Stewards VISTA: National Mall and Memorial Parks Y1

The National Mall and Memorial Parks Volunteer Program is launching a 2025 service initiative to expand its capacity at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial¿part of the Tidal Basin complex that includes the Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. With over 36 million annual visitors and the upcoming 250th Independence Day celebration, the park is preparing for increased visitation and needs to strengthen its volunteer infrastructure to maintain operations and enhance the visitor experience.

This VISTA service opportunity is focused on poverty alleviation through workforce development and organizational capacity building. The selected member will support public access to this iconic park site by helping the National Park Service (NPS) engage more volunteers and build sustainable systems that improve efficiency and resilience across the visitor services program. This initiative directly supports the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary¿s directive to ensure national parks remain open and welcoming to the public by supporting consistent staffing, effective stewardship, and high-quality visitor services.

The VISTA member will work closely with the FDR Memorial Legacy Committee and other local partners to support special programs and physical site improvements. Their work will help reduce barriers to public participation in volunteer service and promote local engagement with this vital cultural and historical resource. The position also emphasizes relationship-building with existing partners like Gallaudet University and Melwood Inc., ensuring that all programming is inclusive, accessible, and grounded in community needs.