Community Engagement Member (Westport CEDC) - ACC Member

Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Westport Community Economic Development Corporation.

About the American Connection Corps:

The American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps program of Lead For America (LFA), is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment.

ACC Members serve with locally-rooted organizations, helping address the digital divide and strengthen access to opportunity. Through their service, they gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in their communities.

About Westport Community Economic Development Corporation

To promote equitable development, access to the waterfront, cradle to college educational opportunities and improve the lives of our residents, workers, and business owners through the power of collective impact in Westport, Mt. Winans, and St. Paul neighborhoods.

Position Overview

The Member will report to the Executive Director and will be responsible for supporting implementation of our outreach plan for several programs, including homeownership training, Clean and Green volunteer recruitment, and the community master plan. The Member will support resident outreach and maintain and update program-related records and databases for residents, prospective homeowners, local businesses, and housing conditions to help identify community needs, connect residents with resources, and track progress on community priorities. They will represent the organization at various community events and meetings, as well as engage and coordinate with Block Captains. This Member will contribute to our community engagement on important issues and empower residents to have a voice in their shared future.

The Member will provide community-facing service and support community-wide outreach and engagement activities under the direction of the Executive Director or designated staff. Service activities must be consistent with the approved AmeriCorps State and National program and member service assignment. The Member will supplement, not duplicate or displace, the work of paid employees or existing volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

The ACC Member will:

• Maintain database of residents, tracking their needs and progress on addressing those needs to support resident outreach, referrals, follow-up, and community service activities.
• Support and coordinate the Block Captain Clean and Green program by assisting with community outreach, volunteer recruitment and engagement, and neighborhood clean-up activities, in coordination with designated staff and community volunteers.
• Maintain and update resident homeowner candidate database, assist in recruiting new community land trust homeowners support outreach to prospective community land trust homeowners, and help connect residents with homeownership training and related resources.
• Maintain and update business database to support community-wide outreach, resource sharing, and neighborhood revitalization activities.
• Maintain and update house condition database, including site survey of conditions including conducting or assisting with site surveys of conditions using approved procedures and under staff direction, documenting observations accurately, and following applicable privacy, safety, and data-protection requirements.

All activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member will occur under staff supervision and within the approved AmeriCorps position description and program scope. The Member serves in a direct service and capacity-building role and may not independently manage programs, supervise staff or contractors, determine eligibility, engage in fundraising or grant writing leadership, or perform duties that duplicate, displace, or supplant employees or contractors.

Learning & Development Opportunities

As an ACC Member, you will receive structured training and support throughout your service year, including: 

• A week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort to kick off the service year.
• A week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your ACC cohort — travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend are fully covered.
• Twice-monthly virtual training on skills for service, including project management, asset-based community development, grant writing, and serving vulnerable populations, plus self-paced curricula with opportunities to earn badges and credentials.
• A structured community listening tour at the start of service to understand local needs, assets, and opportunities.
• Dedicated 1:1 support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings for networking and professional development.
• Access to a national network of ACC Members, alumni, and community partners.

• Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
• Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms. 

Timeline:

We are currently recruiting Members to serve from December 7th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. Members will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1200 hours of service over the course of the term.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent pool.
2. Host Site Review: Our host site organization will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interview.
3. Lead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America team.

Full-time ACC Members receive: 

• A $23,300 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $5,220 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded ACC Winter Institute druing the year.

Non-Discrimination
This institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all. All program documents, including compliance history information, may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact us at ACCinfo@leadforamerica.org

Note: The ACC program does not offer part-time or remote member positions at this time.