AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.
The AmeriCorps VISTA program is sponsored by the County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Research and Development (R&D). The County of Hawai‘i is one of four counties in the State of Hawai‘i and encompasses the Island of Hawai‘i. The Island of Hawai‘i (aka “the Big Island”) is very rural, with a relatively small population of 200,000. VISTA members will be part of a team that is enhancing the community’s capacity to collaboratively tackle complex challenges like climate change, energy, transportation, affordable housing, food systems, and economic development. This challenging work requires a positive attitude, self-motivation, independence, organization, computer and communication skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, humility, and the ability to work effectively with people from a wide diversity of backgrounds and experiences. This gratifying work will improve the lives of the community’s most vulnerable residents, and the VISTA will develop the ability to work across government and community networks to address tough community challenges.
Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov
Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA program at https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps/americorps-vista
Upcoming Opportunities
2025 AmeriCorps VISTA Member - Opportunities Opening Soon
Serve your community! Create a more sustainable, pono Hawai‘i, by helping communities build resilience.
As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support organizations to make sustainable change in areas that effect poverty, including climate, food access, transportation and more.
This is a full-time, one-year position with benefits! AmeriCorps VISTA members are eligible for:
- Bi-weekly living allowance
- Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
- Professional development opportunities.
- Healthcare
- Personal and medical leave
- Holidays
Current Members
Climate Action Implementation Specialist VISTA: Liam Birr
Liam Birr joins the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development to assist with the newly formed County of Hawai‘i Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, specializing in climate action implementation. A recent graduate of Western Oregon University with a degree in Environmental Sustainability, Liam is deeply passionate about environmental stewardship and making a positive impact. His dedication to island sustainability was strengthened through his study abroad experiences: in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he contributed to island recycling efforts and played a key role in establishing the recycling program at the University of Virgin Islands dorms, and at the University of Guam, where he collaborated with the Center for Island Sustainability on their watershed restoration initiatives. With a passion for lifelong learning, Liam is eager to immerse himself in Hawaiian culture and traditional sustainability practices, deepening his understanding and embracing the opportunity to contribute to its sustainable future.
Community Food Systems VISTA: Daesha Tobara
Daesha Tobara joined the County of Hawai‘i as the Community Food Systems AmeriCorps VISTA in December of 2023. Her goal is to assist in the development of robust local agriculture and food systems in Hawai‘i County. Focusing on increasing availability, access to and the consumption of fresh, affordable, and locally produced food. Born and raised on the Big Island, she received her degree in Agroforestry from Hawai‘i Community College. Daesha is devoted to supporting education and ensuring that diverse community voices are represented in navigating statewide challenges while fostering collaboration between private and public sectors.
Community Mobility Solutions VISTA: Marlo LaiFook
Marlo LaiFook joined the County of Hawai‘i as the Community Mobility Solutions VISTA member in the Energy Office of the Department of Research and Development. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, Marlo holds a degree in Environmental Studies. Her appreciation for public transportation developed while living in urban areas, specifically while studying in Berlin. She was impressed by the efficiency of the Hele-On bus system on Hawai‘i Island, despite its vast and sparsely populated landscape. Marlo is committed to prompting equitable access to mobility services for the residents and visitors of Hawai‘i while working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Indigenous Enterprise Engagement Facilitator VISTA: Isabel “Izzy” Mckinlay
Izzy Mckinlay is a recently hired AmeriCorps VISTA member and works with the Business and Industry Development Program of the County of Hawaiʻi Research and Development Department. She recently graduated from Bates College where she earned a degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Human Culture and Environmental History. Izzy believes that by learning from the lessons of our past and our environment we can pave the way to a brighter, more equitable future. After studying abroad at the University of Otago in New Zealand, she became interested in cultural resilience within Island communities as a method of sustainable development. Izzy is excited to help implement the Native Hawaiian Women’s Development Initiative and apply place-based solutions within capacity building programs.
Indigenous Enterprise Engagement Facilitator VISTA: Brandon Perez
Brandon Perez was born and raised in New York City. He is a recently hired AmeriCorps
VISTA member for Hawai‘i County Department of Research and Development (R&D)’s Business and Industry Development sector. Brandon has always had a fascination for social science which is why he pursued a bachelor’s in history focusing on underrepresented communities at the New York Liberal Arts College. Brandon’s passion led him to service projects across Asia and Europe uplifting and engaging with local communities to learn their culture. Brandon is currently assisting with Native Hawaiian Women’s Development Initiative.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: This webpage is based upon work supported by AmeriCorps under Grant No. 23VSIHI002. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, those with impaired vision or hearing, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, martial or parental status, genetic information, and military service.
For more information visit 45 CFR 2566 (AmeriCorps VISTA) at eCFR :: 45 CFR Part 2556 -- Volunteers in Service to America
