APIA Health and Wellness VISTA

Since 1965, over 220,000 AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program have joined the fight against poverty by helping local organizations expand their capacity to make change. The VISTA program serves in each of the 50 U.S. states and in all U.S. territories.

Through capacity building activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment AmeriCorps members in the VISTA program serve in an office setting and gain experience and leadership skills. This opportunity prepares members for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.

The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA) is a Tribal led non-profit organization that serves the 13 Unanga{ tribes of the Aleutian Pribilof region. The VISTA will support initiatives in the Health Department focused on addressing social and environmental determinants of health in the realms of food security, cancer prevention and healthy behavior promotion (physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco cessation etc). APIA is looking for a VISTA member who is excited to advocate and engage in addressing these public health topics in impactful, culturally-relevant, and creative ways. Examples of possible VISTA member activities can include: developing a regional food system stakeholder listserv/network; engaging youth and young adults with relevant social media communications; supporting improved access to nutritious foods in village stores; assisting with creation of community walking maps; creating cancer prevention outreach resources and events; developing physical activity and nutrition education programming; and promoting workplace wellness activities. Additionally, the VISTA will help identify and secure funding opportunities (grants, scholarships etc) and may travel to the region to assist with community outreach events.