Building Economic Opportunity for Indigenous People
As a VISTA Member, you will build crucial capacity for a non-profit organization. The Native American Development Corporation (NADC) is a sustainable community and economic development organization, and a premier health network for Native American communities. The overall goal of this project is to research and formulate an action plan for the launch of a credit union with nationwide aspirations.
There are numerous barriers to improving capital access for Native Americans, including: inflexible bank regulations; borrowers’ poor credit histories; the inadmissibility of trust land as collateral; a lack of financial institutions on or near Native lands; Native Americans’ limited experience with the financial world; and lenders' failure to understand tribal government or legal systems. This project will alleviate poverty by providing capital access to the target community and bringing new money into the economy, providing resources to combat the effects of generational poverty.
The VISTA member will conduct a community assessment to identify the need for services; leverage financial resources; compile a database for stakeholder outreach; and develop a media plan. This will include generating a high-quality data collection system in order to increase awareness of the program’s impact among community partners, funders, and beneficiaries.
Desired Skills and Traits:
Business/Entrepreneur, Conflict Resolution, Communications, Community Organization, Public Speaking, Fundraising/Grant Writing, Teamwork, Writing/Editing, Leadership, Computers/Technology.
Eligibility:
Must have a four-year college degree at time of placement and must commit to serve on a full-time basis for one year.
All members must be a U.S. Citizen, National or Legal Resident and not be listed on the National Sex Offenders Public Registry.
Service requires full immersion in the project and community, therefore, full-time employment outside service is discouraged. However, VISTA members are eligible for part-time employment with Host Site and Sponsor approval.