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Dear AmeriCorps VISTA Members and
Sponsors,
After careful consideration of the
relevant facts, impacts on program operations, and the experience of both
AmeriCorps VISTAs and sponsors, I’m writing to announce that we are modifying
the prohibition on outside employment for VISTA members effective immediately.
In accepting the position of
AmeriCorps VISTA Director, I committed to doing everything possible to support
our members and sponsors. This modification is motivated by that commitment.
We’ve seen the impact of the
former prohibition on the ability to recruit and retain quality members – the
most cited cause for reduced recruitment and early terminations is the
financial hardships that often result from the former version of this policy.
The privilege of service in VISTA
should be accessible to the widest possible range of candidates regardless of
economic status. We are now in a stronger position to recruit new members from
low-income backgrounds to serve and gain invaluable experiences that will
benefit them and many others throughout their professional lives.
This policy change also brings
AmeriCorps VISTA into alignment with other CNCS programs that do not bar
outside employment.
Sponsors: Please note that your
opportunity listings in My AmeriCorps have been automatically
updated to reflect this policy change.
As we celebrate our 50th
anniversary, we continue to refine a program that has seen incredible success
in large part because of its mobilization of leaders rooted in their local
communities and the ability to adapt to changing needs and realities.
Please visit the VISTA Campus
for more details on this new policy.
Thanks
for your support as we implement this change, and thanks for all you do.
Yours in service,
 D. Paul Monteiro, Director
AmeriCorps VISTA
Corporation for National and Community Service
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