Montezuma Inspire Coalition Summer AmeriCorps Member
May 2024-August 2024
Program Overview: Led by the United Way of SWCO (UWSWC), Team UP AmeriCorps places AmeriCorps
members at organizations throughout Southwest Colorado. Through collaborative service, Team UP
AmeriCorps members develop their own professional skills and passions, expand effectiveness of
southwest Colorado organizations, and ultimately support people to thrive. Team UP has been utilizing
collective impact initiatives since 2015 to collaborate across sectors and promote communication
towards common goals within rural Southwest Colorado communities. Team UP AmeriCorps members
provide direct service to improve outcomes in Education, Economic Opportunity & Healthy Futures.
AmeriCorps, often referred to as the “domestic Peace Corps,” provides opportunities to improve lives
and foster civic engagement all across the country.
The mission of the Montezuma Inspire Coalition is to create meaningful social and outdoor experiences
for youth in our community to foster connection, curiosity and discovery. We are comprised of 9
different partners in Montezuma County who work to get youth outdoors via programming for youth and
families in the summer, schools, and outdoor job opportunities. Learn more here:
https://montezumainspire.org/
This MIC Summer AmeriCorps Member position is a unique position aimed at increasing the capacity of
MIC and its partner organizations during the summer season. This position will provide a diversity of
experiences, from direct to indirect services, all under the goal of getting individuals outdoors.
Specifically, this member will serve directly with MIC and 2 MIC partners: Fozzie's Farm (under the
Montezuma Land Conservancy) and the School Community Youth Collaborative (SCYC). At Fozzie's Farm
they will serve directly with the public which may include adult volunteers as well as children and youth
who visit for field trips during the school year and summer. When serving with SCYC, they will provide
expanded hours and promotion for the Gear Lending Library (GLL). When serving with the MIC Director,
they will learn about the inner-workings of a community coalition.
While the member’s weekly tasks will vary, they will have support from all agencies. Fozzie's Farm,
School Community Youth Collaborative, and MIC as a whole each provide a safe and inclusive work
environment for employees. All site supervisors for this position are active members in SEED (Social
Emotional Equity Diversity) and/or Pathways Work Groups, which provide beneficial support and
trainings for MIC partners. The member will be supported through regular check-ins and clear guidance
around expectations. Additionally, they will be supported to set and achieve individual goals during their
term based on their own interests and future goals.
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Service Position Summary
Duties and Responsibilities:
● Increase MIC’s capacity in the following areas:
○ Marketing & Outreach including, but not limited to: increasing social media content
(which may include attending partner programs and taking photos/videos), updating the
website, attending outreach events
○ Data: increasing survey tracking by entering MIC participant survey data into database
system
○ Coalition Work: based on the member’s skills and interests, they may provide support
and/or attend additional MIC and MIC partner meetings
● Increase the following MIC Partner’s capacity in the following areas:
○ SCYC: promoting the Gear Lending Library (GLL) at public events and offering extended
Summer capacity at the GLL (checking in/out gear, repairing gear as needed, interacting
with the public)
○ Fozzie’s Farm: farm volunteer management and direction (including weeding, planting,
composting, and irrigation) and teaching groups of youth who come to the farm for field
trips
○ Other Partners: projects/programs arise at other partners throughout the summer all
focused on expanding partner capacity and programming during the summer
● Track host site and AmeriCorps data
● Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings, cohort connection days, and Days of Service as
applicable
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
● Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a position
● Ability to serve independently, take initiative, and be motivated by the projects they are doing
● Compassion and awareness: self-awareness, awareness of cultural differences, social differences
and understanding of implicit bias
● Strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
Desired Qualifications:
● Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
● Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
● High School diploma or GED required
● Ability to pass criminal history check
● Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance, if applicable for position
● U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
Term of Service - Time Commitment: This is a Quarter-Time national and community service position
requiring, at a minimum, a total of 300 hours during the year (approximately 19 hours/week) The
position begins May 2024 and ends August 31, 2024. Flexible hours are required, including evening and
occasional weekend commitments.
Anticipated Service Schedule (dates subject to change):
● May 6: Team UP AmeriCorps mini-Orientation
● May 7: First day of Service at Host Site
● May 14: Team UP AmeriCorps Cohort Connection Call
● June 3: Team UP AmeriCorps full-Orientation with Summer Members
● June 11: Team UP AmeriCorps Training
● July 9: Team UP AmeriCorps Cohort Connection Call
● August 13: Team UP AmeriCorps Cohort Connection
● August 31: Final day of Term of Service
Training and Support Provided: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive significant training and
experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and
more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable, approved trainings. Members will be
supervised and supported by Gabi Morey gabi@montezumainspirecoalition.org , MIC Partner staff, and
Team UP AmeriCorps Program Staff. The PY 23-24 cohort of Team UP AmeriCorps members serving
throughout the region may serve as additional resources and support for each other.
Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at 216 W. Montezuma Ave in Cortez; however,
regular hours will be served at Fozzie’s Farm in Lewis, Colorado and at the Gear Lending Library at Parque
de Vida in Cortez. Additional other off-site engagement and partnership activities may be required.
Benefits:
● A living allowance of approx. $507.38/per pay period (twice per month). Taxes are deducted and
the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
● An education award of $1,459.26 upon successful completion of term of service.
● It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance
while serving as an AmeriCorps member
● Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings and days of service, if
applicable
● Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the
opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need
Diversity and Equal Opportunity: United Way values the diversity of our community. In principle and in
practice the diverse nature of our board, staff, and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets.
We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone
because of age, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and any other
protected category.
To Apply:
Step 1. Email a cover letter and resume to Team UP AmeriCorps Program Coordinator Anne Poirot @
annep@unitedway-swco.org . Be sure to indicate which position(s) you are interested in.
Step 2. Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application to be a Team UP AmeriCorps
Member: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=122364 . Please
complete BOTH steps to apply.