AmeriCorps VISTA
Becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA
There is a natural progression in the life of every AmeriCorps VISTA. The role of the AmeriCorps VISTA is to build the capacity and sustainability of the project and community, and to ultimately work themselves out of a job. Note: VISTAs should not be involved in performing direct service except for training purposes.
Some of the benefits of VISTA service:
- Stipend every two weeks
- $5,350 educational award or a $1,500 stipend upon completion of one year of service
- Health Insurance
- Student loan deferment/forbearance
- Upon completion of service, special noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment
Requirements for VISTA Position:
- College graduate is preferred
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legally able to work in the United States
- In addition, specific programs may have additional requirements
The following list provides general guidance for a couple of initiative areas.
- Economic Development - Research, organization and development of activities designed to generate income and enhance the economic potential of low-income urban or rural areas. Member's activities might include neighborhood economic revitalization; development and expansion of community development credit unions; housing rehabilitation and assistance in housing loan packaging; and entrepreneurial development and management training for low-income individuals attempting to enter the business sector.
- Unemployment - Creation of opportunities for job training, jobs placement and job development with substantial private sector involvement. VISTA activities might include linking the unemployed with job training resources; developing "computer literacy" programs; setting up community job banks or job fairs; training in job-readiness and job seeking skills for low-income youth, the disabled and refugees; and developing and expanding support systems to enable low-income teenagers and single parents to seek and keep employment.
VISTA ASSIGNMENTS
Volunteer Coordinator - Coordinates and facilitates projects for community members. Recruits and keeps records of prospect and current members. Schedules hours and assignments suitable for volunteers and provides training. Collects information about community members and reports to project managers. Designs recruitment, placement, training, and retention strategy for members.
Local Outreach - Responsible for relations with community serviced by project. Communicates activities to clients and potential clients about the service of the project. May enlist the help of project clients and community members. Develops material to market services (e.g., brochures, flyers, pamphlets, web page, advertisement, etc.).
Public Relations - Promotes the message of the project to the general community. Must learn all aspects of the project and use available media to spread knowledge wider support of the program. Develops material to market services (e.g., press releases, articles, brochures, flyers, pamphlets, web page, advertisement, etc.).
Public Liaison - Develops partnerships and relations with targeted organizations and agencies. Learns all aspects of the agency and uses available contacts to expand collaborations with other community and public agencies for additional resources and funding.
Grant Writer/Fund Raiser - Produces income for project operation. Enlists project staff, members and clients to assist with fund raising projects after planning and research. Also responsible for the research and writing of grants appropriate to the needs and situation of the project.
Project Enhancement Volunteer - Volunteer, assist with strengthening projects functioning. May work with management to improve systems, methods of operations, and physical plant of projects. Roles could include: developing manuals, acquiring equipment and furniture through the private sector, searching for low-income renovations methods, establishing a computer database and more. May consult with other members in special projects in other areas.
Local Resource Developer - Learns community resources available and communicates information to project staff and clients. May work with groups, families or individuals to inform them of project services or outside services available at the project. Develops relationships for "one-stop shopping" by researching and cataloging local services, eligibility criteria and service providers.
Employment Assistance Communicator - Acts as an information source to help clients obtain employment. Develops programs to encourage the development of client job training and awareness. Enlist community members and private sector participants.
Skills Enhancement Volunteer - Provide instruction for project staff or community members in one or more of a variety of areas indicated by the project. Areas may involve finance, fund raising, computers, suggested education techniques or any area, which would improve the efficiency of the service.
Community Developer - Works with clients to form specific programs under the guidance of project management by presenting program information and services to groups targeted by the sponsor. Must become familiar with nature of the projects, the community, and local resources.