Volunteer Centers of Michigan AmeriCorps*VISTA

2010 VCM*VISTA Host Site Application

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

VISTA Start Dates:
Round 1: November, 2010
Recruitment: Month of September 2010
Future Start Dates: TBD

2010 VISTA Host Site Intent to Apply Form is due: Friday, August 20, 2010
2010 VISTA Host Site Applications are due: Friday, August 27, 2010

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

Volunteer Assignment Description, Recruitment, Orientation/Training:

1. 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.

2.  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

3.  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