What is AmeriCorps VISTA?

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AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation's most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. 

There are several AmeriCorps programs including: Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), State and National, Seniors, etc. 

AmeriCorps VISTA is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. 

VISTA members serve at least one year in capacity building positions at public, private, or faith-based nonprofit organizations and local or state agencies. VISTA projects focus on one of five anti-poverty areas: Economic Opportunity, Healthy Futures, Education, Veterans and Military Families, and Environmental Stewardship. 

• Ending Poverty
• Capacity Building 
• Empowering Communities
• Creating Sustainable Solutions

Capacity Building: Efforts and projects that expand the capabilities of the organization and community, rather than the VISTA member being a direct service provider. 

Direct Service: Provides immediate solutions to help people in need. These can include activities like tutoring, preforming manual labor, teaching, doing clerical work, or counseling.

• Researching and applying for new funding sources like grants
• Recruiting and training long-term volunteers
• Establishing and cultivating new partnerships with donors, media, and community stakeholders
• Designing and implementing databases for keeping track of donors and volunteers
• Creating templates for outreach and event planning