The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
VISTA

Fight Poverty with Passion: Join the AmeriCorps VISTA Network in Lexington

VISTA Recruitment Fair Tuesday, April 28, 2009 5:00 - 7:00 pm
hosted by
The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
251 West 2nd St. Lexington, KY 40507

Bring your resume and questions about VISTA. Meet representatives from:
BCTC Adult Education/Operation Read, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass,
Bluegrass Literacy, Carnegie Center, Central KY Radio Eye, Family Care Center,
International Book Project, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Lexington Rescue Mission,
Manchester Center, and WECEP!

What is a VISTA?

VISTA stands for Volunteers in Service to America. Begun in 1968, over ___ VISTA members have served in low-income communities across the United States. Sometimes referred to as the “domestic Peace Corps” VISTA members work 40 hours per week for non-profit and faith based agencies to combat the root causes of poverty. Unlike AmeriCorps members VISTA members serve to build programs and strengthen agency infrastructure. Instead of doing the work themselves, VISTAs organize others to make sure their projects grow after their year of service ends.

What do VISTAs do?

VISTA members work with one of twelve agencies included in our network on literacy related project. Examples of past projects include coordinating after-school programs at a local community center, establishing a low cost tutoring program, writing grants for a new agency computer lab, creating and organizing a volunteer orientation and training process, and starting a summer program for refugee children.

For the full list of VISTA projects and agencies available search under the headings ‘education’ and ‘KY’ through the national recruitment website at
http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/ready/index.asp

How do VISTA Members live as full time volunteers?

1. The stipend: All AmeriCorps VISTA members receive approximately $800.00 monthly to cover living expenses and some members may receive housing assistance from individual agencies.

2. The AmeriCorps stipend is not counted against income for those receiving aid through federal programs such as disability, KTAP, food stamps, housing, or childcare assistance.

3. The AmeriCorps VISTA program provided basic health care and prescription coverage for the member. The plan does not cover treatment (only medication) for pre-existing conditions or offer any care for dependents.

4. Upcoming completing your year of students AmeriCorps VISTA member receive an education award in the amount of $4,750.00 that can be used for paying off student loans, graduate school tuition, or continuing professional development at an accredited university. Members may also choose a $1,200 cash stipend in lieu of the education award.

How do I apply?

Those interested in AmeriCorps VISTA should….

1. Complete the online application through the national website (www.americorps)

2. Apply directly to the Carnegie Center listings on the website and your application will be forwarded to the Carnegie Center staff.

3. If you have any technical difficulties feel free to send your resume and a short introductory e-mail to vista@carnegieliteracy.org

4. Positions will be reviewed on a rotating deadline. If you have not received word about your application within two weeks feel free to send a quick confirmation e-mail to vista@carnegieliteracy.org requesting an update on the status of your application.

5. VISTA members are typically selected two months before their start date and as the final application and background checks are completed through the national office.

Is VISTA a good fit for you?

Because of the commitments to working full-time and living low-income, it’s important to look at your life circumstances and decide if VISTA is right for you. Below is some information that might help you understand if this is a good time in your life to do VISTA.

Many VISTA members are…

1. Students who have just graduated from college seeking experience to help them build their professional skills and their resume.

2. Those who are passionate about literacy related issues, i.e. adult education, working with refugees, family literacy, etc.

3. Professionals looking to transition into the non-profit sector.

4. Retirees who are not quite ready to quit working full time and want to give back

5. Parents transitioning off federal assistance programs who have a college degree or equivalent professional experience.

VISTA members CANNOT BE…

Full time students (you may take 1-2 classes to retain Pell Grant eligibility)
Employees of other organizations- VISTA members cannot work other jobs.
Available only for part-time service. VISTA members in Lexington work 40 hour weeks.
Family members of VISTA supervisors or program staff.

For more information feel free to e-mail vista@carnegieliteracy.org or call the Carnegie Center at 859-254-4175. Also visit the national website www.americorps.org.

Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions for potential VISTA members.

Click here for a guide to living it up on a VISTA living allowance in Lexington, Kentucky.

Click here for directions to the Carnegie Center.

Applicants must complete an application with Americorps*VISTA

Click here for information about pay and benefits for VISTA positions