AmeriCorps VISTA Monthly Updates

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps VISTA
Aug. 22, 2024

AmeriCorps VISTA Monthly Updates

Margaret Garvey

Dear AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors,

Olympics season has ended. I hope that you enjoyed watching the top athletes from around the world compete to be recognized as the best in their respective sport. My family certainly did – our eyes were glued to the games, particularly the swimming and gymnastics competitions.

Watching the games reminded me that while only few of us are or will be Olympians, I believe that – wherever we are placed – we can bring the best of our talents, skills, and experiences to the table. We all win when each of us has the opportunity to be our best.

On that note, I am honored to highlight the VISTA program's Food Security Initiative, an effort that has excelled in teamwork across the agency, sponsor and community collaboration, and its ability to increase food security across six US states and one US territory. The initiative began in 2020 as a rapid response to the increase of hunger caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we bring the initiative to a close, I am excited to share the accomplishments that exemplify the four years of work and service from our sponsors and members. I would, especially, like to highlight Orláith Duggan. Her leadership and passion helped guide the initiative and its sponsors and members to successes that will continue to echo in communities for years to come. Please take time to review a few of the highlights from the report below, in addition to viewing and downloading the full report.

Until we speak again, I hope that you have the space and opportunity to show up as your best self in each area of your life. The VISTA team is sending our raucous, fist-pumping cheers your way.

In service,

Maggie Garvey, Acting Director
AmeriCorps VISTA


Message Contents


Food Security Initiative Highlight

FSI Graphic

Launched in October 2020, the mission of the Food Security Initiative was to create a comprehensive and collaborative approach to hunger. While the initiative began in three states, including Maine, Ohio, and Texas, it expanded to include projects located in Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, and Puerto Rico. See below for a few highlights and be sure to view and share the full report and the press release.

Food Security Initiative Highlights

FSI Highlight 2

FSI Highlight 1

Staff in the Field

Member IST - July 2024

Maggie and staff from the VISTA Training Unit were recently spotted at our in-service training in Houston, Texas. Members gathered from across the country to network, build skills, and share service stories. Read more about our in-service training opportunities for members in the Program Updates section.

Larissa Photo

Staff from our Program Impact and Operations Unit, Larissa McKenna and Jancy LaFollette, recently visited the Chicago HOPES for Kids project, where they learned how members are helping the organization provide comprehensive support to Chicago students and families experiencing homelessness. Members are making a difference by streamlining volunteer data collection, increasing social media engagement, and facilitating monthly informational sessions and parent workshops.

Included in the picture above: LaFlanicea Branch (AmeriCorps Member: 2023-2024), Kimberly King (AmeriCorps Member: 2020-2021; Current: Volunteer Administrator), Valentina Pulla-Corella (Americorps Member: 2023-2024), Jancy LaFollette, and Larissa McKenna


The VISTA recruitment team was at it again... doing great work and spreading the word about the benefits of service. Keep reading to see their recruitment adventures!

Katsi - August 2024

Katsi Yari Rodriguez Velazquez recently participated in two recruitment events: the 2024 Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Biennial Conference (Washington, D.C.) and Congressman Donald Norcross' 7th Annual Constituent Services Fair (New Jersey).

The Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Biennial Conference included 700 attendees who represented 110 healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood grant-funded organizations. These organizations serve more than 70,000 low-resource, culturally diverse individuals, couples, and families around the country and offer structured programming along with access to resources that support families in achieving family stabilization and self-sufficiency. AmeriCorps was one of 20 exhibitors that participated.

More than 900 people attended Congressman Donald Norcross' 7th Annual Constituent Services Fair. Attendees received services, resources, and assistance from more than 100 local, state, and federal agencies, and organizations serving the first congressional district. Congressman Norcross attended the fair and hosted, alongside a panel of experts, breakout sessions focused on social security, healthcare, housing, and homebuyer assistance.


Morgan Recruitment Event

Closing Ceremony

Morgan Wieziolowski spent time in New York where she participated in a recruitment event at the Chemung County Fair (top picture) and visited with members serving with Rochester Youth Year.

Rochester Youth Year hosted a Closing Ceremony to celebrate members and the completion of their service year. AmeriCorps members serving in both the VISTA and State and National programs gave presentations about their experience. Read a short reflection from Erika Schneible.

Education: AC 30 Anniversary

Celebrating 30 Years of AmeriCorps

From early education to high school, AmeriCorps members served as tutors and mentors for the past 30 years to guide students to graduation and prepare them for higher education, careers, and life. Join us in celebrating #AmeriCorps 30.

Stories from the Field

Carrie Member Video

AmeriCorps members don't leave their interests and passions at the door. They use them to make a difference! Watch how service with the Mississippi Presenters’ Network helped Carrie reconnect with the arts community and use her passion to support and empower artists in Oxford, Miss.


Grace Anstett

Grace recently completed her service year with the Field & Fork Network. Learn more about her service and her future plans.


Dimuthu Perera

Dimuthu began service this summer and is already making significant contributions. See how her service is adding value to the Hope585 organization.

Program Updates

Quarterly Sponsor Call

Please join us for the next sponsor call hosted on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 3 p.m. ET. This call will share updates on the VISTA budget and will provide an overview of the recently announced living allowance increase. The call will also include a panel discussion that will focus on engaging and educating elected officials on the benefits of the VISTA program. 

Webinar ID: 161 025 4452
Passcode: 614205

Register


VISTA Living Allowance Increase

The VISTA program announced details of the upcoming living allowance increase in an email sent to all sponsors and members on Tuesday, July 23. These messages are available to view at the following links: sponsor message, member message


Member In-Service Training Opportunities

Did you know that members have access to in-person training opportunities conducted by AmeriCorps VISTA headquarters? Our Training unit hosts in-service trainings several times throughout the year. During these trainings, members attend workshops to build skills and participate in networking opportunities. Read below for more information about in-service trainings. Then, read reviews from members Wick and Ardine who recently attended a training. You can also watch members in action as they experience a training.

Upcoming In-Service Trainings

2024 Upcoming Trainings Graphic (UPDATED)

*Information is subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I support my member's participation in a training?
    • Once a member has received an invitation (via email) to a training, please encourage your member to attend. Members may be anxious or unsure about meeting new people or traveling to a new place. You can help by reassuring them that attending the training will be beneficial to their service and career after service.
  • What should members know about the training?
    • Members will be engaged in a highly interactive in-person networking and skill-building event. The training is designed to engage members in their personal and professional development and support them in carrying out their service assignments. During the event, members will attend three plenary sessions, five workshops, and participate in numerous networking sessions. The AmeriCorps VISTA program pays for travel, lodging, meals, and training materials.
  • What have members said about the training?
    • “I thought the training was really well-structured and the presenters were all really impressive.”
    • “I learned a lot of information that will help me in my role.”
    • “Meeting the other members widened my vision of the program.”
    • “During this training I have gained valuable experience to help me be more successful in my role. I appreciated hearing other people's perspectives and meeting other AmeriCorps members.”
    • “This was an amazing experience. I learned and made wonderful connections!”
  • What should I do if my member has not received an invitation, but meets the qualifications?

AmeriCorps Recruitment Call

Join AmeriCorps' next recruitment call, “Personas Training.” The AmeriCorps Communications and Marketing Office will provide a training on how to build communications strategies for different target audiences (i.e. young adults, career changers, retirees, influencers, etc.).

Personas Training
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. ET

Register

Explore our schedule of upcoming recruitment calls. Interested in sharing your recruitment best practices during an upcoming call? Email join@americorps.gov.


Member Service Gear 

As a reminder, all new AmeriCorps members serving in the VISTA program should receive an invitation to order their AmeriCorps gear no later than two weeks after each member orientation. Members need to access their account within 30 days and are eligible to receive a polo shirt, t-shirt, water bottle, journal, and lapel pin.

If members cannot find their invitations or need more assistance with ordering their gear, contact VISTAGear@americorps.gov.

UPDATE: New items are now available! Members who began service in FY 2024, can also order an AmeriCorps hoodie and winter hat. To place an order for these new items, members should review the instructions. Members who have previously ordered AmeriCorps gear should limit new orders to only the hoodie and winter hat. For questions and account access issues, please email VISTAGear@americorps.gov. Members who began service in FY 2024 received this information in an email on Monday, July 15.


AmeriCorps VISTA is Social

Follow us on the platforms below to join the conversation and to see how VISTA partners - like you - are making a difference.

Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram


VISTA FLickr and YouTube

New Member Photos and Videos Available

Need new photos and videos to help share the benefits of serving in the VISTA program? They are now available in our updated Flickr album and YouTube playlist.


Order Your Recruitment Kit

VISTA Recruitment Kit 2024

Recruitment promotional items are now available to support your recruitment and outreach efforts. To place an order: 

  1. Create an account on the AmeriCorps promotional items website
  2. Use Item Name or SKU Number to easily search for each item:
  • After filling your basket, click “Check Out.”
  • Enter your shipping address. No PO Boxes will be accepted.
  • Click “Continue to Review.”
  • In the Order Justification box, please include the following: Name of your organization + SPONKITFY24.