Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology Crosshatch AmeriCorps VISTA Associate Bellaire, MI · Intern Company website

Apply for Crosshatch AmeriCorps VISTA Associate

Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology, a non-profit with 20+ years of experience, builds strong communities through the intersections of art, farming, ecology and economy. We envision communities that are grounded in place: where people connect through stories, music, art, shared work, and food, and where the economy and culture are rooted in restoration of the earth and its people.

Come work with Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology via

AmeriCorps VISTA Research Associate!

Project Duration: July, 13 2026 - September, 6 2026

Americorps Application Deadline: June 19, 2026

This is an AmeriCorps VISTA service position hosted by Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology. The selected candidate will serve as an AmeriCorps member while working closely with and receiving day-to-day support from the Crosshatch team. If you apply through this job posting, we will help guide you through the official AmeriCorps application and placement process.

 

Vista Assignment Objectives and Activities

The Crosshatch AmeriCorps Vista Service Associate will focus on supporting our new rural development hub in Bellaire during its opening phase. Focus areas will include workshop and community event support, systems and resource building, volunteer coordination, and grant-supported activities related to rural preparedness, farmer collaboration, and our food programs. The AmeriCorps Vista Service Associate will also be critical support for our mercantile and gathering space during public open hours.  

 

By the End of the 8-10 Week Period the Vista Associates will:

Objective 1: Assist in the planning and engagement of the community in workshops specific to farming, arts, and ecological stewardship to support economic opportunities.

Objective 2: Help build capacity to establish the Crosshatch Meeting + Mercantile as a hub for community education. Especially by recruiting and engaging volunteers.

Objective 3: Strengthen Crosshatch’s capacity to serve as a hub for emergency preparedness as well as disaster response and recovery. 

 

Specific Activities

• Support and implement mission-aligned community workshops in farming, arts, ecological stewardship, and local economy.
• Support and implement events to educate the community on emergency preparedness skills and systems.
• Plan and implement volunteer workdays to improve and beautify buildings within the Bellaire Village limits around our property.
• Support the implementation of retail space as an economic outlet for local entrepreneurs
• Research and support the implementation of accessibility and inclusion in our community spaces.
• Research and identify funding sources for educational programming to support Crosshatch into the future. 

Necessary Skills

• Ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to help team members stay organized and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work at our location and arrive on time. 
• Positive attitude that puts people and community first.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to convey daily, weekly, and monthly expectations to the team.

Management and Supervision

The Vista Associates will be supervised daily by the Crosshatch Meeting Place + Mercantile General Manager in Bellaire, Michigan. Programmatic content will be informed by the needs of the community center, with guidance from Crosshatch AmeriCorps planning grant director Daniel Marbury, Crosshatch Program Specialist Katrina Daniels, Crosshatch Operations + Finance Specialist Spike Oliver, and Co-directors Brad and Amanda Kik.

 

Expectations and Timelines

• All applications need to be submitted and approved to AmeriCorps by May 15th. Again, our team will help you with that process.
• You must be able to serve full time during the duration of your service.
• You must be able to pass a criminal background check and a National Sex Offender Public Registry Check.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA position. Members receive a living allowance, professional development, and an education award through AmeriCorps.

Summer Associates have one holiday and 3 sick days

Summer Associate benefits:

• a. $957 bi-weekly living allowance that is taxed by the Federal Government
• b. End of service – College funding $1,565 or cash stipend $276.64

This is an AmeriCorps VISTA service position, and compensation is provided through AmeriCorps rather than Crosshatch. Members receive a biweekly living allowance, basic healthcare coverage if eligible, and a choice of an Education Award or a smaller cash stipend upon successful completion of the service term. Additional benefits such as student loan deferment, childcare assistance, and relocation support may also be available depending on eligibility.