2007-2008 AmeriCorps team positions

These are the current AmeriCorps positions that are being filled for the 2007-2008 year. These positions are similar (but not identical) to those that will be available for the 2008-2009 year.

Water Quality Team (7 positions): Members serve with the Water Quality Forum Adopt-A-Watershed Program (AAW) to teach students how to protect their local watershed. They facilitate teacher AAW teams, teach hands-on science activities (chemical and biological sampling and analysis, water pollution, land use, and other related topics) in the classroom. They organize stream monitoring field events (water sample collections and monitoring, fish collection, stream physical assessment). They provide technical assistance and support to students and teachers in the planning and implementation of AAW projects.

EarthFlag Team (6 positions): Each team member individually works with 4 elementary or middle schools to increase their overall school sustainability. They teach students about solid waste issues in the classroom, facilitate the set-up and operation of school-wide composting and recycling programs, be a resource providing opportunity for hands-on learning. They also encourage students to recycle at home. They work with teachers and students to implement sustainable living practices (school gardens, nature trails, arboretums, etc).

Ijams Naturalist (1 position): Team member will facilitate Environmental Education (EE) activities for 5000 pre-kindergarten through 8th grade students visiting Ijams Nature Center on GO! Hikes. Facilitate School Yard Field Trips at area schools for Elementary students. He assists in development, promotion and facilitation of the new Research in the Park programming. He assists in curriculum development for new EE programming for pre-kindergarten-8th grade and special needs students. He leads presentations of non-releasable wild animals for GO! Hike students. He assists in volunteer field guide recruitment and retention.

Air Quality Team (2 positions): This team facilitates environmental outreach and education within the community through a variety of mediums, including the Young Biodiesel Leaders Program, workshops, community events and festivals. Team members also serve with students, schools, administrators, teachers, community members, businesses, stakeholders, and government agencies to communicate, plan, develop and implement clean air related projects in order to attain regional environmental goals of the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition.

Urban Agriculture Team (4 positions): Members maintain a 1-acre urban community farm and the surrounding park area. They grow and distribute over 2,000 pounds of produce to local food pantries and kitchens. They promote principles of gardening, composting, seed starting, and nutrition to 100 elementary students in 4 local schools. They increase community awareness of Beardsley Community Farm by planning festivals and special seasonal events.

Litter Prevention Team (2 positions): The Litter Prevention Team serves with Keep Knoxville Beautiful, providing litter-prevention and introductory environmental education to 10 neighborhood/community associations, and 10 school groups as well as individuals to clean and maintain some of Knox County’s most littered areas.

Tribe One Team (1 position): The Tribe One Team facilitates and expands Tribe One programming and mentoring activities. The Tribe One Team focuses on educating 10 at-risk youth on the dangers of gang associations, the enhancement of self-concept and decision-making skills, and the provision of positive alternative activities in which they may engage.

Knoxville Recycling Coalition Team (1 position): This team member organizes events with the Knoxville Recycling Coalition, such as America Recycles Day, to create awareness and educate about the importance of recycling.

Sustainability Team (1 position): Member will work with the UT Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment to assist the Tennessee Solid Waste Education Project (TNSWEP) program in its goals to promote solutions to solid waste issues. They also facilitate and develop sustainable projects such as Earth Fest and Sundown in the City recycling events.