Become a Host Site
Now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Project Cycle!
Hosting an AmeriCorps*VISTA member is an investment that has paid big dividends for many Snohomish County organizations and communities. In just the first quarter of 2012, our VISTA team raised over $100,000 for their organizations and facilitated over 10,000 hours of service by other community volunteers. Among numerous other projects, our previous VISTA members have:
- Built new volunteer management systems,
- Raised participation in anti-poverty programs through intensive outreach,
- Designed and implemented new programs and classes,
- Applied successfully for large government and foundation grants, and
- Created lasting partnerships amongst local organizations and community members
Join with us to bring this resource to the projects that you simply do not have the staff time to get off the ground!
Host Site Requirements
In order to host an AmeriCorps*VISTA member through Volunteers of America Western Washington’s VISTA Team, your organization must:
- Be either a non-profit, public, or faith-based organization.
- Pay the required VISTA cost-share amount (estimated at $4,750 for the 2012-2013 service year).
- Reimburse the VISTA member for all service-related travel.
- Provide one staff person to supervise all activities of the AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
- Provide a workspace with a computer and phone
- Agree to follow all policies and procedures required by Volunteers of America Western Washington and the Corporation for National and Community Service (See application for further details).
Project Requirements
VOAWW AmeriCorps*VISTA projects must primarily serve Snohomish County, Washington. In addition, all VISTA projects nation-wide must meet the following requirements:
(1) Anti-Poverty Focus: All VISTA projects must have an anti-poverty focus. In particular, the goal of every project must be to help individuals and communities out of poverty, not simply make poverty more tolerable.
(2) Community Empowerment: Organizations must ensure that the project engages residents of the low-income community in planning, developing, and implementing the project.
(3) Sustainable Solutions: VISTA members represent short-term resources who work to build the long-term sustainability of anti-poverty programs. All VISTA projects should be developed with the goal of an eventual phase-out of the need for VISTA members. Project C.A.R.E. VISTA projects are designed to last up to three years.
(4) Capacity Building: VISTA members generally do not perform direct service to clients. VISTAs are assigned to expand the ability of organizations to fight poverty through activities such as fundraising, establishment of volunteer recruitment and management systems, community outreach, and partnership development.
Finally, VISTA projects absolutely may not:
(1) Require direct client service or clerical work as major components of the member’s work
(2) Use the VISTA to substitute for the functions of a staff position
(For example: While a VISTA may absolutely raise funds for their project or create a volunteer management system, a VISTA member may not become a de-facto Development Officer or Volunteer Manager. The VISTA must always be working to improve the program and build sustainable solutions.)
(3) Require the VISTA member to engage in any way in the endorsement or promotion of religious activity or in the lobbying of public officials, electoral activities, or political demonstrations. Please see the “VISTA Member Handbook” for details.
How do I apply?
For an application and application instructions, please contact Jose S. Jimenez Jr., VISTA Leader at vista-ldr@voaww.org or 425-259-3191 x2342.
If you have questions or if you would like to discuss a potential future project, please contact WendiLee MacLeod, Volunteer Services Manager and VISTA Project Supervisor , at 425-212-2951 or wmacleod@voaww.org.