Engagement Specialist VISTA

The Washington Gleaning Network (WGN) brings together gleaning organizations from all over Washington state and provides resources that help those organizations thrive, ultimately more healthy, local food into the hands of those who need it most. In this role, the Washington Gleaning Network partners with Harvest Against Hunger and its thriving Harvest VISTA Program to support this initiative. The AmeriCorps member will commit to a year of service focused on expanding community engagement, building sustainable systems, and developing impactful programs. In the first year, groundwork was laid for the WGN by conducting research, engaging in strategic planning, and building relationships across the statewide gleaning community. By engaging with more than 50 organizations, state-wide, common needs, regional differences, and major gaps were identified—including a lack of centralized gleaning knowledge and long-term program stability. Building on the groundwork laid in the first year, the second year of the project focused on deepening the relationships and partnerships established. This year emphasized nurturing trust across diverse gleaning programs and continuing to explore shared challenges and opportunities. Communication and knowledge-sharing among gleaners were facilitate, while also beginning to create the early scaffolding of a network that could offer long-term stability, mutual support, and shared resources to grow the gleaning movement in Washington state. The second year laid crucial relational and cultural groundwork for a statewide network rooted in collective impact, peer learning, and sustainability. As we enter the third year, the focus will be on preserving and expanding the network’s impact. Building on this momentum involves developing and formalizing network infrastructure, resources, and systems that can support gleaners well into the future.

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Member Duties : The Engagement Specialist VISTA will refine and expand tools, templates, and guides to create a shareable toolkit that supports building and sustaining network models like the WGN. By identifying gaps and developing new resources, the VISTA ensures the toolkit remains relevant and accessible. They will also lead the creation of a sustainable digital communication and outreach strategy, including branded content, toolkits, and promotional materials to strengthen long-term visibility and engagement. Through blogs, videos, and resource articles, they will document stories of gleaning and collaboration, highlighting the impact of their service year. They will also enhance community engagement by identifying opportunities for member involvement, and organizing virtual or in-person gatherings, that center and uplift the voices of gleaners throughout Washington state.

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

• For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits .
  
  

Terms

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

Service Areas

Hunger , Health .

Skills

Communications , Team Work , General Skills , Recruitment , Community Organization , Non-Profit Management , Computers/Technology .

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Summary

Program Type:

AmeriCorps VISTA

Program

Engagement Specialist VISTA

Program Start/End Date

06/02/2025 - 06/01/2026

Work Schedule Full Time

Age Requirement

Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations WASHINGTON

Accepting Applications

From 04/24/2025 To 05/07/2025

Contact Maria Mendez-Francisco

1201 1st Ave S

Seattle WA 98134

206-236-0408

maria@harvestagainsthunger.org

Listing ID 116234