Program info
The SerVermont AmeriCorps VISTA Program is a statewide national service program in its 10th year. We will place 30 members at community-based organizations and state and municipal agencies who mission and VISTA assignments cover focus areas including:
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Economic Development
Housing
Food Security
Environmental Stewardship
Health and Opioid Prevention, Treatment & Recovery
COVID-19 Recovery
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Our VISTA members build and strengthen systems in order to increase their sites capacity to provide services that alleviate poverty. Our operational funding comes from the Federal AmeriCorps Agency.
Help Alleviate Poverty in your community by...
•Recruiting, training, & managing community volunteers and mentors;
Developing curricula for job & skills development programs;
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• Supporting programs & developing systems to ensure low-income families receive healthy, nutritious food & access to other essentials
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• Developing public relations campaigns;
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• Creating operational systems (e.g. databases)
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• Identifying & collaborating with community stakeholders;
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• Creating strategies to promote affordable housing;
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• Developing resources (grant writing, newsletters, fundraising events)
Each VISTA...
...makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a project at a host site. They live and serve all throughout the state. VISTAs receive a modest living allowance that is linked to the poverty level in their service community. They also receive professional development training throughout the year, and are consequently well-equipped for employment in the nonprofit sector after their year of service.
Approximately 300 individuals serve over 550,000 hours as AmeriCorps members in Vermont each year. SerVermont VISTAs become part of a rich alumni network and a lasting legacy of service in the state.
VISTA Members Serve Through...
...community-based non-profit organizations and public agencies.
Service involves addressing issues related to poverty by developing and mobilizing resources that create long-term sustainable solutions at a community level.
As per VISTA guidelines, emphasis is placed on resource development and capacity building, NOT on direct service. VISTA members are national service members and not employees.
Benefits
Living Allowance
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$17,600 for the year in most counties
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$20, 640 in Chittenden and Franklin Counties
The living allowance is taxed and distributed bi-weekly.
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More here.
Student Loan Assistance
Have existing student loans? Once enrolled as a VISTA member, you may be eligible for loan deferment or forbearance on select loans.
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VISTA Members who qualify for loan deferment or forbearance are also eligible to have interest that accrues during their year of service paid for by the National Service Trust.
Additional Benefits
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Healthcare: All VISTAs receive basic health coverage during their year of service. More info here.
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Childcare subsidies are available for members who qualify. Learn more.
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Relocation benefits: Relocating 50 miles or more to serve? More info here.
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10 days personal leave, 10 days medical leave
End-of-Service Benefits
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For one year after service, members receive non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs. Learn more.
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Education award: $6,495 that can be applied to student loans or future education. Learn more. OR: End-of-service stipend of $1,800.
Professional Development and team building
Each month, our SerVermont team comes together for a training. Past topics have included:
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Grant writing & Fundraising
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Project/Time Management
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Food Insecurity in VT
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Poverty in VT
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Cultural Competency
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Personal Career Planning
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Resume Building
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Understanding Credit
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Results-Based Accountability
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"One of the highlights of my year with SerVermont has been the warm, tight-knit community I've found with the group. I wasn't expecting to make so many connections with other VISTAs serving in Vermont, and it's made this year a thousand times more fun."
-VISTA Alumnus
More to know
Eligibility
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Age, background, and citizenship status are factors in your eligibility for AmeriCorps.
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You will also...
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Attend SerVT trainings & events
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Participate in service projects & events in the community during MLK Jr. Day of Service
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Check in with the VISTA leader
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Submit timesheets and progress reports
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Create a Legacy Manual for the next VISTA
Restrictions
Some activities are prohibited for VISTAs while serving or while representing AmeriCorps. ​
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The Application Process
Step 1:
Apply Through the My.AMericorps Portal
You'll receive an email from us at Servermont.
Step 2:
Please send us
1) a specific cover letter for each position you'd like to be considered for,
2) A copy of your resume
Step 3:
We will forward your completed application on to the site(s) for review.
Step 4:
Individual sites will reach out to schedule an interview if they feel you would be a good fit.
Step 5:
Servermont will interview you for a second round.
Life after americorps
SerVermont VISTAs have gone on to do great things! Many attend graduate school or do a second year of service. Others have taken public sector positions across the state of Vermont and beyond.
Recent Alumni Job Placements in Vermont
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Chronic Disease Prevention/Health Equity Specialist, VT Dept. of Health
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Communications & Major Gifts Manager, Feeding Chittenden
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Community Outreach Specialist, VT Foodbank
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Contracts & Grants Specialist, VT AHS -DCF
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Donor Database Manager, COTS
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Development Coordinator, Community Health Centers of Burlington
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Economic Development Director, Revitalizing Waterbury
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Education Coordinator, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
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Executive Director, The Art House
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Farm Direct Coordinator, Green Mountain Farm to School
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Farm Program Manager, VT Youth Conservation Corps
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Grants Specialist, VT Foodbank
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Hazard Mitigation Planner, VT Dept. of Emergency Management
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Housing Equity Advocate, Rutland County Women's Network
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Outreach Coordinator, VT Adult Learning
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Planner, Northwest Regional Planning
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Program Communications Specialist, Hunger Free VT
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Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Rural Development
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Regional Planner, Bennington County Regional Commission
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Substance Abuse Coordinator, VT Dept of Health
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Volunteer Coordinator, VT Foodbank
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Serving as a VISTA was an incredible experience that helped me develop and practice so many skills. The year ranged from learning to live within the stipend to having professional experience managing volunteers and writing grants, things I had studied through school but never actually practiced. The biggest takeaway, however, was the confidence to know that I could go into a situation and a big project and make it my own, and to take that confidence and apply it going forward to new jobs and life experiences.
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- VISTA Alum
Thinking of grad school? Many schools will match the education award!