Interested In Becoming a VISTA?
In joining VISTA, you join a legacy of service to communities throughout America since 1965. AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members leverage human, financial and material resources to increase the capacity of thousands of low-income areas across the country to address challenges and improve their lives and communities.
They leave behind lasting solutions to some of our country's toughest problems.
Terms of VISTA Service
AmeriCorps*VISTA service is a one year commitment. Members are expected to serve 12 months, full-time, excluding Pre-Service Orientation. AmeriCorps*VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. This is not a 9 to 5 job. You are expected to be available for the needs of your community and project at all times. If an individual believes he or she cannot fulfill this commitment, they should not become an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
Benefits of being a VISTA member
Experience
To learn about what other people’s experience in AmeriCorps*VISTA was like and how it impacted their lives visit:
http://www.americorps.gov/pdf/06_0523_americorps_vista_legacybook.pdf
Leave
Members are authorized 10 work days per year of personal leave and up to 10 work days per year of sick leave.
Subsistence (Living) Allowance
The Subsistence allowance is an amount of money provided to each AmeriCorps*VISTA member to cover basic living necessities during your service. Please confirm the amount you will receive with your supervisor or Corporation State Office.
Health Care Coverage
Health coverage begins on your first day as an AmeriCorps*VISTA trainee, and ends at midnight on your termination date. Coverage is continuous during your service. Coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs and certain emergency dental, vision and maternity care. The health care plan is provided to you at no cost. However, it is only applicable to the VISTA member, not to spouses or dependants.
Child Care Subsidy
Members who have dependant children under 13 years of age may be eligible for child care support administered through the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). Members must also be income eligible to participate in the Child Care program. Please contact your Corporation State Office to determine if you are eligible.
Training
The AmeriCorps*VISTA Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) introduces you to AmeriCorps*VISTA, its mission, history and policies and to your roles and responsibilities as a VISTA member. The PSO is one of several valuable resources to assist you in your important duties and help ensure you have a positive AmeriCorps*VISTA experience. Attending PSO is required.
Education Award/ Stipend
Upon satisfactory completion of a full year of AmeriCorps*VISTA service, members are eligible to receive a $4,725 education award paid in the form of a voucher for education expenses OR a $1,200 cash stipend.
Non Competitive Eligibility
When you satisfactorily complete one full year of AmeriCorps*VISTA service, you earn non-competitive eligibility for federal government jobs for one year after your service. This means that a federal government hiring official may hire you without having to compete with the general public provided that you meet the minimum qualifications for the job.
Income Exclusion from Public Assistance Calculations
Persons receiving assistance or service under any federal, state, or local governmental program before joining AmeriCorps*VISTA should not lose those benefits, or have benefits reduced, as a result of service.
Summer Associates
The Summer Associates program offers individuals the opportunity to participate for 8 to 10 weeks in an intensive level of summer service that expands on existing sponsors’ service plans. Please contact your Corporation State Office to find out more about Summer Associates.
For more information about the terms, conditions and benefits of VISTA service, please visit the following: www.vistatcb.net
Conditions of Service
- AmeriCorps*VISTA members are prohibited from participating in political campaigns or voter registration drives, providing transportation to polls, lobbying and pro or anti-labor organizing, or taking any action with respect to partisan or nonpartisan political activity while on duty or perceived to be on duty as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
- AmeriCorps*VISTA members may not give religious instruction, conduct worship services, proselytize or engage in any other religious activity as part of their duties. Members may participate in religious activities outside of official duties.
- AmeriCorps*VISTA members may take educational courses that are related to their project assignment or their career development plan. Advance permission from the project supervisor and the Corporation State Director is required to take such courses. The hours in which courses are taken should in no way interfere with the assigned project duties and work performance.
- AmeriCorps*VISTA members are prohibited from outside employment, full or part-time, while serving as a VISTA. They must be available for their project without regard for regular works hours. A commitment to an outside employer takes away from the commitment to VISTA.
Applying to become a VISTA Member
There are 2 different ways to complete an AmeriCorps application and apply to the program(s) of your choice:
- Apply on-line directly by completing the online application at https://recruit.cns.gov, complete it one time and send it electronically to the programs in which you’re interested.
- Download a hard copy of the application at https://recruit.cns.gov/applyform.asp, complete it and send it by mail to each program in which you’re interested.
AmeriCorps VISTA and the Corporation for National and Community Service has introduced My AmeriCorps, a new online space designed to help you enter your VISTA term or service and prepare for Pre Service Orientation as well as manage your personal information throughout your term of service.
Registering for My AmeriCorps is easy!
You can access My AmeriCorps by clicking on the My AmeriCorps link from the www.ameriCorps.gov home page or by going directly to https://my.americorps.gov to register for and access My AmeriCorps.
For assistance please contact:
Tina Dunphy
(515) 284-4817
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