Friends of New River Gorge National River Seeking New AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America

Date: July 21, 2016
Contact: Angela Allison, 304-465-6508

Glen Jean, WV –Friends of New River Gorge National River is currently seeking a new AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA). This is the third and final year of a VISTA project to develop the Camp Brookside Environmental Education Center. In the initial two years of the VISTA project, the AmeriCorps VISTA and National Park Service worked directly with the community to develop a new nonprofit partner. This nonprofit partner, Friends of New River Gorge National River (NR) will now take a leadership role in fundraising for operations of the environmental education center. This is just one project for the friends group, who will support all three national parks in southern West Virginia, including New River Gorge NR, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River. Friends groups provide valuable support to National Park Service sites throughout the country by fundraising for projects and programs that go beyond federal budgets.

The AmeriCorps VISTA position will begin this fall and work directly with Friends of New River Gorge NR to recruit new members, develop fundraising events, and prepare grant proposals. The member will serve full time for one year at park headquarters in Glen Jean, WV. AmeriCorps VISTAs are eligible for a biweekly stipend, education award, relocation allowance, childcare assistance, health coverage, and training. At the conclusion of service, the VISTA member is eligible for one year of noncompetitive hiring status for any federal position. To apply for the position, visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=58420.

Friends of New River Gorge NR is a 501c3 charitable organization that provides valuable support to all three national parks of southern West Virginia. Memberships are accepted at two levels. Level one members receive a members-only newsletter and sticker. Level two members receive a members-only newsletter, sticker, discounts at local area businesses, and access to members-only events and programs. To learn more about Friends of New River Gorge NR or to become a member, visit www.friendsofnrgnr.org. Additional information on New River Gorge National River can be found by visiting www.nps.gov/neri.

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