Volunteer Centers of Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTA

What is a VCM AmeriCorps*VISTA?

Volunteer Centers of Michigan, AmeriCorps*VISTA Host Site Application Process

Dates and Deadlines
Every VISTA member must attend a week long Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) immediately before beginning their VISTA year

The next PSO will take place in early November.

Volunteer Center Cost-Share:
VCM requires all AmeriCorps*VISTA host sites to participate in a cost-share. VCM, in turn, cost shares to the CNCS. VCM will invoice host sites for this fee before the position start date:
$2,500 –year one, $3,000-year two, $3,500-year three

Host Site Application Materials: E-mail application materials to Rachel Klegon, rklegon@mivolunteers.org
1. Title Page, fill out attached Title Page
2. Position Description, see sample position description

Provide a clear and concise position description. This will be used to describe your program throughout the year and should be ready for publication. It should include the name of your Volunteer Center, the supervisor’s name and title, the overall vision for the VISTA position, a list of the proposed activities for the year, and a summary of VISTA benefits and additional benefits offered at your volunteer center.

3. Volunteer Assignment Description, fill out attached VAD Template, see VAD Sample for guidance

What is a Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD)

• A VAD is an outline of long-term goals, short term outcomes and accomplishments for the VISTA year.
• The VAD must be aligned with the three goals outlined by VCM as well as reflect the needs of the Volunteer Center.
• The VAD should change slightly each year to show progress towards a sustainable program.

Tips on Using the VAD

• The Supervisor uses the VAD as a tool to set clear goals and expectations for the VISTA.
• The VISTA uses the VAD as a guide to know what to work on during his or her year.
• The Supervisor and VISTA should regularly discuss the VAD to find out what’s working and what’s not.

Revising a VAD-Consider adapting the VAD when:

• The member and supervisor feel the steps and activities aren’t leading towards the goals.
• There are work-based communication problems between the supervisor and member.

There are unforeseen obstacles requiring a different approach to accomplish the goals.

4.  Recruitment Support Materials—The following materials and information may be useful in planning and implementing the VISTA recruitment process.  VCM has provided a timeline to help in the planning process.  The recruitment flyer is offered as a resource to be used at your discretion.  Once you have made your final decision regarding a candidate; they’ll need to apply through the americorps.gov website if they have not already.  The Application Process document walks them through that process. 

• Recruitment Calendar
• VISTA Recruitment Flyer
• AmeriCorps Application Process

5.  Next Steps for Approved VISTA Sites and Supervisors.  The “Supervisor Training” provides an summary of information for those sites who will be hosting a VISTA.  As the VISTA starts at the site, he or she should go through an on-site orientation.  A sample form has been provided.  This is a suggestion only.  Each site will want to personalize the orientation to provide the information that is relevant to their particular volunteer center and community.

• Supervisor Orientation
• OnSite Training Plan Form
• Sample OSO Plan

Contact: To find out about availability of Host Site slots and for more information contact Rachel Klegon, AmeriCorps *VISTA Program Manager at 517-492-2450, rklegon@mivolunteers.org

VCM AmeriCorps*VISTA Host Site Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about the impact of VCM VISTAs in Michigan communities

Additional Information and Resources: 

• Official Americorps*VISTA homepage:  www.americorps.gov
• Corporation for National and Community Service provides toolkits within the “Resources” and “Initiatives” links: http://www.serve.gov
• Learn & Serve site listing national days of service with links to additional information:  http://www.servicelearning.org/events_jobs/service_days/index.php
• VISTA Campus provides VISTA training materials and manuals:  http://vistacampus.org
• National Resource Center provides tools and training related to volunteer management:  http://www.nationalserviceresources.org