Build Your Résumé While Serving Tuscarawas County

For Immediate Release

Mineral City, OH — Rural Action is seeking to fill three national service positions in Tuscarawas County as part of the Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps program. Two positions will be based in Mineral City at the Rural Action northern office, and the third will focus on the Norma Johnson Center.

“AmeriCorps members are an integral part of the work we have been able to accomplish in Tuscarawas County,” says Marissa Lautzenheiser, Rural Action’s Director of Northern Programs. “We have had over 35 individuals serve in Tuscarawas County during the past two decades. They come with a variety of backgrounds, from science and engineering degrees to military service to taking a ‘gap year’ during college to get real-life experience.”

The National Service terms run from August 2021-August 2022, and one of the positions will be a VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America). The two AmeriCorps members will assist Rural Action and the Norma Johnson Center in conducting educational programs for youth and adults, leading field work and directing natural resource conservation projects, sampling water quality, monitoring stream and river health, and more. The VISTA position will specifically dedicate time to asset mapping, understanding and adopting economic development models, and conducting community organizing activities.

“Our past members have gone on to be biologists, chemists, engineers, lawyers, government officials, teachers,” Lautzenheiser says. “No matter their background, everyone has found some value in serving Tuscarawas County and connecting with our residents here. This really is a unique opportunity to build your career network, get your hands dirty, and get things done.”

AmeriCorps members serve full time and receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance, health care, mileage, training, and equipment reimbursements, and may be eligible for SNAP and child care benefits. Those who complete their service also receive a $6,345 education award to pay for existing federal student loans or future education. Other job requirements, expectations, and benefits can be found at ruralaction.org/americorps.

Rural Action and Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps will adhere to all regulations concerning non-discrimination and equal opportunity regulations as outlined in federal and state law. This program will be made available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation and religion.

Rural Action is a regional community development organization with a 32-county footprint working with members and community leaders on a range of quality of life, environmental, and economic projects across rural Appalachian Ohio. Its mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region’s assets in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways. Learn more about Rural Action at www.ruralaction.org.

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CONTACT

Marissa Lautzenheiser
Director of Northern Programs
marissa@ruralaction.org
(330) 859-1050 ext. 400