NW VISTAS Program
VISTA: Volunteers in Service to America
Founded in 1965, Volunteers in Service to America (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. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
The power of AmeriCorps VISTA is extraordinary and brings talented, passionate people on board to create or enhance your anti-poverty program by expanding the capacity of your organization.
About AmeriCorps VISTA Projects
AmeriCorps VISTA projects focus on:
- Anti-Poverty Effort: The statutory purpose of AmeriCorps VISTA is to strengthen and support efforts to alleviate poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States.
- Community Empowerment: Community empowerment aims to increase a community’s influence and control over their lives as well as programs and structures that impact their lives.
- Sustainable Solutions: AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as short-term resources to build the long-term sustainability of anti-poverty efforts.
- Capacity Building: AmeriCorps VISTA members create systems that remain long after their term of service ends. VISTA projects expand specific anti-poverty initiatives’ scale, impact, and resource-leveraging ability.
- Indirect Service: AmeriCorps VISTA member serves as a catalyst and change agent, assisting in creating or expanding the sponsor’s programs and mobilizing community resources.
AmeriCorps Member Opportunities
Benefits of Becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA Member:
- Receive a living allowance
- Can receive money for college and trade schools through the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
- Travel Assistance
- Leave Benefits
- Loan Deferment and Interest Forbearance
- Healthcare Benefits
- Professional Development
- Child Care Benefits
- Non-competitive eligibility for certain federal jobs.
Learn about the variety of AmeriCorps VISTA projects and apply to be a member today!
Our Partners
Learn more about the different organizations that have partnered with NW VISTAS.
Partnering with NW VISTAS
VISTAS is seeking partnerships with non-profit organizations on projects that must be developed in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA’s core principles: an anti-poverty focus, community empowerment, sustainable solutions, and building capacity.
The Cost:
- The cost-share for the NW VISTAS program is $7,500 annually.
- This fee helps pay for training, fees, and a dedicated Project Director.
The Benefit:
- Your organization receives a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA member.
- We reduce the complexities and overhead costs associated with launching and implementing any AmeriCorps members that you would have on your own.
- A dedicated Project Director that reports to AmeriCorps and provides tools and resources to help you succeed.