AmeriCorps VISTA Monthly Updates

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps VISTA
Dec. 30, 2024

AmeriCorps VISTA Monthly Updates

Margaret Garvey

Dear AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors,

It’s (almost) a wrap on 2024. How was your year? I hope you accomplished the things that you set out to achieve. More importantly, my hope is that you moved closer to becoming the person you’ve been inspired to become.

Looking back over this year brings me immense pride. Through teamwork, passion, and hard work, we were able to do work that made a difference in the lives of our members and the people we serve.

Here are just a few of the highlights from this year that bring me joy.

  • In December, AmeriCorps VISTA members in the inaugural Energy Communities AmeriCorps class were sworn into service (more details are below).
  • We introduced a new member assistance program that will provide AmeriCorps VISTA members access to counseling, life coaching, legal assistance, financial consultation, and more.
  • The living allowance was increased to ensure AmeriCorps VISTA members live with the dignity and security of a life sustaining allowance.
  • The AmeriCorps VISTA program’s four-year Food Security Initiative came to a successful end. View the report.
  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham VISTA Project was awarded $1.5 million to place members in positions to support sustainability and food security.
  • We rolled out our new AmeriCorps VISTA Toolkit to support sponsors with sharing their AmeriCorps VISTA partnership story.
  • The AmeriCorps VISTA Training Unit began holding in-person sponsor convenings and member in-service trainings – the first time since the pandemic. I have so many wonderful memories from attending these events and getting to share laughs and learn from our members and sponsors.

I can confidently say that we met the mark. We got things done!

The best part is that these highlights are just the beginning. In the next few months, we will share the comprehensive results from the VISTA Progress Report Supplement that – as of today – has been completed by 97 percent of sponsors (I am confident that number will keep rising). I have no doubt that the wins will continue to come because our members are changing lives in communities across the country.

Until then, take a bow. Celebrate. Rest. And get ready to keep up the good work in 2025! We’ll see you in the new year.

In service,

Maggie Garvey, Acting Director
AmeriCorps VISTA


Message Contents


Sponsor Message Archive

November 2024 October 2024 September 2024

Staff in the Field

Swearing In - VISTA Energy Communities

On Thursday, Dec. 5, 18 members of the inaugural Energy Communities AmeriCorps class were sworn into service by AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. This innovative public-private partnership, led by Conservation Legacy, will engage a total of 150 AmeriCorps VISTA members over the next three years to help ensure a more prosperous future for the men and women who fueled our nation’s growth. Learn more.


Recruitment Spotlight

Katherine NYC Visit

We're excited to highlight Katherine Lacy, AmeriCorps VISTA's senior recruiter, and her recent recruitment trip to New York.

From Tuesday, Nov. 19, to Thursday, Nov. 21, Katherine shared the benefits of service with AmeriCorps VISTA across the state. Her trip included recruitment visits to the following:

  • Ithaca College - Service Fair (Ithaca)
  • Brooklyn Midwood Public Library - Career Fair (Brooklyn)
  • James Baldwin High School - AmeriCorps Presentation (New York City)
  • New York University School of Social Work - AmeriCorps Tabling (New York City)

Check out the pictures above to see her in action (along with a few fun pictures of her enjoying her travels) and read below for her personal insight.

“My recent recruitment trip to New York state allowed me to reach a diverse audience – college students at Ithaca College and from the Silver School of Social Work at NYU, community members seeking jobs in Brooklyn and high school students in New York City. Furthermore, I was able to build connections with staff members of those organizations to support future recruitment!”

Reach out to Katherine if you know of a great recruitment event or opportunity.

Recruiters

The recruitment team has been on the move! Keep reading to see where Katsi (left), Gabby (middle), and Katherine (right) recently visited to spread the word about the benefits of service with the AmeriCorps VISTA program.

  • Mid-Atlantic: Ana G. Mendez University Cupey (Tuesday, Dec. 3)
  • Northeast Boston College (Wednesday, Dec. 4)
  • South Central: Midlothian High School (Friday, Dec. 6)
  • Mid-Atlantic: Natural Creativity Center Philadelphia (Tuesday, Dec. 10)

Martin Luther King Jr., National Day of Service

MLK Gif

The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. 

This year, we celebrate 30 years of MLK Day of Service and its impact as more Americans embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. The MLK Day of Service is Monday, Jan. 20.

Visit AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDay to find all you need to take action.

Story Request:
We're looking for stories to highlight in honor of MLK Day of Service. Are you an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsor, member, or alum who has a personal connection to MLK Day of Service or a special reason why you're planning to serve? Let us know by sending a message to VISTANews@americorps.gov.

Stories from the Field

Help us share how AmeriCorps members are making a difference! Send member accomplishments and pictures to VISTANews@americorps.gov. Include a link to additional information when possible. Submissions should be sent by the fifth of each month for inclusion in that month's sponsor message. We may also share submissions on AmeriCorps VISTA's social media pages and through other messages.

Kai

Kai, an AmeriCorps VISTA member, trains early childcare providers and assists low-income families with resources in Austin, Texas. Watch Kai in action.


Collin - VISTA Member

As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, Collin is helping to ensure better access to outdoor recreation for those who face barriers in Powell, Texas. Read how he is using his passion to make a difference.


Brittany Blakely - VISTA Member

"I do this work because I see myself in a lot of these kids. I see a lot of my experiences in their lives." Read about Brittany's experience during her year of service in the AmeriCorps VISTA program.


Katarina Sako - VISTA Member

“Spending time with my grandparents was really an important part of my childhood, and it helped me develop a lot of compassion and respect for older adults in our community.” Read how Katarina is helping to improve how older adults in Syracuse, New York, get connected to services that can help them thrive.

Program Updates

Quarterly Sponsor Call

Join us for the next sponsor call hosted on *Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. ET. This will be an exciting call, as we will kick off the celebration and recognition of the AmeriCorps VISTA program's 60th anniversary. We will share everything you need to know to participate in the festivities, including a communications toolkit and important dates to remember.

The recording and presentation slides from the October sponsor call are available on the AmeriCorps VISTA sponsor page.

Webinar ID: 161 025 4452
Passcode: 614205
Dial-in Number: 833-568-8864 (toll free)

Register

*Beginning in February, the time for the sponsor calls will be increased by 30 minutes. The calls will begin at 3 p.m. ET and will end at 4:30 p.m. ET. This will allow more time to share information and answer questions.


NEW: Change to Member Health Insurance

Beginning in January, IMG Health Insurance is changing the company that has been providing insurance services to AmeriCorps VISTA members. IMG is moving from First Health to United Healthcare for coverage.

Due to United Healthcare’s more expansive network, IMG anticipates greater coverage for members and minimal changes to members' current providers while improving benefits and reducing costs.

After Wednesday, Jan. 1, members should dispose of their hard copy IMG First Health cards and/or saved electronic IMG ID cards and obtain a new electronic copy from their IMG portal account. If they’d like a new hard copy of the card, they can email IMG to request one.

More details will be available on the AmeriCorps IMG portal. IMG can be contacted at 1.855.851.2974 and  VISTAcare@imglobal.com.


NEW: Bridging Divides Initiative

AmeriCorps and Service Year Alliance invite you to join the Bridging Divides Initiative – a multi-year endeavor to better measure how national service is uniquely positioned to equip members with skills to bridge divides across lines of difference - in service years and beyond. We have re-opened the enrollment period for programs with AmeriCorps member start dates between December 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025. There’s an opportunity for programs with start dates between December 2024 and February 2025, to benefit. The next informational webinar will be on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 12 p.m. ET.

Register

Email Jennifer Leshnower, bridging and democracy advisor, at jleshnower@americorps.gov with additional questions. You can also learn more by watching our most recent webinar, reviewing the slide deck, or completing this interest form.


NEW: AmeriCorps Recruitment Call

Join AmeriCorps' next recruitment call, “Hyper-local Recruitment Efforts.” The AmeriCorps Centralized Recruitment Unit will share how to utilize the unique benefits of your community to aid in recruitment efforts, as well as share stories from programs utilizing a hyper local approach.

Hyper-local Recruitment Efforts
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 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.


VISTA Progress Report Supplement

Thank you to the more than 610 sponsors who submitted their VISTA Progress Report Supplement for fiscal year 2024. The information you provided will help us demonstrate the comprehensive impact that AmeriCorps VISTA members are having in communities across the country. We look forward to sharing the impressive results with you and our stakeholders early next year!


AmeriCorps VISTA Member Connector

In November, we launched our new monthly member message! Each month, AmeriCorps VISTA members will receive a message that includes stories highlighting members' service and staff in the field, program updates, member resources, and more. Please encourage your members to read the message and submit their stories to VISTANews@americorps.gov.

Read the AmeriCorps VISTA Member Connector


Member Service Gear 

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, hoodie, winter hat, water bottle, journal, and lapel pin.

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


Communication and Recruitment Resources

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Toolkit

Do you need help telling your AmeriCorps VISTA story? With the AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Toolkit, you can share your AmeriCorps story and encourage more individuals to meet the urgent needs of their communities. You can find messaging, recruitment resources, social media graphics, and more in the toolkit.

Check Out the Toolkit!


AmeriCorps VISTA is Social

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

Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram


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:

In the Order Justification box, please include the following: Name of your organization + SPONKITFY25.