The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has partnered with AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) to launch the Green VISTA Corps program, marking a first-of-its-kind effort for the agency. This initiative aims to provide new opportunities for volunteers and community organizations to advance environmental justice and anti-poverty efforts in historically underserved areas.
“It’s a natural fit for EPA to partner with AmeriCorps VISTA,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “What VISTA works to achieve in communities really complements the goals of our Agency, particularly concerning our shared commitment to universal environmental protection and inclusive decision-making for healthier communities.”
The Green VISTA program will place three VISTA members in positions with local organizations in St. Louis and Kansas City. These members will support projects designed to increase environmental resiliency and improve community health, building long-lasting pathways that further environmental justice efforts in the Midwest.
“The Green VISTA Corps program we are developing in the Midwest is more than a pilot. It's a call to action and a promise of a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all,” said AmeriCorps Portfolio Manager Melissa Mohler.
Two St. Louis-based organizations will host VISTA members based on their commitment to creating environmental justice-focused outcomes:
- **Lewis Place Historic Preservation (LPHP)**: The VISTA member will serve the organization’s Community Resilience Project, focusing on alternative energy and energy reduction programs as well as community disaster relief and cleanup efforts.
- **earthday365**: The VISTA member will serve as an EJ Outreach Coordinator, supporting sustainability certification and environmental justice outreach programs.
These opportunities are national service roles through AmeriCorps VISTA rather than EPA jobs. Lewis Place Historical Preservation is accepting applications for its Community Resilience Project position through July 11, 2024. Applications for earthday365’s EJ Outreach Coordinator position will be accepted through July 31, 2024.
AmeriCorps is a federal agency connecting volunteers with service opportunities nationwide across various sectors with different time commitments and requirements. Founded in 1965, the VISTA program aims to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help lift communities out of poverty.
All three Region 7 Green VISTA positions offer training, health coverage, relocation and living allowances, child care assistance (for those eligible), an education award upon successful completion of service, and a choice between an education award or an "End of Service" stipend after one year of service. Additionally, VISTA members who serve at least one year gain non-competitive eligibility when applying for federal jobs.
For more information about the Green VISTA AmeriCorps pilot program or eligibility requirements:
- [Lewis Place Community Resilience Project with LPHP](https://www.epa.gov)
- [EJ Outreach Coordinator with earthday365](https://www.epa.gov)
Learn more about EPA Region 7:
- [Region 7 news releases](https://www.epa.gov)
- Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
- Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
