Montpelier was devastated by flooding in 2023 and community members are determined that the next time the rivers rise things will be different. How can Vermont’s Capital City that lies right on the banks of the Winooski River thrive in the face of an increased threat of hazardous weather? And, how can the community rally together to implement priorities that make the City more resilient and vibrant? Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier (FRM) was formed to help answer these questions. The VISTA Volunteer at the Foundation will make an out-sized contribution to this work through accessible public communication, deep public engagement, and inclusive project implementation. Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier is an action-oriented organization established to create a healthy and resilient City through facilitating democratic engagement, supporting community-led initiatives, and gathering and distributing resources. Projects range from the hyper-local, organizing of small neighborhood organizations through Montpelier Neighbor Net, to regional watershed-based work to rally surrounding communities together to collaborate on flood resilience projects. Also underway are projects to make the City more resilient through a rivers-edge planning process and creating a path to flood-proof downtown buildings. Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier has a dynamic board made up of some of the best and brightest leaders in the City. A full-time Executive Director guides project design and implementation. The small size of the organization creates tremendous opportunity for a VISTA to provide a diverse array of services across a variety of projects. The learning and experiential opportunities are almost limitless.
Member Duties : The Community Resilience Project Coordinator VISTA will contribute to the work of the Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier by: -Crafting messages to inform residents about the resilience-focused work of the Foundation and opportunities to be involved -Supporting volunteers to carry out projects that strengthen Montpelier's resilience to flooding and other disasters. -Engaging community members to build a culture of emergency preparedness -Developing community infrastructure to deliver support to residents in need When successful, this position will contribute directly to Montpelier’s resilience and reduce the impacts of disaster on some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. Public communication and volunteer recruitment and support will be key functions of this role. A resilient Montpelier is a place that looks after the most vulnerable in our City, particularly those who suffer the greatest impact when disaster strikes.
Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Education award upon successful completion of service , Training , Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance , Relocation Allowance , Health Coverage* .
Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .
Service Areas :
Environment , Community Outreach , Disaster Relief , Community and Economic Development , Neighborhood Revitalization .
Skills :
Social Services , Recruitment , Leadership , Community Organization , Disaster Services , Writing/Editing , Communications , Computers/Technology , Team Work .
SerVermont - Foundation for a Resilient Montpelier VISTA
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
Program Locations
VERMONT
From 04/06/2026 To 08/01/2026
Caitlin.Perrier@vermont.gov
