Youth Programming Development Specialist VIST

VISTA Assignment Description

TITLE:  Youth Programming Development Specialist VISTA

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION:  The Sanneh Foundation (TSF)

GOAL STATEMENT: The Sanneh Foundation (TSF) is a 501(c)(3) serving Minnesota's youth. The Youth Programming Development Specialist VISTA will develop, implement and document a sustainable and comprehensive engagement and implementation plan for participant, volunteer and partnership engagement opportunities while contributing to curriculum development for new and existing sports programs planned for Sanneh’s program expansion in 2027. As a result of the VISTA’s service, the program will increase its ability to secure long-term participation and community support for the new Sanneh Center at Conway Park, ensuring TSF can continue to serve all youth and low income populations working to improve economic stability and self-sufficiency.

OBJECTIVE 1 (01/12/2026 - 01/11/2027)

Develop an in-depth understanding of the mission and services offered by TSF, the 2027 expansion plans and the overlapping programs of the Programming Department and how they relate to the Youth Sports program, the populations served and partner agencies in relationship with TSF.

Member Activities:

• Step 1: Participate in the AmeriCorps VISTA Virtual Member onboarding and TSF’s onboarding orientation.  

• Step 2: Learn the history of Sanneh’s core programs and events through meeting with previous VISTAs, and on-site shadowing at each program delivery point as available (Sports Leadership, Conway Community Center, Nutritional Services, Workforce Development, Operations).  

• Step 3: Review impact reporting and survey data and identify opportunities for improvement.  

• Step 4: Work with direct supervisor to assess gaps in programming needs and identify a detailed work plan for the year based on assigned VAD.  

• Step 5: Meet regularly with the Site Supervisor and other Program VISTAs to identify capacity gaps and collaborate on developing solutions for work plan for the year based on assigned VAD.  

• Step 6: Shadow Sports Leadership team members to become familiar with program processes and initiatives.  

• Step 7: Meet with relevant TSF Staff to learn 2027 Expansion plans and operational opportunities for the new Sanneh Center at Conway Park including learning room usage, proposed programs, and opportunities for new sports programming.

• Step 8: Review community feedback survey data and Youth Advisory Council findings for desired programming (sports, STEM, etc) to familiarize yourself with voice and choice of community in relation to Step 7 findings.

• Step 9: Identify three personal development resources to increase knowledge related to program development, partner engagement, and community outreach.  

OBJECTIVE 2 (01/12/2026 - 01/11/2027)

Increase awareness, outreach, and participation in the Youth Sport programs and new Sanneh Center building at Conway Park by engaging with local schools, families, and community organizations. Strengthen relationships with local community organizations, schools, and stakeholders to increase capacity and leverage non-financial resources.

• Step 1: Learn existing partnership software available and review any training guides or historic documents related to community engagement.  

• Step 2: Analyze Sanneh programs and identify key support needs, particularly those without an outreach plan or existing partnerships.  

• Step 3: Observe and conduct outreach to community members, schools, organizations, and local leaders to build and strengthen partnerships and identify communication methods and preferences.  

• Step 4: Learn planning and organization of community events that promote Sanneh’s programs, increase visibility, and attract potential participants.  

• Step 5: Shadow at meetings with potential partner agencies with Sports Leadership and Programming Directors. Document information about needs and resources available.  

• Step 6: Participate in local events to engage with community members, encourage program participation, and highlight Sanneh’s offerings. Collect information on effectiveness of events for future prioritization of Sanneh participation and resources.  

• Step 7: Identify key opportunities for outreach that align with Sanneh’s mission and increase awareness about the programs and services available.  

• Step 8: Create meeting agendas and materials, and schedule stakeholders relevant to youth soccer programming.  

• Step 9: Develop initial distribution plan for outreach materials at program and partner locations or events to help raise awareness about Sanneh’s programs and services.  

• Step 10: Provide regular reports on outreach efforts, community engagement, and program enrollment to ensure continuous improvement.  

• Step 11: Update strategies for effectively communicating Sanneh’s mission and impact to various audiences in the community based on observations and feedback from stakeholders.  

• Step 12: Identify and document contacts with schools and community organizations who identify and recruit youth participants.  

• Step 13: Locate one new partner or partners that could assist the program through off-site program hosting, technical expertise, regular ongoing volunteering or in-kind equipment.  

• Step 14: Continue tracking partnership engagement feedback log to collect and preserve contact information and key information for partners (annual recurring events, changes to their programs, communication channel updates).  

• Step 15: Collaborate on developing an integrated calendar for internal and external engagement events.

OBJECTIVE 3 (01/12/2026 - 01/11/2027)