Description

Program Overview:  Team Up AmeriCorps places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Southwest Colorado.  While these members serve as part of a regional cohort and participate in regional cohort trainings and activities,  they spend the majority of their term serving directly at a specific host site organization.  Through collaborative service,  Team Up AmeriCorps members develop their own professional skills and passions,  expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations,  and ultimately support people to thrive.  Team Up has been utilizing collective impact initiatives since 2015 to collaborate across sectors and promote communication towards common goals within rural Southwest Colorado communities.

Café  au Play exists to nurture families with young children (ages 0–4),  while strengthening the broader community that supports them.  Through play,  shared experiences,  and thoughtfully designed caregiver and child programs,  we foster learning and meaningful relationships—ensuring no parent or caregiver feels alone in early parenthood and that every family feels welcomed,  supported,  and surrounded by community.

More than a play space,  Café  au Play is a community hub where parents and caregivers find connection,  support,  and friendship during a stage of life that can feel isolating and uncertain.  Each week,  families gather on our familiar red sofa,  in our indoor free-play space,  or on our shaded outdoor playground—sharing stories,  laughter,  and reassurance while children safely explore,  play,  and build early social skills alongside their peers.  While families may arrive with different resources,  schedules,  and life circumstances,  they share the common experience of new parenthood—the joy,  uncertainty,  exhaustion,  and learning curve that comes with caring for young children.  Within this shared space,  differences fall away as caregivers connect over universal challenges and milestones,  creating a community grounded in empathy,  mutual support,  and belonging.

Service Position Summary:  The Community Engagement &  Art Program Coordinator AmeriCorps Member will support Café  au Play’s mission to strengthen families with young children (ages 0–4)  by expanding high-quality,  play-based arts learning opportunities and building organizational capacity through volunteer system restructuring.  The AmeriCorps member will also play a crucial role in supporting parents in making the Cafe open Saturdays,  a regularly requested day where very little childcare exists in La Plata County where Cafe au Play has been previously unable to offer support.

Physical,  Emotional,  and Intellectual Demands:

• Willingness to learn,  adapt,  and grow in a position

• Ability to serve independently,  take initiative,  and be motivated by the projects they are doing

• Compassion and awareness:  self-awareness,  awareness of cultural differences,  social differences and understanding of implicit bias

Term of Service -  Time Commitment:  This is a Quarter Time national and community service position requiring approximately 18-20 hours/week.  The position begins March 5,  2026 and ends August 31,  2026.  Flexible hours are required,  including occasional evening and weekend commitments.  Service on the following dates is required:

• March 5-6:  Team Up AmeriCorps Member Orientation
• March 6:  Meet n’  Greet with Team Up Director,  Members &  Site Supervisors
• March 7:  First Full Day at Host Site/Host Site Orientation
• March 31:  Cesar Chavez Day of Service
• April TBD:  Spring Convening of Members &  Site Supervisors
• 2nd Wednesdays,  monthly:  Cohort Connections
• alternating virtual and in-person

Training and Support Provided:  Team Up AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement,  project implementation,  leadership,  diverse populations,  and more.  Up to 20%  of total hours served may be spent in applicable,  approved trainings.  Members will be supervised and supported by Jennifer Fernandez (durangocafeauplay@gmail.com),  as well as by Team Up AmeriCorps program staff.  The PY 25-26 cohort of Team Up AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will also act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions:  This position is based at 495 Florida Rd,  Durango CO 81301.  Occasional off-site engagement and partnership activities,  meetings,  etc.  will be required.

Benefits:

• A living allowance of approx.  $666.41/per pay period (twice per month).  Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• An education award of $1,956.35 upon successful completion of term of service.
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings and gatherings
• Non-tangible benefits including extensive training,  valuable experience,  networking,  and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need
• Additional host site benefits:  If applicable,  the member may receive CPR/First Aid training or recertification.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:  Team Up values the diversity of our community.   In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board,  staff,  and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets.   We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age,  race,  color,  religion,  national origin,  disability,  gender,  sexual orientation,  and any other protected category.

AmeriCorps prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories of race,  color,  national origin,  sex,  age,  religion,  sexual orientation,  disability (mental or physical),  political affiliation,  marital or parental status,  pregnancy,  reprisal,  genetic information (including family medical history),  or military service.

Reasonable Accommodations and Disability Inclusion:  Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed for applications,  interviews,  and service.

To Apply:

Step 1.  Email a cover letter and resume to Team Up AmeriCorps Director Anne Poirot @  AnneP@TeamUpSW.org.  Be sure to indicate which position(s)  you are interested in.

Step 2.  Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application for the position https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=128442.  Please complete BOTH steps to apply.