our full-time AmeriCorps programs. We’re grateful for everything she’s contributed to the organization and know our work is better because of her.

Over the past four years, Signe has mentored and coached 82 AmeriCorps members to help alleviate poverty and mentor at-risk students in Oregon. Her commitment to supporting the AmeriCorps teams has allowed them to do incredible things. Since Signe started, our AmeriCorps members have: 

• Developed $148,835 in cash resources for Oregon
  
• Recruited and trained 24,745 volunteers and mentors to serve Oregon
  
• Organized volunteers to serve and mentor 306,300 hours in Oregon
  

We’re going to miss Signe’s expertise, humor, and friendship in the office. As she moves onto her new job, we’re celebrating the impact she’s made in Oregon and our lives, and wishing her the best in her next adventure. 

Position Announcement
AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager
Title: AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager
Supervisor: Oregon Campus Compact (ORCC) Executive Director

Mission: ORCC is motivated by the belief that students have the power to change the world. We activate higher education to place more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement.  Enhancing learning and strengthening communities through service is what we call Higher Impact Education! 

Purpose: The AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager provides support to the Executive Director and manages all elements of the AmeriCorps VISTA program including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program in partnership with our campus partners. The AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager works collaboratively with campuses to support AmeriCorps VISTA members serving to eliminate poverty by addressing educational disparities, a root cause of poverty.

Environment: ORCC is a small nonprofit located in downtown Portland.  Bike parking, easy access to public transportation, showers, an open concept office and a commitment to work/life balance and equity make this a great place to work.

Position responsibilities:

Campus Site Support (25%)

• Coordinates competitive sub-grant processes;
  
• Provides technical assistance for developing strong VISTA projects;
  
• Conducts site visits to campuses throughout year;
  
• Supports campuses throughout the member recruitment and placement process;
  
• Assists in identifying and assembling subject matter for training of campus supervisors and schedules time and space for training; 
  
• Trains and orients campus supervisors.
  

Member Support (25%)

• Runs a recruitment campaign for members;

• Supports candidates throughout the member recruitment and placement process;
• Trains and orients AmeriCorps VISTA Members;
• Provides on-going technical assistance and project support to VISTA team, in coordination with the VISTA Leader.

Supervision & Management (20%)

• Provides oversight and guidance to the VISTA Leader;
• Supervises VISTA projects related to the ORCC Student Advisory Board and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Collaborative;
• Meets weekly with each VISTA direct report;
• Provides on-going coaching, supervision, and feedback to VISTA direct reports.

Training Plan & Curriculum Development (15%)

• Assists in identifying and assembling subject matter for training of AmeriCorps Members and schedules time and space for training;
• Conducts training needs assessments;
• Develops courses, curriculum, and training modules for use with VISTA team and other ORCC constituents;
• Ensures that the racial, cultural, and class diversity within the team is honored and taken into consideration when developing and implementing dialogue and training.

Evaluation and Reporting (10%)

• Collects and gathers data and stories on VISTA program to inform and highlight the program to funders and constituents via required federal reporting, media releases, and online communication outlets;
  
• Develops and maintains record keeping systems for the program; 
  
• Corrects and completes computerized data relating to the program; 
  
• Contributes to and assembles program related reports;
  
• Analyzes program data and implements changes to ensure continuous improvement;
  
• Attends meetings and workshops to increase awareness and understanding of the program and its functions;
  
• Prepares and assists in the preparation of written materials for printing and distribution (e.g., flyers, newsletters, promotional advertisements, posters, press releases);
  
• Gives public presentations through local media, fairs, shows, information booths, classroom presentations, community organizations to increase awareness of program;
  
• Organizes promotional activities (e.g., schedules events and rooms, arranges for materials, obtains required staffing);
  
• Responds to questions from members and constituents regarding the program;
  
• Works closely with the Oregon office for the Corporation for National and Community Service;
  
• Assists in coordinating alumni efforts for the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

Budgeting & Fiscal Management (5%)

• Manages VISTA operational grant from the Corporation for National & Community Service including assisting the Executive Director in developing program budgets and budget amendments;
• Processes payments, reimbursements, and financial reports.

Other

• Contributes to other areas within ORCC, including assisting with events and program assistance as assigned;
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Desired knowledge/skills

• Ability to support and train members across racial, cultural, class, and gender differences;
• Experience with AmeriCorps VISTA or national service programs is desired;
• Knowledge and/or experience with service-learning, higher education/community partnerships;
• Program coordination and management;
• Event planning, training/adult education, media/public relations;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills;
• Experience supervising staff and leading teams;
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Education Requirements
Bachelor degree required with 1-3 years of related national service experience preferred.

Parameters
The starting annual salary rate for this position will be between $36,000.00-$44,000.00, dependant upon qualifications and experience with a competitive benefits package including healthcare, dental, mental health, alternative care, retirement, short term disability, and vacation package. 

This position requires travel out of state, as well as in state.  Valid driver’s license required.  Out of state applicants, if chosen must obtain an Oregon’s driver’s license within 3 months.

Relationship With Others
Employees have regular contact with the public, in person, via email, and by telephone, to promote awareness of and interest in the AmeriCorps VISTA program and to persuade the public to take an active part as AmeriCorps Members or participating sites. Employee will have occasional contact in person, via email, and by telephone with members of the media or legislature to promote awareness of a program, project, or event.

Supervision Received
Employees receive general supervision from the Executive Director who reviews the work through daily informal personal contact and/or weekly or monthly meetings and conferences. Work is reviewed to assess progress and conformance to program goals and objectives. Work is also reviewed through written narrative reports and observation of written program documents to determine effectiveness and conformance to agency/program procedures. Employees use agency policies and procedures, State and Federal rules and regulations, and program procedural manuals as guidelines in providing program services and dealing with the public.

To apply
Please send cover letter, resume, responses to supplemental questions, and 3 references to info@oregoncampuscompact.org with VISTA Program Manager in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

_____________

Oregon Campus Compact (www.oregoncampuscompact.org) is an affiliate chapter of Campus Compact, a national coalition of college and university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education.

VISTA Program Manager Supplemental Questions:

1. Describe your ability or previous experience working in a community that is not your own.  Discuss your process for assessing community needs, developing sustainable and reciprocal partnerships, and working across differences.
2. Explain your experience managing other VISTA or national service programs.  If you have not managed a national service program, share an experience or the skills you possess that would allow you to effectively manage a complex, multi-site program, spread across a broad geographic area with attention to detail and interpersonal relationships.
3. Describe your skills and experiences developing and conducting training.  If possible, specifically discuss your experience leading conversations and learning on race, power, privilege, and educational and/or economic disparities.

Transitioning into high school is one of the most pivotal moments in a student’s education. Studies show success in ninth grade can predict the likelihood of a student graduating from high school. 

To support students in Multnomah County, where the on-time graduation rate is just 64.7%, Oregon Campus Compact (ORCC) partnered again this summer with Ninth Grade Counts, a collaborative of the All Hands Raised Partnership focused on the crucial summer transition, ninth grade. More than 20 nonprofits and schools districts, including ORCC, come together as a part of this effort.  

For the past five years, ORCC’s Summer VISTA program has partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service and Ninth Grade Counts to create a sustainable, positive impact. In 2012, a study by the Northwest Evaluation Association found that participants in Ninth Grade Counts stayed on track through ninth grade at higher rates and had better school attendance than non-participants. Partners believe these successes will contribute to increases in Multnomah County’s high school graduation rate. 

The program also made an impact on the college students who were selected to serve as Summer VISTAs. Recruited from ORCC’s membership of colleges and universities, students deepened their understanding of pressing needs and gained hands on experience transforming the community. In addition, they discovered their values and passions and earned a living stipend and AmeriCorps education award to help pay for school.

"Working with [Ninth Grade Counts] has really impacted me a lot. It has actually made me rethink what I want to major in, in college,” explained one Summer VISTA. “Working with these kids and seeing the type of impact and change that I can make in their lives is an awesome feeling. It makes me feel as though I am really doing something in the community and in my life."

The Summer VISTA program leverages smart, young people with fresh ideas to serve the community. ORCC is motivated to foster the next generation of thoughtful, educated, committed leaders and to prepare them to solve Multnomah County and Oregon’s most complex problems. ORCC supports this vision by connecting students to their communities and by deepening their understanding of critical issues so they're prepared to lead as future decision makers and mentors. 

To learn more about ORCC and how to become an ORCC campus member, contact Josh Todd, ORCC Executive Director at josh@oregoncampuscompact.org or 503.406.3570.

To learn more about Ninth Grade Counts or the All Hands Raised Partnership, contact Jeanie-Marie Price, Vice President of Communication at All Hands Raised, jeanie-marie@allhandsraised.org or 503.234.5404.

As students begin to settle into their classes, ORCC’s AmeriCorps VISTA members are getting comfortable in their new role as service-learning ambassadors on campuses. This year, ORCC welcomed 23 members at 18 colleges, universities, and community organizations, as well as one VISTA Leader at ORCC. Members were selected from an unbelievably competitive pool of local and national candidates. They come to the team with incredible experience, passion, and drive, and ORCC is excited to see them feed their unique talents into their projects.

Throughout the year, team members will embody the mission of AmeriCorps VISTA by working to alleviate poverty. By mobilizing campus and community resources, the VISTAs will generate, develop, and implement ways for the campus to reflect on the root causes of poverty and work towards solutions with the community.

The VISTAs will spend the next year focused on developing poverty related service-learning opportunities. They will accomplish this by building relationships, managing service events, coordinating programs that engage students in service, and increasing the level of civic engagement on their campuses. As their work unfolds, ORCC is excited to see them inspire change and get things done!

Meet Our AmeriCorps VISTA 2013-2014 Team!

• Maggie Abney – Ashland, Southern Oregon University, Student Life 
  
• Andriana Alexis – Portland, University of Portland and Roosevelt High School
  
• Selina Barua – Marylhurst, Marylhurst University, Advising 
  
• Corin Bauman – Corvallis, Oregon State University, Center for Civic Engagement 
  
• Kim Clutter – Portland, Concordia University, Office of Service Leadership
  
• Kit Crane – McMinnville, Linfield College, Community Engagement and Service  
  
• Kristin Eberman – Portland, Carpe Mundi
  
• Jayme Fisher – Portland, Lewis & Clark College, Graduate School of Education and Counseling 
  
• Hannah Forman – Portland, National College of Natural Medicine, Community Clinics 
  
• Janine Gates – Portland, Multnomah County, Office of Diversity and Equity
  
• Kelly Gray – Salem, Oregon State University, Extension 
  
• Gabe Hernandez – Woodburn, Pacific University Woodburn Campus, Teacher Cadet Program  
  
• Matt Jernigan – Portland, Oregon Campus Compact, Leadership and Development 
  
• Hannah Kass-Aten – Eugene, University of Oregon, Holden Leadership Center 
  
• Robyn Louden – Eugene, University of Oregon, Graduate School of Education &The United Way 
  
• Eunice Makinde – Portland, Concordia University, Office of Service Leadership, Multicultural Mentoring
  
• Lauren Nichols – Corvallis, Oregon State University, Human Services Resource Center 
  
• Darin Smith – Portland, Portland State University, Student Leaders for Service
  
• Holly Sweeney – Portland, University of Portland, Office of Grants and Fellowships 
  
• Allisha Tull – Portland, Oregon Campus Compact, VISTA Leader 
  
• Jesus Vasquez – Portland, Reed College, SEEDS, Multicultural Resource Center 
  
• Doug Vitro – Salem, Chemeketa Community College, Student Retention and College Life 
  
• Heidi Whitehouse – Portland, Portland Community College, Service-Learning  
  
• Jessaca Willis – Portland, Portland State University, University Studies and Roosevelt High School

The end of August marked the end of the term of service for Oregon Campus Compact’s (ORCC) 2012-2013 full-time AmeriCorps teams. Throughout the year, 22 AmeriCorps Retention Project and VISTAs worked with 14 colleges, universities, and community partners to develop mentoring programs for at-risk students, and to increase the capacity of campuses and communities to fight poverty.

Their success is measured not only by what they accomplished on campuses, but also by their individual and collective spirit of service. ORCC is honored to have worked with the members and excited to see how they impact communities in their future pursuits. We look forward to staying in touch and thank everyone for their service and commitment.