VISTA Supervisors This is an update for VISTA supervisors who will be supporting, coaching, and monitoring YouthBuild VISTA members

Contents method and goals indirect service explained prohibited activities use of the VAD core responsibilities of a VISTA supervisor benefits time off policy outside employment reporting

Talent & Spirit of service Supervision Coaching Mentoring Increased Capacity & Positive Service Experience & Professional Development YouthBuild USA VISTA Method VISTA Supervisor Service

…. Goals of YouthBuild VISTA Increase the capacity of your program Professional development for members Internalization of the spirit of service and the spirit of YouthBuild

VISTA Indirect Service Indirect service results in a new resource, product, relationship, knowledge, or program. The VISTA should “leave a product or resource with the program at the conclusion of service”. That product will increase capacity and sustainability The idea is that the impact of the VISTA’s project should continue after the VISTA leaves. VISTA members should not be “doing whatever needs to be done” or filling in as needed. VISTAs should have specific projects with deliverables.

Indirect vs. Direct Indirect ServiceDirect Service Fundraising Volunteer recruitment & training Partnership development Creation of manuals, handbooks New systems & processes New or enhanced databases Communication tools Lesson plans Research papers, evaluations & surveys Teaching Tutoring Mentoring Construction Administration (Answering phones, booking travel, consistent filing & copying, etc…as a primary assignment) Driving * THESE ARE NOT APPROPRIATE RESPONSIBLITIES FOR VISTAS

Indirect Service Some clarifications: there is some “grey area”: VISTAs can engage in limited direct service, as long as it is related to the main assignment. For example, it is reasonable for a VISTA who recruits and trains tutors to engage in some tutoring. Also, VISTA members are allowed to participate in days of service or one-time service activities, such as 9/11 Day of Remembrance, MLK Day of Service, etc…

Direct Service, no-no’s VISTA’s should never…. o Implement a lesson plan or service project where they are solely supervising students o Manage other AmeriCorps members, track AmeriCorps service hours, or use eGrants o Drive students o Advocate for government funding, legislation or a candidate (as part of their service). Also, VISTAs cannot participate in voter registration activities. o AmeriCorps members may not displace staff or volunteers, nor may they perform any services or duties that would supplant the hiring of employed workers o Lead religious worship or education, or engage in proselytization

VADS VADS should identify the 3-4 main service assignments, broken down into 5-6 steps VADs are living documents and can be updated/ edited. You can change the VAD, as long as you let me know. VADs should be used periodically (once a month)

Responsibilities of a Supervisor 1. Monitor and Evaluate 2. Provide coaching/ support professional development 3. Connect work to mission4. Appreciate the member’s service

1. Monitor and Evaluate Hold the VISTA member to high expectations Invest time to provide guidance, direction, and feedback. The VISTA should “manage” the project, but the supervisor is “directing” the project Provide direct feedback, with kindness. VISTAs need and will benefit from feedback

2. Provide coaching, support, and professional development 1. Be clear in communicating expectations 2. Invite questions, check-in how the member is doing 3. Schedule regular, consistent 1 to 1 meeting at least every two weeks 3. Explore whether there are any experiences or skills that the VISTA can develop while in service. See if these can be built into the VAD.

3. Connect Service to the Mission Many VISTAs become frustrated that their work is not important and/ or they do not get the satisfaction of direct service. Please help the VISTAs to see the big picture. Help them to see why their work is important/ how it is increasing the capacity of the organization.

4. Appreciate the member’s service The VISTA is making many sacrifices in doing a year of service. Please remember to appreciate the VISTA for their service

VISTA Benefits YouthBuild USA and CNCS will provide the following : Bi-weekly living allowance Health Coverage End of service benefit Child care benefit

Time off VISTA members have 20 days off for personal and health days. Recognized holidays do not count against the 20 days off. o However, VISTAs do not get extended breaks. For example, VISTAs are expected to serve during spring or summer school breaks It is the supervisor’s responsibility to track the time off. YouthBuild USA will also track time off using a bi-weekly time sheet, but we will use the supervisor’s count as the official number. VISTAs generally work hour weeks and they can have flexible work schedules, but VISTAs cannot work from home except in limited and unique situations

Time off Also, VISTAs must receive approval from YouthBuild USA (Steve) to leave the state for service related activities: for example, attending a green building conference in Florida. VISTAs do not need permission to leave the state for vacation (to visit mom and dad)

Outside employment VISTAs are now allowed to have part time jobs as long as they receive approval. Please have the VISTA submit this form.form Keep in mind that service should remain the member’s first priority- they should not be scheduling their VISTA time around a second job. And VISTA’s cannot be employed by the YouthBuild program or parent organization

Reporting YouthBuild USA will collect monthly updates on VISTA service, mostly so we can report to AmeriCorps, connect VISTAs with other VISTAs doing similar work, and improve the VISTA program. YouthBuild USA will visit a few sites during the VISTA year. There will be a midyear and end of year report. YouthBuild USA may contact supervisors directly for short surveys

Documenting Deliverables VISTA members need to document their work, particularly when reporting on deliverables; DeliverableDocumentation Funds Raised Keep a master spreadsheet and copies of award letters, donations, etc. Volunteers generatedSpreadsheets/ sign-up sheets or volunteer agreements Partnerships developed MOU/ MOA, , or a write-up of the description of the partnership Training StaffAttendance or sign sheets plus a copy of the training document/ resource

Questions???? Please let me know if you have any questions! Steve Dosch Director, AmeriCorps VISTA YouthBuild USA