equipment maintenance
CTC Support
Organization:
RTPNet VISTA Name:
Kimmora McKinnie
Program Start:
8/2001
Program End:
2/2002
Project Description:
The anticipated outcome of this project is a functioning, responsive technology support service for TACT (Triangle Area Centers for Technology) that will assist technology centers which are primarily in low-income neighborhoods.
The purpose of TACT is to facilitate the introduction, use, and support of technology in community centers and schools in the Triangle area through partnerships that bring resources and needs together.
An anticipated by-product of TACT is the creation of technology support jobs in the community that provide a career path from entry-level jobs through various levels of support for technology center hardware and software to technical jobs in local companies.
The AmeriCorps VISTA will work with the technical support committee to plan and develop a working technology support group. They will also identify and document support services to be provided by the TACT technology support committee, develop an expertise list that the Help Desk will use to forward problems, develop lists of recommended hardware and software for technology centers, as well as installing and troubleshooting computer systems and providing routine maintenance.
Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator
Organization:
Homeless Prenatal Program VISTA Name:
Scott Reed
Program Start:
7/2009
Program End:
7/2010
Project Description:
The ultimate goal of this VISTA project is to shine the spotlight on HPP’s mission and work, raising visibility for a wide audience: current and prospective donors, volunteers, and a diverse community of San Francisco families who need our services.
With direction from the project manager and Development Director, the VISTA will develop creative methods for collecting the many stories of need, perseverance and success that buzz around our client programs and are the pride of our client services staff. The VISTA will gather these stories, in addition to news and events about the agency, and distribute the information to the community through a variety of channels.
Goal 1: Drive traffic to Web site and convert visitors into members, volunteers and advocates
Goal 2: Create sustainable process for content gathering and distribution at HPP
Project Outcome:
Scott worked with mentor Brittney Fosbrook to create an ongoing, nearly self-sustainable strategic plans for a volunteer-run program in our Community Technology Center. Scott created an online volunteer guide which contains all the “how to’s” and useful links for our volunteers.The guide also contains volunteers agreements and lab rules. Scott also worked with our Systems Administrator to create customized, bilingual computer profiles for our clients, making it easier for our guests to login and use the lab with minimal computer experience. Scott also cleaned up the space physically, getting rid of unused materials and installing useful information sheets for additional resources. In addition to volunteer outreach, Scott also conducted major outreach to clients and to our case management staff, so that they understand the resources available and their potential value to clients.
The volunteer program in the CTC has been successful in that it has increased lab attendance, increased volunteer engagement, and has decreased the amount of staff time necessary to run the lab. However, the CTC is not able to self-sustain on volunteers alone. Scott has been hired as a full-time employee, with half-time duties related to CTC coordination.
Scott was a key player in HPP’s first steps in social media, creating a Facebook and Twitter presence, as well as advising the development of our revamped website. This developed as the need was identified at HPP and matched Scott’s skills and interests.
Marketing and Outreach
Organization:
Boston Neighborhood Network VISTA Name:
Scott Hillier
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2004
Project Description:
• Implement plans to increase BNN’s membership and client base.
• Help write publicity and design flyers, brochures, and newsletters.
• Help organize and produce special outreach activities including video promotions, community oriented TV programs, and public service announcements for non-profit organizations.
• Implement plans for targeted outreach to special populations (e.g. youth, elders, ESL groups, disabled).
• Help implement BNN’s training programs by developing curriculum to meet members’ and client’ needs. Teach workshops to youth and adults in video and digital media at BNN and off-site at member organizations.
• Assist with maintenance of digital editing equipment at CityPlace.
• Complete PSAs
Project Outcome:
Scott came to BNN in September 2002. He quickly became a valuable member of the BNN team, assisting with Ed/Out projects that promote BNN services, teaching video production, assisting members with non-linear editing, troubleshooting edit equipment, and producing public service announcements. Scott has raised the production standards of BNN with his excellent editing and shooting skills. He has also assisted with print promotions such as newsletters and flyers.
Due to Scott’s excellent production capabilities he was able to complete a number of PSAs, instructional videos, and community based programs for BNN. Such programs included the 10 part series “Sister Talk 2,” a program aimed at African American women to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. Scott assisted Barbara Barrow-Murray, BNN’s Roxbury Studio Manager, with editing the series. Scott also played a large role in helping to modernize the look of the channel, creating promotional spots, and helping to improve the channel’s graphics.
Impact Quote:
“Scott’s presence at BNN has greatly improved our ability to do projects we had wanted to undertake but didn’t have the resources to do. He has improved the look of the channels, which increases the value of BNN. His enthusiasm for teaching has allowed us to offer more digital media classes at low rates to members and others.”
- Wendy Blom, BNN Director of Education and Outreach