Become an AmeriCorps VISTA
We need you to serve in Northern Minnesota!
Eco3 AmeriCorps VISTA members expand the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to reduce poverty in the Northland.
The Eco3 VISTA Program matches passionate individuals to positions with community partners, supports our members with resources and training in community engagement and professional development, and connects members with social, cultural, and outdoor experiences.
We seek candidates who are ready to grow their professional skills, expand their networks, and positively impact their community.
Learn More About Eco3 VISTA
Eco3 VISTA is a program of AmeriCorps. VISTAs serve for a year with local nonprofit organizations or public agencies. VISTAs address issues like poverty, health, hunger, affordable housing, energy security, environment, and community development.
- Living Stipend: Adjusted to local income levels, the stipend is a modest amount to cover basic living expenses. In Duluth, the stipend is $22,819 per year.
- End of Service Education Award or Stipend: Upon successful completion of your VISTA service, members can choose a cash stipend of about $1,800 or a $7,395 award for education expenses like student loans or tuition.
- Professional Development: Includes training, workshops, and a $150 stipend for individual professional development throughout your VISTA service.
- Housing Stipend: Members of the Ecolibrium3 VISTA Program receive a housing stipend to help with housing expenses during their service year.
- Healthcare and Childcare: Qualified members can choose a health reimbursement or plan and childcare support.
- Public Benefits: Members can enroll in Minnesota benefits, including healthcare and housing assistance with help from Eco3 staff.
- Relocation Allowance: VISTA members can receive payment to help with the costs of relocating to Minnesota!
- Non-Competitive Eligibility and other Alumni Resources: After service, members can participate in AmeriCorps Alumni networks and receive Non-Competitive Eligibility for some federal employment.
For more information, check out the VISTA Benefits webpage on AmeriCorps.gov or contact us with any questions related to service or benefits!
Our VISTAs serve across Northern Minnesota, but our nucleus is in the City of Duluth. Duluth is a beautiful city located right on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Easy access to the beach, hiking trails, winter sports, live music, restaurants, and a community of passionate individuals and organizations are just some of the reasons to spend your year of service here.
Positions Coming Soon
Ecolibrium3 places VISTAs in a variety of host sites to serve in many different fields. All Eco3 VISTAs work toward the shared goals of building community capacity and addressing poverty in Northern Minnesota. Sign up using the interest form to be notified when positions are available.
Community Engagement Specialist VISTA
Our AmeriCorps VISTA will work to build UMD’s capacity to serve as an anchor institution in Greater Minnesota, as well as deepen campus-community partnerships/initiatives that can alleviate poverty by supporting low-income college students, K-12 students, and community members through projects that are focused on education, food security, basic needs, housing, veterans & military families, environmental stewardship, college access and success, workforce development, and more.
Our VISTA member will increase UMD’s community engagement capacity by assisting with resource development, volunteer recruitment, research, curriculum development, program evaluation and assessment, and partnership building.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Assist with implementation of seasonal student volunteer opportunities.
2) Assess and document partnerships between UMD and local K-12 schools; provide trainings and resources to improve outreach and supports.
3) Evaluate year-long community partner efforts, analyze data collected, and determine sustainability of the programs and initiatives developed.
Community Leadership VISTA
Our VISTA member will focus on research, engagement, and leadership development to ensure that Chum and Stepping On Up programs are in alignment with best practices and responsive to the experiences and leadership of people who are unhoused. The goal of Stepping On Up is to achieve functional zero street homelessness in the Duluth area.
Our VISTA member will improve organizational capacity by developing ongoing systems of feedback, accountability and leadership that ensure people personally impacted by homelessness are helping to drive existing and emerging housing and shelter programs toward best outcomes.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Research emerging best practices for emergency shelters and housing programs.
2) Engage people with lived experience of homelessness in focus groups and surveys about the existing homeless response system in Duluth.
3) Implement strategies for client feedback and leadership within Chum.
Community Resilience VISTA
The Carlton County Community and Family Initiatives Department (CFI) is dedicated to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for the youth & families of Carlton County. A strong county is built on a well-supported community, and a strong community is built on well-supported families. The Department strives to create and foster resources, connections, and programs for youth & families impacted by diverse circumstances and lived experiences.
The VISTA will seek to improve community resiliency through improving volunteer programs, developing and launching a marketing campaign, and assist in the development of strategies/tools to strengthen opportunities for youth and families. The VISTA member will also have the opportunity to research, design and develop a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) training that will be built into our county’s training capacity.
The VISTA significantly impacts the community by enhancing program efficiencies, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Through project support and implementation, it facilitates smoother operations, fosters sustainable solutions, and increases access to resources. By developing tools, expanding volunteers, and securing resources, it addresses local needs effectively, empowering communities. Ultimately, it enhances outcomes for youth and families, driving positive change within the community.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Build a marketing campaign that includes a calendar, outreach strategies, and a standard operating practice for press releases that help to address needs of families and promote their overall well being.
2) Enhance and strengthen our volunteer program.
Ecological Justice VISTA
Community Action Duluth’s (CAD) mission is to empower and engage our community to eliminate poverty through a multi-pronged approach that connects people to resources, offers job training and education opportunities, and builds community connections.
Our VISTA members will spend a majority of their service time with the Seeds of Success program(SoS), which is focused on increasing access to fresh and healthy food in Duluth. Mostly working in the Lincoln Park and Central Hillside neighborhoods, SoS operates two food access-focused farmers markets, a deep winter greenhouse and urban farm, and will be expanding our low-cost grocery program, the Mobile Market.
Our VISTA member will increase organizational capacity by supporting grant seeking, creating training materials, assisting with gathering data, and increasing visibility and volunteership in the Seeds of Success and Stream Corps programs.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Grant seeking: research potential funding sources, build familiarity with agency programming, and attend trainings.
2) Increase program visibility and volunteerism.
3) Create documentation norms and educational materials for participants and staff in support of training and data collection for grants.
Energy and Sustainability VISTA
Research, plan, and conduct engagement activities that help to identify and implement actions and policies that advance sustainability and more equitably serve Duluth residents and neighborhoods. This is an American Climate Corps position in Duluth, MN.
The VISTA will work with the City of Duluth Sustainability Officer to research, plan, and conduct engagement activities that help to identify and implement actions and policies that advance sustainability and more equitably serve Duluth residents and neighborhoods.
Major efforts and supporting tasks include:
– Gather data on potential projects, analyze and improve metrics, and research examples and lessons learned from other cities’ progress. Use data to assess the need for program development and engagement in Duluth and identify common setbacks of potential projects or policies.
– Assist in developing strategies for sustainability metrics reporting (ex: GreenStep Cities, Carbon Disclosure Project)
– Assist in developing priorities for sustainability and climate action work planning that reduce inequities, as identified in the Duluth Climate Vulnerability Assessment
– Program planning and delivery related to sustainability goals in the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan
– Assist in program development and delivery that support implementation of the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan’s sustainability-related goals, including:
a) Assist in energy and equity related programs and events, within the City and community
b) Contribute to grant writing to engage residents and businesses on energy topics (green buildings, efficiency, renewables, conservation, etc.)
c) Contribute to energy and sustainability engagement and outreach in Duluth.
The VISTA member will be part of the Eco3 VISTA cohort serving in northeastern Minnesota. Although each member will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Perform research and improving metrics around energy and sustainability and research examples and lessons learned from other cities’ progress. Assess the need for program development and engagement, identify common setbacks of potential projects or policies.
2) Assist in program development and delivery that support implementation of the Climate Action Work Plan and Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plans.
3) Engage residents and communicate sustainability and energy stories, progress, and challenges.
Food Sovereignty VISTA
Join Fond du Lac Agricultural division to help plan and combat issues regarding climate change by planning regenerative and sustainable agriculture techniques. This is an American Climate Corps position in Cloquet, MN.
Nagaajiwanaang (Fond du Lac Band) is one of the six Bands of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. There are three districts that make up the Fond du Lac Reservation: Bapashkominitigong (Cloquet), Gwaaba’iganing (Sawyer), and Ashkibwaakaaning (Brookston). Today, our Band includes over 4,000 members. We have always been, and continue to be, a proud sovereign Ojibwe nation. We uphold all of our rights retained and agreed to within the 1825, 1826, 1837, 1842, 1847, and 1854 Treaties.
The VISTA member will be based at the Fond du Lac Reservation’s Gitigaaning (gardens and farm), Na’enimonigamig (kitchen/cannery), and the Brookston farm location (orchard and future mashkode-bizhiki (buffalo)) location and will work with all Agricultural division staff throughout their term. Some travel to offsite trainings may occur.
Planning VISTA
Help to address planning and economic development opportunities for the Fond du Lac Reservation and to build capacity and coordinate the development GIS program for the Fond du Lac Planning Division. This is an American Climate Corps position in Cloquet, MN.
The Fond du Lac Reservation is located next to Cloquet, MN just 20 miles southwest of the city of Duluth. The Treaty of 1854 between the United States Government and the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa established the Reservation, comprising 101,400 acres.
The VISTA will work to address planning, GIS and economic development opportunities for the Fond du Lac Reservation. Work with Planning Division staff to build capacity and coordinate the development GIS program for the Fond du Lac Planning Division.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Research GIS needs and uses for the Fond du Lac Planning Division.
2) Develop projects and programs to support future community and economic development efforts.
3) Support and research grant writing efforts.
Transportation and Sustainability VISTA
Research, plan, and conduct planning projects, programs, and activities that help to identify and implement actions and policies that advance a sustainable transportation system which equitably serves Duluth residents and visitors. This is an American Climate Corps position in Duluth, MN.
The VISTA will work with the City of Duluth Sustainability Officer and the Senior Transportation Planner to research, plan, and conduct engagement activities that help to identify and implement actions and policies that advance sustainability and more equitably serve Duluth residents and neighborhoods.
Major efforts and supporting tasks include:
– Gather data on potential projects, analyze and improve metrics, and research examples and lessons learned from other cities’ progress. Use data to assess the need for program development and engagement in Duluth and identify common setbacks of potential projects or policies.
– Assist in developing strategies for transportation sustainability metrics reporting (ex: GreenStep Cities, Carbon Disclosure Project)
– Assist in developing priorities for transportation sustainability and climate action work planning that reduce inequities, as identified in the Duluth Climate Vulnerability Assessment
– Program planning and delivery related to transportation sustainability goals in the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan
– Assist in program development and delivery that support implementation of the Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan’s transportation sustainability-related goals, including:
1) Assist in transportation related programs and events, within the City and community, including the development of a transportation demand management program.
2) Contribute to grant writing to engage residents and businesses on transportation topics (urban street designs, multi-modal and active transportation projects and policies, etc.)
3) Contribute to transportation and sustainability engagement and outreach in Duluth.
The VISTA member will be part of the Eco3 VISTA cohort serving in northeastern Minnesota. Although each member will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Perform research and improving metrics around transportation and sustainability including research examples and lessons learned from other cities’ progress. Assess the need for program development and engagement, identify common setbacks of potential projects or policies.
2) Assist in program development and delivery that support implementation of the Climate Action Work Plan and Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plans. sustainability-related goals, including: assist in planning and hosting energy-related programs and events, attend and present at community events, contribute to grant writing to engage residents and businesses on energy topics and support planning and development of educational workshops to engage our community around green industries and work force development issues.
3) Engage residents and communicate transportation and sustainability stories, progress, and challenges.
Urban Agriculture VISTA
Tackle healthy food access issues in a low-income neighborhood of Duluth, MN, by expanding capacity of an urban farm, assisting in development of a food hub, and expanding nutrition education. This is an American Climate Corps position in Duluth, MN.
Ecolibrium3 is a nationally award-winning nonprofit organization as we innovate solutions and implement programs to decrease the economic, educational, environmental, and health disparities experienced by low-income members of our community.
Ecolibrium3’s mission is to lead and inspire change in our community toward an equitable and sustainable future. We accomplish this mission through four program areas including Climate and Energy, Food Systems, Lincoln Park Resilience, and Eco3 VISTA. We excel at using design-thinking to create effective and innovative programs and projects to address many of our community’s most pressing challenges. Our awards include White House Champion of Change Honors for building resilient communities, EPA Climate Showcase Communities Seeds of Change Award, and Main Street America’s Main Street Forward Award.
Eco3 is managing a 2.5-acre urban farm site with 6,000 square feet of high tunnel production area, located at Lake Superior College. The VISTA will build capacity, help with educational opportunities, develop outreach plans, and support community engagement at the Eco3 Urban Farm.
The VISTA member will be part of the Eco3 VISTA cohort serving in northeastern Minnesota. Although each member will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Create a procedure manual for opening and closing at the Farm through different seasons.
2) Support community outreach at the Farm, including efforts to get more community members to visit and engage in Farm activities.
3) Assist with grant-writing efforts to sustain work and projects at the Farm.
4) Support the growing season and help with day-to-day operation of the Farm.
Eco3 seeks a member that is self-motivated and works well with diverse individuals.
VISTA Leader
Ecolibrium3 VISTA Corps is a dynamic program on the shores of Lake Superior. You’ll work with passionate individuals to build community resilience and develop coordinated anti-poverty strategies.
Ecolibrium3 is a nationally award-winning nonprofit organization as we innovate solutions and implement programs to decrease the economic, educational, environmental, and health disparities experienced by low-income members of our community.
Ecolibrium3’s mission is to lead and inspire change in our community toward an equitable and sustainable future. We accomplish this mission through four program areas including Climate and Energy, Food Systems, Lincoln Park Resilience, and Eco3 VISTA. We excel at using design-thinking to create effective and innovative programs and projects to address many of our community’s most pressing challenges.
Our awards include White House Champion of Change Honors for building resilient communities, EPA Climate Showcase Communities Seeds of Change Award, and Main Street America’s Main Street Forward Award.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member Duties:
1) Build the capacity of the Ecolibrium3 VISTA Corps members and community project sites by building member skills and facilitating members’ personal growth.
2) Expand community awareness of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA Program and understanding of the mission of AmeriCorps VISTA.
3) Support VISTA Corps members personally and professionally throughout their service.
4) Assist VISTA members to construct work plans and goals in relation to each member’s VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) and performance measures.
5) Refine the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Plan
6) Coordinate monthly All-VISTA Meetings and inter-cohort communications.
7) Lead outreach and recruitment for new VISTA members.
8) Create and refine member support resource list.
Volunteer Program Specialist VISTA
Make an impact as Mentor North’s Volunteer Program Specialist! Expand our volunteer program to support youth mentoring and to enrich lives across generations, identities and neighborhoods. This position is in Duluth, MN.
Mentor North is a non-profit agency serving Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. Mentor North’s mission is to celebrate youth and support their families through one-on-one mentorship and community engagement. We enroll Twin Ports-area youth ages 7-14 and match them with adult volunteers based on complementary interests, personality, values, identities, lived experiences and goals. Our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive mentorship community.
The Volunteer Program Specialist (VPS) will develop meaningful volunteer opportunities beyond the one-on-one mentoring central to our mission. The VPS will explore community aspirations and trends related to volunteerism; analyze Mentor North’s current needs, volunteer opportunities and barriers to volunteer involvement; and develop and implement systems for expanded and accessible volunteer engagement, including positions, recruitment, procedures, tracking, recognition and evaluation.
Mentor North’s VISTA member will enhance organizational capacity by diversifying our volunteer base. This expansion will provide more support to local youth and families facing poverty, while streamlining operations and enhancing sustainability.
The VISTA member will be part of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. Although each member is serving in a unique position, all cohort members will participate in VISTA specific activities such as regular cohort meetings, collaborative projects, professional development opportunities, and trainings.
Member duties:
1) Capacity building related to volunteer engagement.
2) Analyze Mentor North’s current needs, volunteer opportunities and barriers to volunteer involvement.
3) Develop systems for expanded and accessible volunteer engagement.
4) Implement systems for expanded and accessible volunteer engagement.
How to Apply or Get More Information:
If you would like more information check out these resources:
- AmeriCorps VISTA national website
- Contact us with questions or inquiries
- Apply using the national AmeriCorps portal