What is a VISTA

VISTA Mission

The AmeriCorps VISTA mission is to strengthen and supplement efforts in low-income communities to eliminate and alleviate poverty by engaging volunteers from all walks of life, all geographical areas, and all age groups in a year of full-time service.

VISTA aims to build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, to encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities to raise their standards of living.

VISTAs Four Principles:

Ending Poverty
Capacity Building
Empowering Communities
Creating Sustainable Solutions

What Does Capacity Building Look Like?

Researching and applying for new funding sources; including 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

Capacity Building VS Direct Service:

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at ethomas@allegheny.edu if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can VISTA members serve for less than one year?

No, there is a one-year service requirement.

How are VISTA members chosen for their sites?

Potential VISTA members must go through an interview process with Lake Effect Leaders project administration first, and then interview with the sites they're interested in serving with.

When do VISTA members start their position?

Typically, our members begin in July or beginning of August.

Can I defer student loans during my service?

VISTAs may qualify for postponement, or forbearance of qualified student loans during their service. VISTA members may request any interest incurred during service to be paid for by CNCS.

Is it difficult to survive on such a small stipend?

Yes, but VISTA members may be eligible for public assistance benefits that allow them to offset some of their expenses. Furthermore, VISTAs may request approval to hold second positions. Our project also ensures VISTA members are aware of low-cost entertainment, shopping, and dining options.

Can I join if I'm not a U.S. Citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States to be a VISTA.

Lake Effect Leaders