Over the next three years we will have three different AmeriCorps member serving here at Feeding Chittenden. We are so excited for all that they will do to help our organization but thought it would be important for everyone to have some background information!
So, starting with a more general question: what is AmeriCorps? Nationalservice.gov states that AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each takes a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more. We will be involved in the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. Now, what is an AmeriCorps VISTA? AmeriCorps VISTA members build capacity in nonprofit organizations and public agencies to help them more effectively generate the commitment of private sector resources, encourage volunteer service at the local level, and empower individuals and communities, as defined by nationalservice.gov. Being a VISTA member is a one-year, full time commitment. They participate not in direct service but rather focus on more behind the scenes work to help our organization.
We are so excited to have a VISTA on our team to help us build capacity and see all the different projects they will be a part of. We will be looking for new VISTAs in the late Winter and early Spring, so if you or anyone you may know may want to apply to be an AmeriCorps VISTA with us, keep an eye out for our posting!