Being a VISTA: The Important Bits

The Hub’s West Virginia Physical Activity Network VISTA, Christina Hunt, cheers on walkers in Grafton.

VISTA Frequently Asked Questions…

• VISTA stands for Volunteers In Service To America.
• President John Kennedy first introduced the idea of a VISTA program to Congress in 1963, and it was founded as a national service program in 1965.
• Noteable VISTA alumni include former West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller, Xerox CEO Ann Mulcahey, Car Talk radio host Ray Magliozzi, State Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson, U.S. Congresswoman Gwendolynne Moore, and West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Executive Director and CEO, Scott Finn.
• Today, more than 46 million Americans live in poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty.
• The Hub’s VISTA placements cover a wide range of projects related to the development of West Virginia’s communities, including education, dilapidated buildings, economic development, research, communications and physical activity, to name but a few.
• VISTA must be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
• VISTA must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident of a state.
• VISTA serve for one year, full-time, at a nonprofit organization or public agency (referred to as sponsoring organizations).
• VISTA earn a modest living allowance, health care coverage, training and travel expenses.
• VISTA may be able to defer student loan repayment while they serve.
• Some VISTA may be eligible for child care benefits.
• VISTA who successfully complete a term of service are also eligible to receive either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,730 to pay for college or to pay off student loans, or an end-of-service cash stipend of $1,500.
• If a VISTA candidate is willing to move to a new community to serve, the candidate may be eligible for a modest relocation allowance.
• VISTAs receive training in interpersonal and leadership skills.

If you have more questions about being a VISTA in West Virginia, email me at l.henry@wvhub.org or call 681.404.6053.