| What
is AmeriCorps*VISTA?
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 ultimately
bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members leverage human, financial, and material
resources to increase the capacity of low-income communities across
the country to solve their own problems.
When VISTA members complete their service, they leave behind lasting
solutions to some of our country's toughest problems.
Since 1965, more than 140,000 Americans served through VISTA.
Today, nearly 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve throughout
the country—working to fight illiteracy, improve health
services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, bridge
the digital divide, and strengthen the capacity of community organizations.
What are the benefits of being an AmeriCorps* VISTA member?
Members who complete their term of service can opt for either an Education Award of $5500 or an end of service stipend in the amount of $1500. Additional benefits include training, health care, relocation assistance, and student-loan forbearance or deferment.
How do I apply to become an AmeriCorps*VISTA member?
To apply, complete the
AmeriCorps online application at http://www.americorps.gov..
How
many AmeriCorps*VISTA member sites are there?
AmeriCorps*VISTAs serve in programs across the United States.
Currently, the initiative managed through the Florida Literacy
Coalition has 15 sites throughout Florida.
When
do AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve?
AmeriCorps*VISTAs must attend pre-service orientation (PSO) before
they begin their year of service. The year of service begins the
day following the PSO.
When will AmeriCorps*VISTA members be interviewed and
placed?
Interviews will take place as qualified candidates are identified.
The organization to which the candidate has applied will contact
him/her for a phone interview. Following the interview, chosen
candidates will then be contacted regarding PSO/start dates.
Do
candidates have a choice in where they are placed?
Candidates can choose during the application process which sites/areas
of the state to which they would like to apply.
Is
an AmeriCorps*VISTA opportunity considered employment or volunteerism?
VISTA = Volunteers in Service to America . Vistas are full-time
volunteers, but are referred to as members. It is national service,
a commitment to serve community and country.
How
many hours per week does an AmeriCorps* VISTA work?
An AmeriCorps* VISTA position is a full-time, twelve-month commitment without regard for regular business hours. AmeriCorps* VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community..
May
I have another job while I'm an AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps* VISTA members cannot or not allowed to have outside
employment during their term of service.
What
is the living stipend for a VISTA?
The living stipend varies, depending on which county in Florida
you serve in. The average in Florida is approximately $946.00
per month.
Do
AmeriCorps*VISTA members receive any time off during the year
of service?
At minimum, VISTA members are entitled to 10 personal and 10 sick
days over the course of their year of service.
When
and how are AmeriCorps*VISTA members paid?
VISTA members receive a portion of their living allowance every
two weeks (not twice a month). It will be deposited directly into
a bank account. During pre-service orientation (PSO), VISTA members
complete a direct deposit form.
Do
AmeriCorps*VISTA members pay taxes?
Federal taxes are withheld from the living allowance. State, local,
and Social Security (FICA) taxes are not withheld. AmeriCorps*
VISTA members are responsible for including their living allowance
on their state and local tax returns.
Back
to Top
|
