<p>Rural Action Heritage and Resiliency Project</p> <p>Appalachian Ohio is home to a history of economies built predominantly on extractive industries, which have not provided sustainable ladders of opportunity for residents at diverse income and education levels. Rural Action's mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region's assets in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways. The proposed VISTA project, the Rural Action Heritage and Resiliency Project, aligns with the VISTA focus areas of Economic Opportunity, Healthy Futures, and Environmental Stewardship. We are seeing a growing and glowing opportunity with the rise of community members interested in formalizing their cultural practices of storytelling and skill sharing, most often manifested as small museums and preservation societies. With this VISTA project, we propose our heaviest AmeriCorps investment in exploring the economic opportunity of asset-building in resource-based tourism, or engagement opportunities in tourism that honors and conserves our history, heritage, environment, and regional culture of strong, unapologetic civic involvement. This project will also support the distribution of local produce, food, and hot meals, as well as supporting communities as they actively adapt to chance and seek out affordable and long-lasting resilient energy and economy strategies. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.</p> <p>Member Duties : VISTAs focusing on Environmental Stewardship will be helping low-income communities, leaders, and community members understand what is happening to the historic weather, seasonal, and agricultural trends, how we can adapt to rapid changes, how to strengthen the resilience of our assets and capital in the face of that change, and even how we can access resources. VISTAs focusing on Healthy Futures will be engaging with all levels of stakeholders, from producers to consumers, to keep fresh, healthy food circulating locally and keep food waste at a minimum, including programming and deliver resources to help every community member realize they are a key player in keeping our communities fed. VISTAs focusing on Economic Opportunity will be placed with cultural organizations will be helping small communities lift up giant, generational stories of resilience, overturned oppression, adaptive practices and frameworks, and Appalachian resistance.</p> <p>Program Benefits : Health Coverage* , Relocation Allowance , Training , Education award upon successful completion of service , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Living Allowance , Childcare assistance if eligible .</p> <p>Terms :</p> <p>Permits working at another job during off hours , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Car recommended .</p> <p>Service Areas :</p> <p>Environment , Community and Economic Development , Hunger .</p> <p>Skills :</p> <p>Community Organization , General Skills , Communications .</p>