2013 Project Connect With Jennifer Latour and Amy Martin AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps Program Overview What is AmeriCorps VISTA? AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy envisioned a national service corps “to help provide urgently needed services in urban and rural poverty areas.” Less than two years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson realized Kennedy's dream by launching the “War on Poverty.” Johnson welcomed the first group of 20 VISTA volunteers saying, “Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor often will be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.”

AmeriCorps VISTA now: Throughout the decades, VISTA evolved to respond to local problems and the changing face of poverty. Today, VISTA is larger, stronger, and more vital than it has ever been. There are 8,000 members, who serve at 1,100 projects nationwide. VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year or summer at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and build capacity. AmeriCorps Program Overview

Important to Note One year commitment from November 9 th, 2013-November 8, 2014 No additional earned income (ex.- second job, babysitting, etc) You may only attend school part-time (6 semester hours) State and National Background Check

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits Cash Stipend ($1500) or Education Award ($5,550) Eligible for student loan deferment $928 a month living allowance ($ every two weeks) Health Coverage Child Care Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) Monthly Professional Development Trainings 10 Vacation Days, 10 Sick Day, and Holidays

Project CONNECT Site locations -Pre-K’s, Elementary Schools, High Schools, and Community Agencies Focus is on building sustainable programs  Recruit a Committee  3 Parent Involvement Events  Recruit 20 volunteers to serve 20 hours each  Signature Project (50 volunteers)

Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) November 5 th -8 th (Tuesday-Friday) Atlanta, GA On-Site Orientation Training will take place at United Way on Monday, November 11 th.

Q & A

Still Interested? Stay to schedule interview on August 20 th, 22 nd, or 23 rd between 9:30-3:30.