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My AmeriCorps VISTA Story Disclaimer Opinions or points of view expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, CNCS or the AmeriCorps program.” Adapted from: Photo 2

What do you see? 3

50 Million People This is 15% of our population 2 out of 10 children are living in poverty In 2012, 50 million people were living in poverty in the U.S. & 4

AmeriCorps VISTA’s mission 5 AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) builds capacity in nonprofit organizations and communities to help bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Photo

AmeriCorps VISTAs… Recruit volunteersDevelop and create training programs Plan events Build partnershipsRaise funds 6

AmeriCorps VISTAs change lives 7

AmeriCorps VISTAs change too! FINDING JOBS GROWING SKILLSGROWING MORE 69% of VISTA alumni report that being a VISTA improved their chances of finding a job. 84% of VISTA alumni refined their leadership skills and 93% of alumni refined their communication skills. 80% of VISTA alumni continue to volunteer after their term of service ends. 8

AmeriCorps VISTA History and Facts VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) was started by President Lyndon Johnson as part of the War on Poverty Around 7,000 members serve each year and over 200,000 have served since 1965 VISTAs serve at more than 1,100 projects nationwide – such as Habitat for Humanity, International; American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Communities in Schools; United Way Members serve full-time for one year or for 8-10 weeks as Summer Associates 9

Additional AmeriCorps Programs 10 AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a full-time residential program for men and women, ages 18-24, that strengthens communities while developing leaders through direct, team- based national and community service. AmeriCorps State/National supports a broad range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive service to meet critical community needs. Members may serve full- or part-time and must be over the age of 17.

Why Join AmeriCorps? 11

Why Join AmeriCorps VISTA? Build career skills Have an adventure Serve your community/country 12

Benefits Living allowance Money towards college or student loans Professional development training Support with child care and health care costs Non-Competitive Eligibility status when applying to jobs with the federal government 13

VISTA Summer Associates Serve for 8 – 10 weeks (full-time) during the summer Living allowance Money towards college or student loans Professional development training 14

How to Join AmeriCorps VISTA #JoinVISTA AmeriCorps.gov/VISTA 15 Facebook.com/AmeriCorpsVISTA twitter.com/VISTAbuzz Linkedin.com/company/americorps-vista Instagram.com/nationalservice

Questions? 16