AmeriCorps

Montpelier was devastated by flooding in 2023 and community members are determined that the next time the rivers rise things will be different. How can Vermont’s Capital City that lies right on the banks of the Winooski River thrive in the face of an increased threat of hazardous weather? And, how can the community rally together to implement priorities that make the City more resilient and vibrant? Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier (FRM) was formed to help answer these questions. The VISTA Volunteer at the Foundation will make an out-sized contribution to this work through accessible public communication, deep public engagement, and inclusive project implementation. Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier is an action-oriented organization established to create a healthy and resilient City through facilitating democratic engagement, supporting community-led initiatives, and gathering and distributing resources. Projects range from the hyper-local, organizing of small...

The mission of HatchSpace is to celebrate and advance the learning, practice and cultural varieties of woodworking. We provide access to the tools and training necessary for people to build what they love. Across our programs, HatchSpace fosters creative exploration, technical learning, and community connections that support craft and trades skills development. We serve the trade-curious, career changers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, artists, craftspeople, tinkerers, and hobbyists with an annual reach of over 1,300 participants. HatchSpace was founded in 2019 as a woodworking school and community workshop in downtown Brattleboro, VT. Our facility offers specialized equipment and tools that are not easily accessible to learners across our region. Programs at HatchSpace teach the skills in demand by local employers and needed to repair our region’s aging housing stock, helping members of our community obtain jobs and alleviate poverty. Throughout our history, HatchSpace has...

We mobilize our community to create lasting solutions for a brighter tomorrow in Northwest Vermont. Through our networks, partnerships, and strategic initiatives, we are actively improving the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors within Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. We make real change in the lives of our neighbors by focusing on the unmet needs most important to—and told to us by—our community. We target our community investments towards what our neighbors need when they need it. Our impact areas are improving the health and well-being of all, building financial stability and strength, and addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow. In this role, you will support the Prevention Network, a program of United Way of Northwest Vermont that brings people and organizations together to share information, build connections, collaborate, and explore opportunities focused on preventing substance misuse and promoting well-being. Over a 12-month period, the...

Plainfield, located in Washington County just east of Montpelier, is a small town that has built a strong network of partners to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies - particularly flooding, which has significantly impacted the community in recent years. This work is supported by the local community, state agencies, and volunteer organizations. Plainfield Emergency Management leads disaster preparedness and response efforts, including flood inundation planning, emergency evacuations, and operation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and shelter when needed. A key partner, the Hazard Mitigation Committee, focuses on reducing long-term risk through planning, recommendations, and strategies that strengthen community resilience. Together, these entities prepare for, educate about, and assess likely emergency scenarios each year to establish realistic priorities and effective mitigation strategies. Emergency management operations also prioritize clear and...

Founded in 2012 in Brattleboro, Vermont, Rich Earth Institute is an independent research and demonstration organization focused on the intersection of environmental, agricultural, and sanitation solutions. Our mission is to advance the use of human waste as a resource by engaging in research, education, and technological innovation. We envision a world with abundant and widely distributed clean water and fertile soil, achieved in part by reclaiming nutrients from our bodies as elements in a life sustaining cycle. Rich Earth evolves sanitation practices from linear waste disposal systems to circular resource recovery networks. Our research, consulting, demonstration projects, and original educational tools cultivate both grassroots and institutional engagement. Rich Earth presents a simple idea with global potential. Our ongoing nutrient recycling activities in Windham County, Vermont have received the country’s first permit to produce sanitized Class A fertilizer from human urine....

Common Roots is a Vermont nonprofit with a mission of building a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy. This AmeriCorps VISTA project will strengthen the systems that support equitable access to nutritious food for low-income households in South Burlington and surrounding communities. Rising food and living costs continue to place pressure on working families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Common Roots addresses these challenges by connecting organic farming, nutrition education, and community-based food access programs. VISTA volunteers at Common Roots will build organizational capacity in communications, food access partnerships, volunteer engagement, and diversified fundraising. These roles will develop the infrastructure that connects farm production, Farm to School and Farm to Go programs, community meals, and food...

The Montpelier Performing Arts Hub (The Hub) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2023 with a mission to be a state-of-the-art venue that hosts performing arts and community events and offers lifelong learning opportunities. The Hub is transforming the historic Gary Library on the former Vermont College of Fine Arts campus into a permanent home for performance, education, and community gathering in Central Vermont. The VISTA Volunteer will lead implementation of The Hub's community access strategy — building partnerships, developing outreach systems, and creating pathways for underserved families into programming. The volunteer will also provide behind-the-scenes fundraising support, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and campaign coordination as The Hub advances its capital renovation. This is a hands-on role in a small, mission-driven organization at an exciting stage of growth. Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S. — and one of the most livable. It's...

Common Roots is a Vermont nonprofit with a mission of building a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy. This AmeriCorps VISTA project will strengthen the systems that support equitable access to nutritious food for low-income households in South Burlington and surrounding communities. Rising food and living costs continue to place pressure on working families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Common Roots addresses these challenges by connecting organic farming, nutrition education, and community-based food access programs. VISTA volunteers at Common Roots will build organizational capacity in communications, food access partnerships, volunteer engagement, and diversified fundraising. These roles will develop the infrastructure that connects farm production, Farm to School and Farm to Go programs, community meals, and food...

Common Roots is a Vermont nonprofit with a mission of building a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy. This AmeriCorps VISTA project will strengthen the systems that support equitable access to nutritious food for low-income households in South Burlington and surrounding communities. Rising food and living costs continue to place pressure on working families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Common Roots addresses these challenges by connecting organic farming, nutrition education, and community-based food access programs. VISTA volunteers at Common Roots will build organizational capacity in communications, food access partnerships, volunteer engagement, and diversified fundraising. These roles will develop the infrastructure that connects farm production, Farm to School and Farm to Go programs, community meals, and food...

The Communications & Storytelling Systems VISTA will redesign how Common Roots communicates its work to clearly connect farming, education, and food access programs to community impact for low-income households. Common Roots’ mission is building a thriving local food system and healthy community through farming and nutrition education for all ages, where every person has equitable access to nourishing food they enjoy. This includes redesigning how programs are presented on the website, building seasonal campaigns tied to farm and food access programs, and developing systems to share stories across multiple channels. The VISTA will develop a coordinated communications system including website structure, content calendars, and tools to track engagement and impact, including simple dashboards and earned media outreach strategies. By strengthening how the organization communicates and connects with the community, this role will increase participation in food access programs, expand...

Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC) is a full-service, critical access community hospital serving the central Vermont towns of Windsor and Woodstock, as well as surrounding communities in Vermont. Our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve. Home of the region's most advanced inpatient Rehabilitation Center, high-tech diagnostics, and state-of-the-art surgical care, we're focused on providing high-quality health, medical, and wellness services to the people we serve. Moreover, as members of the Dartmouth Health system, our patients have seamless access to world-class specialists whenever they need them. In collaboration with multiple organizations and agencies, MAHHC Community Health meets the definition of an Accountable Community for Health. This means that, as a health system, we not only take care of the sick, but we also work to ensure opportunities for residents in our region to be physically healthy, mentally healthy, socially connected and valued,...

The mission of Green Mountain Transit (GMT) is to promote and operate safe, convenient, accessible, innovative and sustainable public transportation services in the northwest and central Vermont region that reduce congestion and pollution, encourage transit-oriented development and enhance the quality of life for all. GMT provides access through fixed route public transportation to jobs, grocery stores, medical appointments and key destinations throughout our service area. GMT also provides shuttles from senior housing complexes to local supermarkets and neighborhood specials for student transportation to Burlington schools. In addition, GMT also provides demand response medical shuttles, and service to elders and persons with disabilities. Member Duties : The VISTA at GMT will focus on meeting the following goals: increased community participation, strengthened operating systems, and increased coordination between poverty-focused programs and other community...

Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) serves Windham and Windsor Counties. Our mission is to empower and partner with individuals and communities to alleviate the hardships of poverty, provide opportunities to thrive, and eliminate the root causes of poverty. In 2024, SEVCA provided 7,500 services to 3,500 individuals and 2,000 households. We deliver a coordinated continuum of anti-poverty services including housing stability, homelessness prevention, energy and utility support, workforce and economic development, crisis intervention, early childhood development, education and skills training, income budgeting, and information and referral services. Our VISTA project will build a sustainable, agency-wide volunteer engagement and management system to expand SEVCA's long-term capacity to serve individuals and families facing poverty-related obstacles, increasing community participation and economic resilience across southeastern Vermont. Member Duties :...

Founded in 1987, Vermont Works for Women (VWW) is working to create a Vermont where women and youth have equal access to opportunities and the tools they need to thrive economically and where they can make confident, deliberate choices about life and work that reflect an expansive grasp of what's possible. VWW engages women and youth in innovative career education and exploration programs to help them build confidence, overcome obstacles, and prepare for meaningful employment. Youth Programming: VWW supports girls to access and experience the full array of learning and career opportunities available to them through summer camps, after-school programs, career exploration events at local tech centers, and an annual conference. Each program creates a safe and empowering environment where participants challenge assumptions and get hands-on experience in STEM and skilled trades career fields. Adult Programming: VWW supports women to pursue their career and financial goals, whatever they...

In our pay-what-you-can on-site classes and in partnership programs with local nonprofits and public schools where youth participate for free, we provide an outlet for creativity, personal reflection, and a space to connect with others. Our programs provide outlets for exploration from outdoor activities to portraits to camera-less photography. In-Sight is powered by a community that believes in young people, photography, art, and connection. Volunteer teachers and assistants share their time and expertise. Individuals and businesses contribute generous financial support. Photographers pass along gently used equipment so students have the tools they need to create. Together, this network of supporters helps ensure every young person has the opportunity to learn, explore, and express themselves through photography. Programs include: Classes in our facility or at a partnership school, Youth Photo Club, Open Lab hours, Artist-in-Residence opportunities for youth, youth and young adult...

We mobilize our community to create lasting solutions for a brighter tomorrow in Northwest Vermont. Through our networks, partnerships, and strategic initiatives, we are actively improving the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors within Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. We make real change in the lives of our neighbors by focusing on the unmet needs most important to—and told to us by—our community. We target our community investments towards what our neighbors need when they need it. Our impact areas are improving the health and well-being of all, building financial stability and strength, and addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow. The Common Good Vermont program (CGVT) at United Way of Northwest Vermont plays a crucial role in supporting Vermont’s nonprofit sector statewide. Common Good Vermont serves as the go-to resource for Vermont’s nonprofit sector and mission-driven professionals to share resources, build skills, and build partnerships....

The Springfield Family Center (SFC) has been a trusted partner in alleviating food insecurity since 1971, and as a VISTA, you’ll directly contribute to that mission. Serving alongside dedicated professionals and volunteers, you'll help expand essential programs that provide food, support, and hope to individuals and families in need. With SFC's collaborative approach, you'll gain valuable experience working with local schools, law enforcement, and community health teams, all while fostering stronger connections and a healthier, more resilient community. This position will allow you to grow professionally, develop leadership skills, and be part of something truly impactful. Member Duties : The VISTA will play a key role in advancing Springfield Family Center's mission by focusing on strategic goals. Responsibilities include grant writing and reporting to secure funding and ensure transparency. The VISTA will enhance data collection and reporting systems to track...

Project ACTION is a collaborative community initiative based in Springfield, Vermont, dedicated to mitigating the impact of crime, addressing substance misuse, and supporting residents in treatment and recovery. Our mission is to work alongside key community stakeholders—including law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, treatment and recovery services, state agencies, and local organizations—to improve the overall well-being of our community. We serve individuals and families affected by crime, substance misuse, and poverty, as well as other community-based organizations working toward similar goals. With a poverty rate of 17.4%—significantly higher than both state and national averages—Springfield faces critical economic challenges. Project ACTION actively works to alleviate poverty by connecting residents to essential services, advocating for economic opportunities, and fostering a safer, healthier environment. Our efforts extend...

Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary is a 600-acre nonprofit conservation and education center in Orange, Vermont, founded in 1987 by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. We hold Vermont Department for Children and Families licensure as a childcare provider with Specialized Care designation, serving 40+ economically disadvantaged youth annually in grades 3–8 who face higher-level emotional and behavioral needs. Nearly all participants are low-income families receiving childcare financial assistance; 100% qualify for free/reduced lunch. Our integrated model combines nature-based afterschool education, farm-to-school food security programming, botanical conservation, and ecological literacy — all grounded in working forest, meadow, and wetland habitat. We are currently implementing a Vermont Farm to School Vision Grant and approaching our organization's 40th anniversary in 2027. Our VISTA Volunteer will build the organizational infrastructure — grant systems, donor programs, evaluation...

VT VOAD Strengthens Vermont’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by uniting nonprofit, faith-based, community, and volunteer organizations under a shared mission of cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration. Our purpose is to ensure that individuals and families affected by disasters, especially those with limited resources, receive timely, equitable, and effective support. VT VOAD serves a broad network of community-based organizations, local and state agencies, volunteer groups, and the Vermonters they assist. While we do not provide direct services ourselves, we build the capacity of the organizations that do. This includes groups supporting low-income households, rural communities, older adults, people with disabilities, and families facing economic hardship who are disproportionately impacted by disasters. Our poverty-alleviation work focuses on strengthening long-term recovery systems, improving resource coordination, and reducing...