Empowering Communities in Transition: Energy Communities AmeriCorps
From Powerhouse to Clean Champion:
How You Can Help Communities Rise Again
Imagine the towns that fueled America's growth—the ones with deep mines or towering smokestacks and generations of hard-working families. These communities are now at a crossroads, as they seek to revitalize and diversify their economies for the future. Without significant investments and supporting resources, they risk falling further behind in the 21st century economy.
Here is where Energy Communities AmeriCorps steps in.
This isn't as easy as flipping a switch—we intend to empower these communities and support their workforces and overall economic priorities. We are sending passionate AmeriCorps VISTA members to serve alongside local organizations, adding fuel for their transformation.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference.
What is Energy Communities AmeriCorps?
Energy Communities AmeriCorps offers technical support to help communities impacted by previous or pending coal mine and power plant closures. This project bridges the gap between environmental and economic concerns by focusing on a more diversified economic portfolio. Creating opportunities in energy transition, advanced manufacturing, small businesses, tourism and more strengthens communities and builds for the future.
Overview Basics
- Funding: More than $12.5 million is available to support the project, funded by federal agencies and philanthropic sources.
- Duration: The initiative is set to run for three years, starting in fall 2024.
- Locations: Nine priority Energy Communities, including Appalachian Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Illinois Coal Basin, Four Corners, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Wyoming, and Montana.
If your organization operates in any of the shaded areas in this map, including in an existing or pending RRT, you are eligible to apply as a host organization.
What Work Will Be Done, Where, and When?
AmeriCorps VISTA members will be placed in energy communities to support local priorities, including:
- Economic Development: Helping communities design and implement economic development plans.
- Energy Transition: Assisting in the transition to new energy sources.
- Environmental Remediation: Supporting local efforts to remediate environmental damage.
Why Does This Work Matter?
Energy Communities AmeriCorps is crucial for several reasons:
- Economic Transition: Supports communities where coal and power plant jobs are in decline.
- Job Readiness: Provides training and job opportunities in the growing advanced manufacturing and clean energy sector.
- Community Empowerment: Helps local organizations build capacity and sustainability.
- Environmental Impact: Aids in environmental remediation and energy transition.
What Will This Program Achieve?
The program aims to achieve significant outcomes, including:
- Economic Development: Strengthening local economies by supporting new business ventures and job creation.
- Clean Energy Transition: Facilitating the shift to renewable energy sources.
- Environmental Remediation: Addressing and mitigating environmental damage in affected communities.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the capabilities of local organizations to sustain long-term development efforts.
Become an AmeriCorps VISTA member & support one of nine local communities in energy transition!
| Project & Location | Join ECAP |
|---|---|
| Floyd County Fiscal Court | Apply Here |
| Powell Economic Partnership | Apply Here |
| Community Services Network of Wyoming | Apply Here |
| State of Wyoming Budget Department | Apply Here |
| Prairie Rivers Network | Apply Here |
| Coalfield Development | Apply Here |
| Rural Action | Apply Here |
| Indiana County Thrives | Apply Here |
| Southwestern Pennsylvania Municipal Project Hub | Apply Here |
| Appalachian Voices | Apply Here |
| Cumberland Valley Area Development District | Apply Here |
| WV Region 1 Planning & Development Council | Apply Here |
| Shaping our Appalachian Region | Apply Here |
| Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky | Apply Here |
| Southeast Montana | Apply Here |
| Wyoming | Apply Here |
| Four Corners | Apply Here |
| Illinois Basin | Apply Here |
| Eastern Kentucky | Apply Here |
| KY River - Region 1 | Apply Here |
| KY River - Region 2 | Apply Here |
| Appalachian Ohio | Apply Here |
| Pennsylvania | Apply Here |
| West Virginia | Apply Here |
| Virginia | Apply Here |
| Wyoming County Economic Development Authority | Apply Here |
| Southern Illinois Now - Community Development Coordinator | Apply Here |
| Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation | Apply Here |
What is a VISTA member?
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members are dedicated individuals who serve full-time in their assigned communities to build capacity, support economic development, and foster sustainable programs. They receive various benefits, including: Living Allowance, Education Award, Professional Development, Healthcare and Childcare, Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal jobs after service completion.
This initiative needs motivated individuals to serve as AmeriCorps VISTA members. These members will:
- Create Partnerships: Work with businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders.
- Expand Programs: Increase the reach and impact of local initiatives.
- Build Capacity: Develop volunteer management, leadership, and training systems.
- Resource Mobilization: Leverage grants and other resources to support community projects.
Apply to be a VISTA member within a priority Energy Community above!
What is a Host?
A host is a public or nonprofit organization in an energy community that provides workspace and supervision for VISTA members. Hosts benefit from the skills and efforts of VISTA members at no cost, as the program covers the expenses. Host responsibilities include: Provide workspace and supervision, Promote and recruit for the VISTA positions locally.
What is a Partner?
Partners in this context include federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders that provide funding, resources, and support for the Energy Community AmeriCorps Program. They play a critical role in the success and sustainability of the initiatives undertaken by the VISTA members.
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AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country and address pressing community challenges. It engages 200,000 members and volunteers annually across 36,000 locations.
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VISTA members receive a living allowance, education award or cash stipend, professional development, healthcare, childcare, and more.
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Host sites provide workspace and supervision for VISTA members. There are no fees, and all administrative duties are managed by Conservation Legacy.
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VISTA members assist with local efforts to remediate environmental damage and implement clean energy solutions.
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Anyone interested in supporting economic development and environmental remediation in energy communities can apply. The program is especially suitable for recent graduates and those seeking to gain experience in the clean energy sector.
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Each VISTA member serves a full-time, one-year term.
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We are sharing a series of info sessions where you can learn more about this program, how to apply to host a VISTA, and the timeline for launching the first cohort of members.
Webinar dates and registration links:
Thurs, Nov 7 at 11 AM: REGISTER HERE
Thurs, Nov 14 at 3 PM: REGISTER HERE
Thurs, Nov 21 at 11 AM: REGISTER HERE
Or CLICK HERE for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, contact:
April Elkins-Badtke, Executive Director at Conservation Legacy
EMAIL: april@conservationlegacy.org
PHONE: 304-444-2764
support this program
Your donations can help us expand our reach and enhance the impact of this essential initiative! Donations help cover essential costs like training, travel, and materials for AmeriCorps members. This ensures they can effectively serve these communities and contribute to their clean energy transition.
