AmeriCorps VISTA Member Connector: The Resource Issue

Dear AmeriCorps VISTA members, 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 you - 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 Member Connector Resource Issue. This annual issue is our opportunity to ensure that you are equipped with the information needed to serve at your best capacity. Keep this resource, bookmark it in your inbox, and most importantly share it with fellow AmeriCorps VISTA members. 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 addition to the introduction of our annual Resource Issue, I am happy to share another change that will be included in future messages. 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. Our goal is to ensure that you are receiving information as efficiently as possible. Lastly, it’s the AmeriCorps VISTA program’s 60th anniversary! Our team has prepared a thoughtful, exciting, and comprehensive plan for recognizing and celebrating this moment in the program’s history. We officially launched our celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 26, during our quarterly Sponsor Call. Please contact your sponsor or supervisor to learn more. Until then, we’re excited to share a few special AmeriCorps VISTA history moments below along with resources to help you 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 serve. Together we will move forward.   In service, Maggie Garvey, Acting Director AmeriCorps VISTA

Message Contents

• Recognizing 60 Years of AmeriCorps VISTA
• Program Updates
• AmeriCorps VISTA Member Resources
• Social Media Highlight

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. During our quarterly meeting with AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors on Wednesday, Feb. 26, we will share more information on how this momentous anniversary will be recognized. We invite you to speak with your sponsors and supervisors after the call. Until then, you can access the AmeriCorps VISTA 60th Anniversary Landing Page to learn more.

Program Updates

NEW: Updated Member Handbooks

The 2025 AmeriCorps VISTA member handbook is now available. 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. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish.

NEW: 2024 AmeriCorps VISTA
Progress Report Supplement Data

We are excited to present the results from our FY 2024 AmeriCorps VISTA Progress Report Supplement. This report, which all sponsors are required to submit, demonstrates the comprehensive impact that AmeriCorps VISTA members are having in communities across the country. 

Each year, we share these numbers across social media, with elected officials, and with other internal and external audiences. The goal is to make sure the public understands how AmeriCorps VISTA members are making a difference.

This year, more than 610 sponsors submitted reports, which exceeded our target of a 98 percent submission rate. Below is a snapshot of the results. These results may be updated as more information becomes available.

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

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 Member Resources

AmeriCorps VISTA is diligent about providing the resources members need to be their best while serving communities. Below, is a comprehensive list of resources that are available to AmeriCorps VISTA members.

Requesting Help

AmeriCorps Hotline
Contact the AmeriCorps Hotline for questions about your service as an AmeriCorps member.

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. Members should 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.

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 Member Resources

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.

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. Contact VISTAGear@americorps.gov if you have questions.

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 handbook is available in both English and Spanish.

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits
AmeriCorps VISTA members have access to a number of benefits. Make sure that you are 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.

Communication and Recruitment Resources

AmeriCorps Brand Assets
Download AmeriCorps brand assets including logos, image assets, brand guidelines, and more to help share your AmeriCorps VISTA service story.

Submitting Member Stories
Help us share how AmeriCorps members are making a difference! Send your 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 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

Social Media Highlight

AmeriCorps VISTA is social! Follow us on the platforms below to join the conversation and to see how AmeriCorps members - like you - are making a difference. Check out our most recent member highlight below.

Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram