Energy Poverty & Engagement VISTA

The time for climate action is now! Cincinnati seeks a motivated, thoughtful, justice-minded VISTA with a passion for community activation to join us as we build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient city for all. In the GCP Energy Poverty & Engagement VISTA, OES seeks a new team member who is justice-minded, intellectually curious, relationship-oriented, proactive, and interested in organizing people to make great change. Could this be you?

The impacts of climate change are happening now, and they are not being experienced equitably. The Green Cincinnati Plan (GCP) is Cincinnati’s community-led strategic plan for climate action leading to a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient city for all. Revised every five years, the newest iteration of the GCP was finalized in April 2023. In the GCP, goals, strategies, and priority actions were established through deep community engagement in categories as diverse as buildings and energy, natural environment, mobility, food, and waste. It is the responsibility of the Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES) and a constellation of partners to bring the Plan to life. This VISTA will play a key role in implementing the fresh, new Plan. The overall focus of the OES VISTA Project is to increase the capacity of the City and community partners to get the 2023 GCP launched on the right foot so that residents and neighborhoods of Cincinnati can experience greater prosperity, health, and resilience. This particular role will help OES and partners to more effectively address the issues of energy poverty, inclusion of community voice, and mobilization of partners.

Based at Cincinnati’s City Hall, you will have 3 key functions as we work together to implement the GCP. First, you will work with partners to address energy poverty. We have pilot efforts underway, and you will make them stronger and more scalable so that more of those in need experience lower utility costs. You will bring fresh eyes and energy, design compelling resources, talk with key stakeholders, and expand partnerships. Second, you will make sure the City plays a key role in strengthening the voice of those most impacted by climate change by supporting the evolution of the Climate Safe Neighborhoods effort. Thus far, it has been an effective education and engagement effort, but it is primed to shift toward action. You will help OES and partners make that possible. And third, a Plan of this scale can only happen with a multitude of well-coordinated partners. We need your help setting up tools and systems to ensure that we are gathering and supporting partners toward ever more effective activation. With your efforts, we will build trust, equip changemakers, and make solid headway on our ambitious plan as we build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Cincinnati together.

To apply, submit a brief statement of interest and a resume to OES@cincinnati-oh.gov. The position will be filled by early August, so apply soon!

Any benefits and terms and conditions of the Americorps VISTA program, are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service.