The Woodland Community Land Trust is a grassroots nonprofit organization founded in 1977 by residents in the Clearfork Valley. Woodland works to ensure long-term, affordable access to land and housing through a community land trust model that prevents speculation and preserves land for future generations. The organization currently stewards more than 450 acres, supporting housing stability for economically disadvantaged families through long-term ground leases. Rural communities in the Clearfork Valley face persistent poverty, limited housing options, and economic instability. Strengthening internal systems that support affordable housing, land stewardship, and rural economic development contributes to long-term community stability and improved quality of life. This AmeriCorps VISTA project builds organizational capacity by developing internal planning resources, data systems, and documentation tools that support land-based economic opportunities and sustainable development. The VISTA will organize research, document regional assets, and create planning frameworks and program development materials for staff use. This will break the cycle of poverty by strengthening systems that preserve affordability, support economic opportunity, and guide community-driven development. Ideal candidates have strong research, writing, organization, or analysis skills, and an interest in housing justice, rural development, or community-based planning. The position offers hands-on learning in systems development, data organization, and planning processes, along with access to AmeriCorps VISTA professional development resources. For those relocating, the Clearfork Valley offers a low cost of living, recreational opportunities and the opportunity to serve in a close-knit rural Appalachian community. Staff will use the tools and systems developed during the VISTA term to implement and sustain projects beyond the year of service. Housing at the Land Trust can be provided.
Member Duties : The VISTA member will build organizational capacity through the development of internal systems, research products, and planning tools. Activities include compiling regional economic and land use research; creating community asset inventories and mapping frameworks; developing partnership tracking tools and regional connectivity documentation; drafting small business and craft incubator planning materials; producing program curriculum guides and training resources; researching commercial kitchen models and operational requirements; developing grant proposal templates and funding research summaries; and creating website content structure and digital resource organization tools for program visibility and internal use.
Program Benefits : Relocation Allowance , Training , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Housing available on-site , Living Allowance .
Terms :
Permits working at another job during off hours , Permits attendance at school during off hours , Car recommended .
Service Areas :
Neighborhood Revitalization , Community Outreach , Entrepreneur/Business , Community and Economic Development .
Skills :
General Skills , Community Organization , Being Flexible , Writing/Editing , Public Speaking , Team Work , Computers/Technology , Communications , Fund raising/Grant Writing .
Stewards VISTA: Woodland Community Land Trust Y1
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
Program Locations
TENNESSEE
From 04/20/2026 To 08/14/2026
https://stewardslegacy.org/vista
