idealist.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a full-time, year-long program for men and women age 18 and older from all backgrounds. AmeriCorps*VISTA members work with agencies (Sponsors) in communities across the United States to help further local efforts in alleviating poverty. The Sponsors are typically community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and local government agencies. Sponsors may be focused on education, service learning, homelessness, hunger, economic development, elderly, youth or other issues. AmeriCorps*VISTA Members do not provide direct service such as one-on-one tutoring, teaching, or counseling. Rather, they work to mobilize community resources to aid the Sponsor and strengthen the capacity of the community. Examples of activities include recruiting/coordinating local volunteers, soliciting donations, developing a new program, providing resources to a community, and raising public awareness about a particular issue that affects a low-income community. The Sponsor provides day-to-day supervision for the AmeriCorps*VISTA Member as well as a work plan that outlines goals and objectives for the year. In exchange for your year of service, you will receive a modest living allowance, relocation allowance (if you relocate more than 50 miles), health insurance, and a choice of an education voucher worth $4,725.00 or a stipend that accrues at $100.00 per month. You will also gain skills and experience that will prove invaluable, especially if you are planning a future in public service or not-for-profit.