 AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is an anti-poverty program that provides full-time volunteers to nonprofit organizations and local agencies that serve low-income communities. The program’s purpose, as defined by law, is to strengthen efforts to eliminate poverty by encouraging people from all walks of life to engage in meaningful volunteer service. The law describes three main objectives of the program:
- To generate private sector resources
- To encourage volunteer service
- To strengthen local organizations that serve low-income communities
AmeriCorps*VISTA is part of the AmeriCorps national network of service programs housed under the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal government entity. The program has been addressing the needs of impoverished communities since 1965, when it was established as Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) during President Johnson’s administration. Since being developed, more than 140,000 committed individuals have joined forces with 13,000 local organizations to strengthen poor communities and help people escape poverty across the nation.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members work in nonprofit organizations and local government agencies to organize capacity-building activities such as: recruiting and training community volunteers, fundraising for program development, and establishing sustainable programs for the communities they serve. AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve full-time and receive a monthly living allowance to live in the low-income communities where they work. In return for their service, members also receive financial assistance to further their education.
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