New Sun Rising AmeriCorps VISTA Member

Gain valuable nonprofit operations experience while making a difference as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving with New Sun Rising (NSR) of Pittsburgh. NSR provides capacity building, accessible funding, and data advocacy services that make positive change toward promoting vibrant communities. We are guided by our core value commitments to an equitable & inclusive society by using adaptive processes centered in asset-based practices.  

As a member of the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG), New Sun Rising collaborates with other community-based non-profits across the region to achieve economic justice and racial equity through community revitalization efforts. PCRG sponsors a cohort of 10 AmeriCorps VISTAs who serve for one year at a community-based nonprofit in the Pittsburgh area to grow their organizational capacity to uplift residents out of poverty. As part of the PCRG VISTA cohort, a VISTA member placed at NSR will serve by furthering work that invests in community and economic development to improve quality of life and increase access to capital/economic opportunity for under-resourced communities.   

To this end, the VISTA’s core responsibilities during their service year with New Sun Rising will include supporting projects in food systems, clean energy, watershed management, air quality, mobility, business districts, and housing. They’ll focus on outreach, volunteer coordination, and grant writing to further NSR’s sustainability initiatives. They’ll build capacity to implement the Borough of Millvale’s new Ecodistrict plan and participate in meetings to continue collaboration with neighbors in Etna and Sharpsburg. Outreach activities will include managing and improving communications systems. The VISTA will attend and present at community meetings and convene and participate in various meetings, training, events, and programs. The VISTA will recruit volunteers, map resources, and develop systems to increase the impact of the volunteer base. The VISTA will also collect data to track progress of sustainability initiatives. 

The PCRG VISTA program has been successful in advancing the careers of its VISTA members, who are given opportunities for professional development (i.e., classes, conferences, etc.) while gaining experience in nonprofit operations. About 70% of VISTAs that complete their year with one of PCRG’s host sites go on to staff positions at community non-profits, while the other 30% have pursued higher education, often supported by the end-of-service education award. A VISTA year also provides benefits such as student loan deferment, healthcare, childcare assistance, relocation assistance, and more. Learn more about the benefits of VISTA service on the AmeriCorps website: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits .