AmeriCorps Vista

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AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty.

The City of Miami works with AmeriCorps to place and supervise VISTA members, who serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.

The volunteer program encompasses one-year of service, and includes living expenses and educational grants. 

Since 2009, the City of Miami AmeriCorps VISTA program has placed 202 VISTA members throughout the City of Miami at different initiates. The mission of the City of Miami is to effectively serve the community and continuously enhance quality of life. The City of Miami VISTA Partnership's project aligns with and focuses on the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) Programming Priority Area of economic opportunity. The project provides outreach to non-profit faith-based (FBO) and small community-based organizations (CBO) throughout the City's poorest neighborhoods and/or serving the City's most needy residents to achieve the following goals: build capacity, develop resources and mobilize volunteers.

The VISTA members are placed and expected to achieve the following objectives: assist in creating a plan for improved resource development, volunteer recruitment, training and coordination, generating financial and in-kind resources through grant writing and fundraising, board development, develop staff and volunteer retention strategies, assist in creating volunteer policy, organize community service projects or events, provide linkages to City of Miami programs and services such as financial literacy, workforce services, small business assistance and develop/improve systems to track outcomes and assess and develop staff training.

Through this partnership, the Grants Department interviews and places up to 25 VISTA members per year, supervising their progress and ensuring their placement meets the qualifications and guidelines of the VISTA program. VISTA members serve in a project identified and managed by The City while earning a modest living allowance as well as a Segal Education Award. 

Benefits of Being a VISTA Member:

  • Living allowance of $14,724 per year.
  • Educational Award of $6,095 or $1,500 stipend.
  • Medical Coverage.
  • Relocation Allowance up to $550.
  • Non-Competitive Eligibility for Federal Civil Service jobs.
  • Training with travel costs covered or training online.
  • Excellent work experience! 

Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member is about making a tangible difference for communities and individuals dealing with some of our Nation's biggest challenges: poverty, inequity, homelessness, and lack of access to education. Through one-year of full-time service, VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities.

This is a unique opportunity for young Americans to improve their lives and the lives of fellow Americans. VISTA members are building capacity, strengthening communities, and developing their careers. 

Benefits of Being a VISTA Site/Partner

Public, private, or faith-based nonprofit organizations as well as local or state agencies can become an AmeriCorps VISTA site, and host a VISTA member as a volunteer. You will have an additional set of hands for one full year to assist you with achieving your company goals. Whether it is assisting with eliminating the population of homelessness or helping to market a non-profit startup who cannot afford advertisements. The VISTA program was created to eliminate or alleviate problem of low-income communities. 

Requirements to Apply as a Vista Member (one year of full-time service):

  • A full-time one-year commitment(you may have a part-time job)
  • AmeriCorps VISTA members serve a minimum 35 hours per week for 12 months
  • High School graduates, college students, college graduates, retirees, volunteers
  • Must be at least 18 years oldand a US citizen, permanent residents, or DACA students
  • Fluency in the English language with good writing skills
  • People with a strong desire to help their fellow man improve their lives, as well as their own.

Requirements to Apply as an AmeriCorps VISTA Site

This allows non-profit organizations to bring talented, passionate people on board to expand the capacity of their organization. AmeriCorps VISTA members come equipped with the talent and drive to work on projects that could be a game-changer for your organization.

  • Must be either a public, private, or faith-based nonprofit organization or a local or state agency.  
  • Must create a job description or VISTA Assignment Description (VAD).
  • Must select candidate with skill set that fits the needs of the site.
  • Must supervise the VISTA member in their year of service during the completion of their VAD assignment.

NOTE: AmeriCorps VISTA member are not employees. They are Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA).

 

 

 

Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member is about making a tangible difference for communities and individuals dealing with some of our Nation's biggest challenges: poverty, inequity, homelessness, and lack of access to education.

Through one-year of full-time service, VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities.

The volunteer program includes living expenses and educational awards. 

Apply to Become a VISTA Member

Public, private, or faith-based nonprofit organizations as well as local or state agencies can become an AmeriCorps VISTA site, and host a VISTA member as a volunteer. You will have an additional set of hands for one full year to assist you with achieving your company goals. 

Submit your Non-Profit as a VISTA Program Site