About the CEDO AmeriCorps*VISTA Program

Burlington succeeds in large measure because of a uniquely comprehensive program that gives voice to the voiceless, transforms apathy into activism, and taps the power of civic engagement. An integral part of city government, a division of CEDO - known as the Center for Community and Neighborhoods (CCAN) - houses a broad spectrum of initiatives that inspire and support community participation and citizen action. Each year the thousands of citizens who participate in CCAN’s projects shape municipal plans and policies, allocate city resources, resolve conflicts, heal the damage caused by crime, and revitalize neighborhoods. More than merely opening the doors of city government, CCAN’s initiatives involve concerted outreach to underrepresented groups - including families living in poverty, people of color, newly resettled refugees, and immigrants - as well as strategies that strengthen social networks and truly empower citizens. CEDO’s AmeriCorps*VISTA program, always a part of CEDO, has found an appropriate home in CCAN furthering the city’s, and nation’s, equity agenda to support the residents most in need. The City of Burlington has been sponsoring AmeriCorps*VISTA members since 1993. During that time, CEDO has grown from coordinating five members in 1993 to fifty members currently serving throughout the State. The VISTA program currently has 18 members, two AmeriCorps*VISTA team leaders and one program director primarily serving Northern Vermont. CEDO places members for one-year terms in non-profits, public agencies and faith-based organizations.

A*VISTA members are supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and serve full-time for one to three years. A*VISTAs work to build capacity for agencies to serve low-income people and communities (i.e. fundraising, volunteer recruitment and management). These positions are not designed to provide direct service to clients or administrative support to agency staff. Rather, A*VISTAs are hired by host agencies to work on developing and coordinating anti-poverty initiatives.

CCAN provides support to interested agencies in hiring A*VISTA members and in designing appropriate anti-poverty projects and applications. We will provide up to 20 A*VISTA positions to eligible applicants through a competitive process.

Members serve for one-year terms in non-profits, educational institutions, public agencies, and faith-based organizations in the greater Burlington area, and occasionally in other areas of the State.

CEDO’s program aspires to develop sustainable initiatives, or Anti-Poverty Outcome Areas that address poverty in four outcome areas.

A*VISTA placement decisions are made based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated need and connection of work to low-income people and communities
• Ability to clearly demonstrate outcome-based measures and projects
• Organizational capacity to supervise and support A*VISTA member(s)
• Extent to which A*VISTA work is focused on building organizational capacity
• Sustainability plan for post A*VISTA project and activities
• Past performance of host agency (if you have previously had an A*VISTA member)

Anti-Poverty Outcome Areas

The program aspires to develop sustainable initiatives that address poverty through four outcome areas:

• Children and Families: Families, who are at increased risk of poverty, will have the capacity to provide safe environments, healthy lifestyles and developmental opportunities for their children and elders.
• Economic Development and Asset Development: Community members, who are at increased risk of poverty, will be supported in their efforts to reach financial security.
• Empowering Community-Based Organizations: Community members, who are at increased risk of poverty, will be supported in their efforts to meet their basic health and safety needs.
• Sustainable Community Development Initiatives: Empower residents, who are at increased risk of poverty, to lead efforts to improve the quality of life in their community.

AmeriCorps*VISTAs are able to make connections with the small and often forgotten fragments of our community that otherwise would not be reached. Complex social issues are addressed that no single organization can address; A*VISTAs play a unique role in the City, as they are not employees of any agency. They are dedicated to fighting poverty and building connections and are often the glue that connects the community on a variety of levels.

How Do I Get an AmeriCorps*VISTA at my Organization?

CEDO's Center for Community and Neighborhoods (CCAN) invites non-profit organizations, educational institutions and city agencies to submit proposals for AmeriCorps*VISTA placements in January/February each year.

CEDO's AmeriCorps*VISTA program provides eligible agencies with A*VISTA volunteers to address a broad range of poverty-related issues. CCAN provides members to non-profits, public agencies and faith-based organizations for a year or more to develop sustainable initiatives such as: empowering youth through job skills training and mentoring programs; expanding economic/workforce opportunities for low-income residents and refugees; and community development initiatives. There are many National Service Programs. To find out which one is right for you, visit http://www.cns.gov/for_organizations/programs/index.asp. To learn about other National Service Programs in Vermont, Vermont Commission for National and Community Service, go to http://www.state.vt.us/cncs/.

Cost

A*VISTA members currently receive a $10,908 annual stipend, health insurance, and a choice of a cash stipend of $1,200 or an education award of $4,725 to use for student loans and/or future educational costs, upon completion of service. VISTAs are also provided extensive personal and professional development training throughout their twelve months of service. (See Member Benefits above.)

Burlington uses a cost-share formula to support our A*VISTA placements ranging from $6,000-$12,000 with some scholarship available. As a community, we agree to support the living allowance and training costs of our members while the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) pays for health benefits and the education award. CEDO has a limited amount of scholarship funds. These funds are available through a competitive process to support a reduction of the cost-share fee for those agencies unable to pay in full.

Working together: CEDO, Project Sites, VISTA

The CEDO AmeriCorps*VISTA Office can assist Project Sites in developing work plans and support site supervision. We offer pre-service, early service, and in-service training for each A*VISTA member. We recruit and assist in placing A*VISTA members to Project Sites and matching interests and skills with tasks to be accomplished at the Project Application.

The Project Sites will identify the role and provide work plans of A*VISTA members. Agencies provide supplies and adequate working space (i.e. desk, computer, Internet, and use of a printer/copier) so that A*VISTA members can perform their assigned duties. Site Supervisors provide day-to-day supervision of the A*VISTA member. Project Sites must allow A*VISTA members to participate in monthly team meetings, training, and occasional AmeriCorps Statewide events and Days of Service such as Martin Luther King Day and Green-Up Day.

VISTA members participate in all CEDO, CNCS, Vermont Commission required training sessions and events. Members submit timesheets and meet weekly with their site supervisor. VISTAs attend monthly team meetings, submit progress reports, assist in planning and participate in team activities such as Days of Service.

Resources for Supervisors: Supervising an A*VISTA Member

Supervising an A*VISTA member can be exciting and challenging for your organization. The role of the VISTA supervisor is to provide:

• Site orientation
• Communication with VISTA member
• Daily support/regular check-ins with VISTA member
• Attend VISTA supervisor trainings and meetings (usually 3-4 a year)
• Communication with program director
• Submit quarterly reports
• Provide project direction

Here is what current supervisors are saying about what works to support their A*VISTA members:

"Often as a VISTA term moves into its second and third quarter, supervisors and A*VISTAs meet with less frequency. I was disappointed by this as an A*VISTA member. I found that I needed consistent support and guidance, especially as my projects became more involved. As a result, my member and I continue to meet at least once a week for an extended period of time."

"It is most helpful to us, as supervisors, to meet weekly with our A*VISTA member. During these meetings, we get valuable feedback about her job challenges and accomplishments. This is also a time that we brainstorm and continue to plan for future projects."

"Weekly check-in with a quarterly evaluation is useful."

"I would say to trust in your A*VISTA, and in the work they do, but to not be afraid to help them out or give them pointers, spend more time working hand in hand with your VISTA than you think you should."

"Hire well - be very selective. Provide support and guidance, but allow the A*VISTA to plan, develop and implement their projects on their own. Treat them as a colleague, not an assistant. It took me a few years to figure that out."

"I have definitely learned through experience that you need to put the time in at the beginning of the A*VISTA's service to acclimate them to office culture, the organization, goals of their project, etc. Starting off on the right foot pays off later!"

"I like to acknowledge the A*VISTA's work with our larger staff and make sure they feel part of our staff while they are here. Often, I take the A*VISTA out for lunch, coffee and/or provide gift certificates for food."

"Maintaining open communication and working on projects together has been extremely helpful as a supervisor."

"Our organization continually looks for opportunities to tap our member's strengths as well as opportunities to challenge him in areas where he might want to become more proficient."

CNCS Rules and Regulations

VISTA Member Handbook - http://www.americorps.gov/help/vistahandbook/chapter1.html