AmeriCorps VISTA Mission Monthly

Dear AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors, The AmeriCorps VISTA program was designed to address our country’s most challenging problems locally and to serve those in greatest need. In this time of transition, we know that the importance of our mission grows every day more relevant to the communities we serve. Through this time of change, we will continue our mission-driven work and support our members in service, as we have been for the last 60 years.  To that end, I am pleased to share the first edition of the AmeriCorps VISTA Mission Monthly Resource Issue. This annual issue is our opportunity to ensure that you – our partners – are equipped with the information needed to best manage your project and your members. Keep this resource, bookmark it in your inbox, and most importantly share it with colleagues. We will make sure to provide a link to this message in all future monthly messages, so you will always have quick access to the information. In our January message, we shared the new name of our monthly sponsor message and mentioned that changes to better reflect the goals of these messages were on the horizon. The introduction of our annual Resource Issue is one of those changes, and I’m happy to share a few more. Beginning in March, the messages that you receive from our training team will be included in these monthly messages. You will no longer receive general training-related emails. Separate messages pertaining to attendance to specific training events including the in-person trainings and the AmeriCorps VISTA Member Orientations will continue. This will be the same for AmeriCorps VISTA members. In March, training information will be included in the AmeriCorps VISTA Member Connector, which is distributed to members each month. Our goal is to ensure that you and members are receiving information as efficiently as possible. Also beginning in March, we hope to begin a monthly tradition of sharing the things and people that are helping you to be better. We need your help to make this happen. In the "Join the Discussion" section of this message, you will see our request for you to share your recommendations for books, blogs, conferences, webinars, classes, and more. We hope that you share with us and your fellow sponsors. Don’t keep good information to yourself! This an opportunity for connection. Lastly, it’s our anniversary, the AmeriCorps VISTA program’s 60th anniversary to be exact. Our team has prepared a thoughtful, exciting, and comprehensive plan for recognizing and celebrating this moment in the program’s history. We will officially launch our celebration during the February sponsor call on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Until then, we’re excited to share a few special AmeriCorps VISTA history moments below along with resources to help you and members join the festivities. Times of transition provide us the opportunity to demonstrate our resilience. This is certainly one of those times and there is no other group more resilient than our AmeriCorps network. I thank you for your continued partnership and your unwavering commitment to the communities you support. Together we will move forward.   In service, Maggie Garvey, Acting Director AmeriCorps VISTA

Actions Related to Executive Orders and Compliance

Thank you for your swift action following our communications regarding President Trump’s executive orders. We recognize that adapting to new requirements requires significant effort, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to ensuring compliance while continuing to serve your communities effectively.

Activities currently underway include a wholistic review of all projects and service opportunity listings to ensure they are in compliance with the executive orders:

• Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government
• Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
• Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
• Unleashing American Energy

We continue to evaluate the executive orders to ensure alignment with the orders, related directives, and the Trump-Vance Administration priorities. We have published a Service Opportunity Listings Q&A to provide answers to questions we have received.

Message Contents

• Recognizing 60 Years of AmeriCorps VISTA
• Program Updates
• AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Resources
• Join the Discussion

Recognizing 60 Years of AmeriCorps VISTA

“In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” With these words in 1961, President John F. Kennedy launched the War on Poverty. President Kennedy never saw his initiative materialize, but his successor, President Lyndon Johnson, followed his lead and ushered through Congress the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which created a domestic volunteer program to engage Americans in the fight.

This year, we both recognize and celebrate 60 years of the power and impact of the AmeriCorps VISTA program and the members who have served and continue to serve their communities. We look forward to sharing more information on how this momentous anniversary will be recognized during our Sponsor Call on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. ET. Until then, you can access the AmeriCorps VISTA 60th Anniversary Landing Page to learn more.

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 recognition and celebration of the AmeriCorps VISTA program's 60th anniversary. An outline of the call is included below.

1. Program Updates
   • AmeriCorps VISTA Budget
   • Updated Sponsor and Member Handbooks
   • VISTA Progress Report Supplement Highlight
   • Upcoming Sponsor and Member Training Opportunities
2.  AmeriCorps VISTA 60th Anniversary Highlight
3. Panel Discussion: The Early Years of AmeriCorps VISTA - Alumni Stories from the 60s, 70s, and 80s

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: Updated Sponsor and Member Handbooks

The 2025 AmeriCorps VISTA sponsor and member handbooks are now available. The sponsor handbook provides guidance to sponsors on member management and the member handbook helps members to learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, specifics about their service opportunity, requirements, what to expect, code of conduct, as well as benefits and policies.

NEW: 2024 AmeriCorps VISTA
Progress Report Supplement Data

The results from our FY 2024 AmeriCorps VISTA Progress Report Supplement are now available. Thank you to the more than 610 sponsors who submitted reports. In the end, more than 98.7 percent of expected records were submitted and reviewed, exceeding the agency target of 98 percent.

The information that you provided will help us demonstrate the comprehensive impact that AmeriCorps VISTA members are having in communities across the country. Below is a snapshot of the results. These results may be updated as more information becomes available. Staff from our Program Impact and Operations unit will provide additional details about the results during our sponsor call on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

A comprehensive report will be provided soon. In the mean time, please view/download the accompanying graphics to share in email messages and across social media. Be sure to tag AmeriCorps VISTA (#AmeriCorpsVISTA).

AmeriCorps Recruitment Call

Join AmeriCorps' next recruitment call, “Cross Program and Collaborative Recruitment Efforts.” The AmeriCorps Centralized Recruitment Unit will share how to cultivate reciprocal partnerships with other AmeriCorps programs in your community, state, and region to boost recruitment across programs. The call will include optional breakout room discussion time from 2:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

Cross Program and Collaborative Recruitment Efforts
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 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.

IRS Direct File

Tax day is quickly approaching, but it’s not too late to use IRS Direct File to file your taxes directly with the IRS for free. Head to directfile.irs.gov to get started. We have teamed up with the IRS to get the word out about this important program. Direct File is a service from the IRS that will let people file their federal taxes directly with the IRS online for free. It’s available in English and Spanish, supports many tax situations, and is available to people living in 25 states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Did you try Direct File? The Direct File team wants to hear your thoughts and opinions to make it a better experience. Just email direct-file-feedback@coforma.io by Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with your name and “Direct File Feedback” on the email subject. Participation is confidential and will not affect your taxes.

Change to Member Health Insurance

In January, IMG Health Insurance changed the company that has been providing insurance services to AmeriCorps VISTA members. IMG moved 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.

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Resources

AmeriCorps VISTA is diligent about providing the resources sponsors need to both manage their projects and support their members. Below, is a comprehensive list of resources that are available to AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors.

Project Management Resources

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Page
The AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Page has a collection of important documents to aid in project management. We have included a few of the documents and links below. 

• Archive of sponsor monthly messages and sponsor call recordings
• Instructions for creating a service opportunity listing

Manage Your Grant Page
If you have grant funds, the Manage Your Grant page has the resources you need to effectively manage your grant.

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Handbook
The AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Handbook provides guidance to sponsors on member support and management, project management, federal regulations, and more.

Region Offices
AmeriCorps has eight remote regional offices. These offices serve all states and territories and are available to support your needs as a sponsor. To contact your region office, find your state and contact info.

Requesting Help

AmeriCorps Hotline
Contact the AmeriCorps Hotline for questions about member service or administering an AmeriCorps program - including assistance with the Segal Education Award or support with eGrants and MyAmeriCorps Portal (including log-in, password, or error messages).

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Support
The VISTA Member Support Unit provides essential support to AmeriCorps VISTA members throughout their service terms by ensuring that AmeriCorps VISTA members receive the necessary assistance, guidance, and resources to carry out their roles effectively. Sponsors should direct their members to contact the VISTA Member Support Unit at VMSU@americorps.gov for questions and concerns regarding logistical difficulties, conflicts within the host organization, or other obstacles.

Member Exits and Reasonable Accommodations
For questions regarding member exits and requests for removal, reasonable accommodations, and other issues, please email VISTACase@americorps.gov.

Citizenship and Background/Criminal History Checks
For questions regarding candidate/member citizenship and background/criminal history checks, please email VISTAFingerprint@americorps.gov.

AmeriCorps VISTA Training
AmeriCorps VISTA members and sponsors have access to in-person and virtual training opportunities. For questions about accessing these trainings, contact VISTATraining@americorps.gov.

AmeriCorps VISTA Marketing, Outreach, and Recruitment
Contact the Marketing, Outreach, and Recruitment unit for questions on AmeriCorps branding, member recruitment, and social media marketing at VISTAOutreach@americorps.gov. 

Member Management Resources

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Page
The AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Page has a collection of important documents to aid in member management. We have included a few of the documents and links below. 

• Archive of sponsor monthly messages and sponsor call recordings
• AmeriCorps VISTA Member Pay Schedule (2025)
• AmeriCorps VISTA Member Living Allowance Calendar and Statement Information

AmeriCorps VISTA Campus
The AmeriCorps VISTA Campus is a resource available to both sponsors and members. It helps members and sponsors learn about their roles, gain useful knowledge, and connect with others in the AmeriCorps VISTA program. There are resources for sponsors and supervisors as well as for members and leaders.

AmeriCorps Gear
AmeriCorps VISTA members are eligible to receive a complimentary polo shirt, t-shirt, hoodie, winter hat, water bottle, journal, and lapel pin. Each member should receive an invitation to order these items no later than two weeks after their member orientation. If your member needs assistance, they should contact VISTAGear@americorps.gov.

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Handbook
AmeriCorps VISTA Members can learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, specifics on their service opportunity, requirements, what to expect, code of conduct, as well as benefits and policies in the AmeriCorps VISTA Member Handbook. The member handbook is also available in Spanish.

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits
AmeriCorps VISTA members have access to a number of benefits. Help to make sure that your member is taking advantage of them all, including the online and in-person trainings, VISTA Campus, and more. Benefit information is available on the AmeriCorps VISTA benefits page. English and Spanish benefit overview one pagers are also available.

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Assistance Program
We recently introduced the Member Assistance Program, which gives members access to counseling, life coaching, financial consultation, legal assistance, and work-life consultants. This service is free, confidential, and is available 24/7. Please review the program brochure for more details and information on supporting members at your sites.

Resources Available to Members and Sponsors Affected by a Disaster
Messages were recently sent to AmeriCorps VISTA members and sponsors impacted by the California wildfires. These messages shared resources that are available to members and sponsors who have been affected by a disaster.

Communication and Recruitment Resources

AmeriCorps Brand Assets
Download AmeriCorps brand assets including logos, image assets, brand guidelines, and more to help promote service.

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Toolkit
Do you need help telling your project's AmeriCorps VISTA story? With the AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Toolkit, you can share your AmeriCorps VISTA 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.

Aprimo: Digital Asset Manager
You can now access AmeriCorps photos, videos, factsheets, and other brand resources and materials on Aprimo. This resource will continuously be updated as we develop more assets.

Submitting Sponsor and Member Stories
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 third Monday of each month to be included in the following month’s sponsor and/or member message.​ We may also share submissions on AmeriCorps VISTA's social media pages and through other messages.

AmeriCorps VISTA Social Media
Follow us on the platforms below to join the conversation and to see how AmeriCorps VISTA partners and members are making a difference. Be sure to tag AmeriCorps VISTA in your posts using #AmeriCorpsVISTA and @AmeriCorpsVISTA, so we can engage with your content.

Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram

Ordering Your Recruitment Kit
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:
   

   AmeriCorps VISTA Bumper Sticker  - VM1016 (Max order is 50)
   AmeriCorps VISTA Round Button - VM10002 (Max order is 50)
   AmeriCorps VISTA Ink Pen - VM1014 (Max order is 100)
   AmeriCorps VISTA Hand Sanitizer - VM1126 (Max order is 50)
   AmeriCorps VISTA Foldable Tote - VM1027 (Max order is 50)

3. After filling your basket, click “Check Out.”
4. Enter your shipping address. No PO Boxes will be accepted.
5. Click “Continue to Review.”

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

Join the Discussion

We want to know what has helped you to grow and inspired you to become better. Share your recommendations for books, blogs, conferences, webinars, classes, podcasts, and articles. In our upcoming messages, we will have a space specifically for your recommendations. This will be an opportunity to create a bit of discussion with each other.

Submission Guidelines:

• Submit recommendations to VISTANews@americorps.gov.
• Submit recommendations by the third Monday of the month to be included in the following month's message.
• Include your name, organization, and reason for your recommendation.
• Include a picture of yourself (optional)