VISTA members with the Tennessee Literacy Coalition are placed with local adult literacy provider agencies throughout the state.  VISTA projects focus on indirect service in order to build capacity.  This is an important factor, allowing the work of a VISTA member to continue beyond their year of service.

Step 1: Applying with AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is one of the three national service programs coordinated by the Corporation for National & Community Service.  The AmeriCorps VISTA program is the oldest of the three, with the first VISTA members starting in 1965.  In order to become an AmeriCorps VISTA with any organization, you must first apply through the CNS website.

Step 2: Recruitment

The list of current positions in literacy agencies is constantly changing.  Please call or e-mail for an updated list.  We will send your application on to whichever organizations are of greater interest to you.  As with any job, there will be an interview process to ensure a correct fit.

Step 3: Training

All VISTA members must attend Pre-Service Orientation (PSO).  This is a three day long training, that occurs just before a VISTA member's service year begins.  Generally, the PSOs that our VISTA members attend are held in Atlanta.  The day after the completion of PSO marks the first day of VISTA member service.  Future Pre-Service Orientations for 2010 are listed below.

February 9-12 (application deadline December 26, 2010)
May 11-14 (application deadline March 27, 2010)
July 13-16 (application deadline May 29, 2010)
August 17-20 (application deadline July 3, 2010)

November 16-19 (application deadline October 2, 2010)

Additional In-Service Training is offered after a VISTA volunteer begins their service, as well as On-Site Orientation, providing information concerning the training budget of $350 for approved trainings, quarterly reporting, as well as other questions you might have.

Member Benefits and Terms of Service

Commitment:  VISTAs are required to work full time, 35-40 hours per week, and are considered to be on call 24-7.  They cannot hold another job or attend college while in service.  You must commit to working at your assigned site for at least one year.

Living Allowance: Members receive a living allowance of approximately $858.00 per month ($10,296 per year divided by 26 pay periods).  Direct deposit to the member’s bank account is made on a biweekly basis by the Corporation for National & Community Service.  The following benefits are also provided to VISTA members.

End of Service Award: VISTA members may choose one of the following, awarded upon satisfactory completion of a full service year.  If the VISTA does not complete the service year, this award is forfeited.

 Education Award: VISTA members accrue $5,350.00 per year for up to two years to pay for higher education such as college or vocational school.  It can also be used to pay off student loans.  This award can be used for up to seven years following the end of service.

                 Stipend: $1,500.00 per year is placed into an account for the VISTA member.  The

                     VISTA receives the total amount, minus taxes, at the end of the year.

Health Care: Health coverage is provided to every member (unless waived) beginning the first day of PSO and ending at midnight on the last service day.  There is a small co-pay for office or emergency room visits.  Coverage is NOT available for dependents, and pre-existing conditions are NOT covered. To view the plan details and provider network, click here.

Other benefits:  Modest relocation allowance if appropriate. Optional life insurance.  Childcare support in certain specific circumstances.  10 days personal leave and 10 days sick leave per year.  As your VISTA service is not to be considered a job, nor an income, VISTA members are applicable to receive monthly Food Stamps as a living aid.  This document details the food stamp process further.

Quarterly Reporting: VISTA members are required to complete quarterly progress reports and submit them to the Coalition, so that we can provide Corporation for National Service with periodic reports.  The report format is specific to the site work plan, and will be explained in detail by a Coalition staff member at your On-Site Orientation.