Disaster PrepWise VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA – Disaster PrepWise Community Resilience Coordinator

University of Iowa College of Public Health • Iowa City, IA
Perfect for students interested in public health, emergency preparedness, community engagement, or social impact!

Overview

Help strengthen disaster preparedness for communities across Iowa while gaining hands‑on experience in public health, cultural adaptation, program design, and partnership development. The Disaster PrepWise (DPW) VISTA will support the expansion of a household disaster‑planning program designed to improve resilience among low‑income, rural, and culturally diverse communities.

Disaster PrepWise already offers translated materials—but now we are expanding its reach. You’ll help adapt DPW resources for new audiences, partner with local organizations, and support efforts to build an inclusive, statewide delivery model that empowers individuals to prepare for emergencies.

What You’ll Do

As the Disaster PrepWise VISTA, you will:

• Learn the history and operations of the DPW program
• Deliver the DPW program and assist with Train‑the‑Trainer sessions
• Meet with the stakeholder advisory board and help expand representation
• Develop partnerships with nonprofits, tribal communities, schools, immigrant‑serving groups, and other Iowa organizations
• Adapt disaster‑preparedness materials to reflect the cultural needs of low‑income and diverse communities
• Help develop a new intergenerational program model, enabling school‑age youth to share preparedness education with older adults in their communities
• Support the creation of culturally conscious materials, trainings, and recruitment tools
• Assist in identifying new funding opportunities to help sustain and grow Disaster PrepWise statewide

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Meaningful experience in public health, emergency management, community partnerships, and cultural adaptation
• Opportunity to work with the University of Iowa College of Public Health
• Direct involvement in expanding a statewide program that keeps families safer and more prepared
• Skill‑building in research, communication, outreach, and program development
• AmeriCorps VISTA living allowance + end‑of‑service education award

Who Should Apply

Great for students studying:
Public Health • Emergency Management • Social Work • Public Policy • Education • Anthropology • Sociology • Community & Behavioral Health • Nonprofit Management
…or anyone passionate about helping communities build resilience and access disaster‑preparedness tools.

How to Apply

Apply through the MyAmeriCorps portal:
Search Disaster PrepWise – Community Resilience VISTA