VISTA FAQs

What is the Americorps*VISTA Program?

The Americorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Program is sponsored by the Corporation for National & Community Service and places individuals in non-profits and government agencies to work on programs that aim towards the reduction of poverty in low-income communities. Americorps VISTA members commit to 365 days of service, and essentially serve as capacity builders for their assigned organizations, i.e. they work to increase the ability of their organization to accomplish its mission.

What can an Americorps*VISTA do for my organization?

Americorps VISTA members are capacity builders for their organizations. They work to increase the resources of their organization. Through the service of a VISTA member, an organization might be able to do what they do better. As capacity builders, VISTAs may be involved in grant writing, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, community outreach, program development and evaluation, and economic development. Current VISTAs are involved in a wide array of activities, including economic development, homeless prevention, health care access, school retention, enhancing opportunities with oppressed populations, among other service areas.

What are the accomplishments of recent Americorps*VISTA members?

The accomplishments of Americorps*VISTA members are many and varied. Here's a sampling of contributions from recent VISTA Members

1. Generated $37,000 in grant revenue to help support revitalization efforts along the Fourth Plain Corridor in Vancouver.
2. Prepared three informational brochures to better connect immigrant and refugee populations with service needs in Vancouver.
3. Sheltered and fed 245 homeless people, including 27 children, through the Winter Hospitality Overflow Program at the Council for the Homeless.
4. Developed partnerships and grants to enhance the operation of the Rocksolid Community Teen Center.
5. Developed life skills training for women and children at YW Housing in Vancouver.
6. Attended and team taught leadership courses to community participants of the WSU Extension Horizons Program in Goldendale, WA.

What organizations have recently hosted Americorps*VISTA members?

A variety of organizations have hosted Americorps*VISTA members of recent. These sites include:
Children's Home Society - Vancouver, WA
City of Vancouver - Vancouver, WA
Council for the Homeless - Vancouver, WA
Free Clinic of SW Washington - Vancouver, WA
Lutheran Community Services NW - Vancouver, WA
Rocksolid Community Teen Center - Brush Prarie, WA
YW Housing - Vancouver, WA

What is the cost of an Americorps*VISTA member?

The cost of an Americorps*VISTA member to your organization will vary depending upon the year of participation in the program. Generally your costs will increase during each of the three years of your participation in the VISTA program. Your costs may also vary, according to your organization's ability to pay. Our current administrative fees range from $4500-$14000, and may increase annually.

What services are provided by the Human Services Council, Volunteer Connections Program?

The Human Services Council is the primary liaison between the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the local Project Site. HSC assists with the overall coordination, recruitment and placement of VISTA members. HSC monitors the VISTA member's progress based on team meetings, site visits, progress reports, and informal conversations with the VISTA member and/or supervisor. The program manager and VISTA leader will provide technical assistance and consultation throughout the VISTA's year of service. Finally, HSC will coordinate Team Days, Trainings, and Service Opportunities with ample notice for full team participation.

What are the other requirements that my organization must agree to in order to host an Americorps*VISTA member?

The most important thing that an organization can do to contribute to the success of an Americorps VISTA member is to foster an open and supportive learning environment, welcoming the VISTA as a member of the work team. To do this, the organization and the supervisor should:

1. Attend mandatory Supervisor Training (costs covered by CNCS).
2. Provide adequate workspace for the VISTA member, including telephone and computer access that would lead to program success.
3. Meet with the VISTA member on a regular basis (minimum one hour per week) to provide direction, assist with problem solving, and recognize achievements.
4. Discuss any changes necessary in the project work plan with the VISTA member.
5. Review and complete project progress reports and submit these reports by due date.
6. Inform the VISTA Program Manager regarding the performance and acclimation of the VISTA member.
7. Allow VISTA Member to attend all mandatory Americorps VISTA obligations (i.e. Team day, Trainings, and Service opportunities). Help coordinate/alleviate workloads to make participation in Americorps VISTA events an important part of the VISTA experience.

Who is the typical Americorps*VISTA member?

There are many individuals that serve as Americorps*VISTA members. Americorps VISTA members can be young, recent graduates of college. VISTA members have years of work experience and may be considering a career change, or they may be reentering the workforce after years of taking care of children and a family. Some members are older, visioning an opportunity for full-time service as the twilight of their career. Wherever their individual journeys lead members, they are generally people interested in helping to make their communities a better place to live. They typically have college degrees, and many have significant experience serving their communities in important ways.

What are the benefits that Americorps*VISTA members receive for one year of service?

The benefits that an Americorps*VISTA member receives are modest. The member will receive a subsistence stipend, generally indexed to 100% of poverty for a single They will receive health benefits (although no vision or dental benefits are included)
Where can I get more information and an application?
You can get more information by calling the Human Services Council @ 360-624-9022. More information about the Americorps program can also be found by visiting www.americorps.org. You may also download our application by following the link below.

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VISTA Member Resources

Websites

National Americorps website
Read all about the Americorps Program; create program listings and select applicants through this portal.
encorps.nationalserviceresources.org (website of resources for programs and Americorps/VISTA Members created by CNCS and the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory)

Americorps Health Coverage
Information on health coverage, personal account information

My Americorps Page
Check earnings, get tax statements, submit education award requests, etc.

VISTA O-Linc
Resource sharing with VISTA Members, supervisors, sponsoring organizations, and community stakeholders Encorps
Encorps provides VISTA member recruitment, retention and development

Currently Recruiting

--Please contact us to find out current options--360-735-3689

Project Resources

Forms

New Project Application (pdf)
Continuing Project Application (pdf)
VISTA Member Benefit Election form (pdf)
VISTA Member Application (website)
VISTA Member Terms, Conditions and Benefits (pdf)
VISTA Member Certification (pdf)
VISTA On-site Orientation Plan (pdf)
Sample Workplan - Stay in School (pdf)
Proof of Citizenship Form (pdf)
Assignment Description (pdf)
Sponsor Evaluation Form (pdf)

Home for Services Program- Perhaps one of the greatest challenges in choosing to serve as an Americorps*VISTA Member is dealing with the high cost of housing,...(read more)

In Development

Recruitment Tools

Recruitment/Retention of VISTA Members

Life After Americorps Resources

Team Blog/Calendar
Check out the team calendar for team news and events
Learn how to create your own VISTA blog

For more information about Americorps VISTA program in SW Washington, contact Volunteer Connections at 360-735-3687