FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the difference between direct and indirect service?
A: VISTAs must perform indirect service such as capacity building, organizing, presentations, recruitment; they cannot do direct service as volunteers typically do, i.e. stocking shelves, cleaning, taking meeting minutes. VISTAs are living, breathing grants, which means they must perform tasks that further the mission set out in their application (VAD). For example, a VISTA answering the phone for your organization is the equivalent of grant funds intended for a new roof being used to stock the break room with snacks. If used inappropriately, a site could lose their current VISTA and future VISTA opportunities.
A: VISTAs must perform indirect service such as capacity building, organizing, presentations, recruitment; they cannot do direct service as volunteers typically do, i.e. stocking shelves, cleaning, taking meeting minutes. VISTAs are living, breathing grants, which means they must perform tasks that further the mission set out in their application (VAD). For example, a VISTA answering the phone for your organization is the equivalent of grant funds intended for a new roof being used to stock the break room with snacks. If used inappropriately, a site could lose their current VISTA and future VISTA opportunities.
Q: How do I apply?
A: All applications must go through my.americorps.gov. Head over and create your profile - then apply for up to 20 positions at once!
A: All applications must go through my.americorps.gov. Head over and create your profile - then apply for up to 20 positions at once!
Q: Can my organization have a VISTA?
A: Public, private, or faith-based nonprofit organizations as well as local or state agencies can become an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organization. The application process is a two-phase process with concept paper and full application. Find out more about Sponsoring a VISTA Member.
A: Public, private, or faith-based nonprofit organizations as well as local or state agencies can become an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organization. The application process is a two-phase process with concept paper and full application. Find out more about Sponsoring a VISTA Member.
Q: Can VISTAs volunteer at my upcoming community event?
A: No, VISTAs are committed to indirect service projects at their specific sites. However, there are other ways to recruit volunteers for your local Fairbanks event! 1) Join and post your volunteer needs on the Volunteer Fairbanks Facebook page. 2) Reach out to Hope Worldwide, a student organization at UAF dedicated to changing lives through volunteering.
A: No, VISTAs are committed to indirect service projects at their specific sites. However, there are other ways to recruit volunteers for your local Fairbanks event! 1) Join and post your volunteer needs on the Volunteer Fairbanks Facebook page. 2) Reach out to Hope Worldwide, a student organization at UAF dedicated to changing lives through volunteering.
