PSO Materials

Resources

Resources
CNCS Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Summary of AmeriCorps Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
How a Sponsor Gets a VISTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VISTA Training Time Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
CNCS State Offices and State Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
VISTA Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Summary of Key Terms, Conditions, and Benefits of VISTA Service . . . . . . . . . . 16
Education Award vs. End-of-Service Stipend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Hatch Act Limitations on VISTA Political Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
What VISTAs Should Expect from Onsite Orientation and Training (OSOT) . . . . . 19
What VISTAs Should Expect as Post-PSO Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
VISTA Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
VISTA Living Allowance Schedule 2009–2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
VISTA Allowance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
VISTA Allowance Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Income Disregard Provisions Memo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hey! What Happened to My Check? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Tax Cuts and Your AmeriCorps Education Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
VISTA Web Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Electronic Mailing List Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
VISTA Alumni Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Successful Volunteer Programs Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
What's Next — Flyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Oath of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The AmeriCorps Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 i

PSO Materials Resources

CNCS Programs

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 1

PSO Materials Resources

CNCS
Programs (cont.)
The Corporation for National and Community Service was established in September 1993 as an
independent arm of the federal government. The Corporation merged ACTION, the Commission
on National and Community Service, and the Office of National Service. It was given the task of
streamlining existing federal national-service programs, developing ways to make the most effec-
tive use of volunteers, and providing national service. The Corporation accomplishes these goals
through its various program structures, which include the provision of both full- and part-time ser-
vice, the award of grants to establish or expand volunteer programs, and technical assistance to
begin or operate programs.

Each major program within the Corporation has its individual legislative mandate and identity,
which operates under the overall authority of the National and Community Service Trust Act of
1993 (Public Law 103-82). The mission of the Corporation is to engage Americans of all ages and
backgrounds in community-based service that will address the nation’s educational, environmental,
public safety, homeland security and other critical needs. In addition, the Corporation is working to
build bridges from one program to another, and to link programs in ways that will provide stronger
overall support of community efforts. The Corporation also provides technical assistance to other
volunteer and community service efforts in the state. An overall objective of the Corporation is to
promote an ethic of service.

AmeriCorps u Around 177,000 members have served

in economically challenged communities,
Purpose: Results driven, intensive, direct-service with a focus on fighting poverty
program that meets real community needs.
u Members leverage human, financial, and
material resources to increase the capac-
1. State and National, Tribes and Terri­tories,
ity of low-income communities across the
and Education Award-Only Programs
country to address their own problems
u Programs include national direct/national
u Members serve full time, live in the com-
non-profits, Tribes and Territories, and pro-
munities they serve, and create programs
grams granted through state commissions
that are sustainable
u Over 400,000 members have served since
u Includes national demonstration projects
1994
involving eliminating poverty
u Members provide direct service to meet
3. National Civilian Community Corps and
real community needs
Tribal CCC.
u Members tutor and mentor youth, assist
u This is a full-time, team-based residential
crime victims, restore parks, and build
program for men and women, ages 18–24
affordable homes
u Service projects, which typically last from
u Members serve full time for up to one year;
six to eight weeks, address critical needs
some serve part time
in education, public safety, the environ-
ment, and other unmet needs
2. VISTA
u Members live on one of five campuses,
u Created in 1964, this is the oldest of the
located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento,
national service programs
California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg,
Mississippi; and Vinton, Iowa

2 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

PSO Materials Resources

CNCS
Programs (cont.)
Learn and Serve America 2. Senior Companion Program

Purpose: Supports service-learning programs.
Service learning is a teaching method that
increases student academic achievement while
meeting real community service needs.
1. Learn and Serve Programs
u Provide grants that support the develop-
ment of service learning in elementary,
middle, and secondary schools
u Volunteers age 60 or over who help adults
with special needs remain independent
and in their own homes
u Volunteers serve frail older adults, adults
with disabilities, those with terminal ill-
nesses, and offer respite for caregivers
u Senior volunteers must serve between 15
and 40 hours

u Provide grants that support the develop- u Income-eligible volunteers receive a mod-
ment of service learning in institutions of est, tax-free stipend to offset the cost of
higher education volunteering

u Develop programs/projects in which stu- 3. Foster Grandparent Program

dents are engaged in academic learning
that meets real community service needs
(e.g., students build a community garden
for neighborhood families in need of food
and learn about biology and mathematics
while building)
u Provide training and technical assistance
resources to teachers, administrators, par-
ents, schools and community groups to
facilitate service-learning projects
National Senior Service Corps
u Volunteers are 60 years or older and meet
certain income eligibility guidelines
u Volunteers thrive on direct interaction with
children and make a difference in the lives
of children
u Volunteers must serve between 15 and 40
hours per week
u Volunteers receive a modest tax-free sti-
pend to offset the cost of volunteering

Purpose: Senior Corps currently links more than

500,000 Americans to service opportunities

1. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

u Volunteers are 55 years or older, and want

to make a difference in their communities

u Offers maximum flexibility and choice to

its volunteers as it matches the personal
interests and skills of older Americans with
opportunities to serve their communities
from a few hours to 40 hours per week

u Senior volunteers receive supplemental

insurance while serving, as well as a pre-
service orientation and inservice training

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 3

 PSO Materials Resources
Summary of
AmeriCorps Programs
All Programs
(Over 500 separate programs)
Program Focus Members serve both
in teams and individu-
ally through na­tional and
community-based private
and public organizations.
Members help solve com-
munity problems through
service, in the areas of
education, public safety, the
environment, health, veter-
ans' services, and economic
opportunity.
Eligibility Applicants must be at least
18 years old and a U.S.
citizen, national, or legal
permanent resident alien of
the U.S. The upper age limit
varies among programs.
Skill Requirements All skill levels are needed.
Term of Service Full-time for one year. (Some
part-time service opportuni-
ties are available.)
Living Allowance A modest living allowance is
paid biweekly.
Room and Board In most cases, members
are responsible for covering
their own housing and meals
from their living allowance.
Education Award/ Upon completion of service
Stipend members receive a $5,350
education award, in the
form of a voucher.
4 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program
VISTA
(Volunteers in Service to
America)
Members serve through local
government agencies and
non­profit organizations,
addressing issues related
to poverty– such as public
health, education, the envi-
ronment, public safety, and
employment–by building
capacity to create long-term
benefits at a com­munity
level.
Applicants must be at least
18 years old and a U.S.
citizen, national, or legal
permanent resident alien of
the U.S. There is no upper
age limit.
A bachelor’s degree or three All skill levels are needed.
years of related volunteer/
job experience is preferred.
Full-time for one year. (No
part-time service opportuni-
ties available.)
A modest living allowance is A modest living allowance is
paid biweekly. paid biweekly.
Members are responsible
for covering their own hous-
ing and meals from their liv-
ing allowance.
Upon completion of service
members have a choice of a
$5,350 education award, in
the form of a voucher, or a
$1,500 cash stipend.
AmeriCorps*NCCC
(National Civilian Community
Corps)
Members live in a campus
environment and serve in
teams to complete a vari-
ety of service projects with
local communities to address
pressing needs. Members
often travel to projects
throughout their region.
Members must be 18 to 24
years old while they serve
and a U.S. citizen, national,
or legal permanent resident
alien of the U.S.
Full-time for 10 months. (No
part-time service opportuni-
ties available.)
Members are provided with
housing and meals and live
in dormitory-style housing in
one of five campuses.
Upon completion of service
members receive a $5,350
education award, in the
form of a voucher.
PSO Materials Resources

How a Sponsor Gets a VISTA

Health
Issues Prisoner
Reentry
Literacy Food/
Security
Crime/ Unemploy-
Delinquency ment
Prevention
Affordable Makes
Housing Application
Refugees Sponsor Identifies
Problem for VISTA
Resettle- Drug/ Volunteers
ment In Community The Corporation
Substance
Abuse Preven- for National
Economic tion
Development and
Community
Sponsor Service State
Office
Provides
Service to (VISTA)
Low-Income
VISTA Attends Community Receives
PSO Through Sponsor Approval

VISTA
Volunteers
Assigned
VISTA
Volunteers
Supervisor
Orientation

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 5

PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Training Time Line

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 6

PSO Materials Resources

CNCS State Offices and

State Commissions
While VISTA and the National Senior Service Corps are administered through the Corpor­ation for
National and Community Service’s state offices, the AmeriCorps state programs are administered
through the Corporation for National and Community Service’s state commissions.

State Service Commissions are responsible for distributing funds for AmeriCorps*State programming.
Commissions consist of 15-25 governor-appointed citizens who are non-partisan and diverse from
across the state. In coordination with these Commissioners, Commission staff manage, monitor and
evaluate these AmeriCorps programs, and promote volunteerism and civic engagement to strengthen
local communities.

The state program offices and the state commissions maintain a cooperative working relationship. The
Corporation state directors of the state program offices serve as non-voting members of the commis­
sion in their state. State program offices and state commissions collaborate with other community ser­
vice organizations to build the state’s community service infrastructure.

Through this collaboration, VISTA mem­bers may join with AmeriCorps*State members (as well as
AmeriCorps*NCCC, Senior Corps and/or Learn and Serve participants) in special one-day service
activities or training sessions.

On the following page is a list of state commission offices and CNCS state offices. Your sponsor may
suggest that you contact the commission office in your state to learn about the activities of nearby
AmeriCorps projects.

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 7

PSO Materials Resources

State Commissions
In the absence of an organization name, the commission office can be addressed as
[State name] Commission for National and Community Service

Up-to-date contact information is available at www.nationalservice.org/about/contact/index.asp

Alabama Colorado Guam

Governor’s Office on Faith Based
and Community Initiatives
One Commerce Street, Suite 620
Montgomery, AL 3604
Phone: (334) 954-7440
Fax: (334) 954-7478
Alaska
Department of Community &
Economic Development (DCED) on Community Service
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1770
Anchorage, AK 99501-3510
Phone: (907) 269-4659
Fax: (907) 269-5666
American Samoa
P.O. Box 999280
Leone, AS 96799
Phone: 684-699-2285
Fax: 684-699-2279
Arizona
Arizona Governor’s Comission on
Service and Volunteerism
1700 W. Washington Street
Suite 101
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2806
Phone: (602) 542-3489
Fax: (602) 542-3423
Arkansas
Service Commission
700 South Main, Slot S230
Little Rock, AR 72201-1437
Phone: (501) 682-6724
Fax: (501) 682-1623
California
California Volunteers Phone: (850) 921-5172
1110 K Street
Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814-3905
Phone: (916) 323-7646
Fax: (916) 323-3227
Governor’s Commission Serve Guam! Commission
on Community Service
130 State Capitol 414 West Soledad Avenue,
Denver, CO 80230
Phone: (303) 866-2530
Fax: (303) 866-2525
Connecticut
Connecticut Commission National and Community Service
Connecticut Department of Higher
Education
61 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06105-2326
Phone: (860) 947-1827
Fax: (860) 947-1310
Delaware
Delaware Community
Service Commission
DHSS Holloway Campus, Debnam
1901 N. Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720-1100
Phone: (302) 255-9881
Fax: (302) 255-4462
District of Columbia
Serve DC
Executive Office of the Mayor
441 4th Street, N.W.
Suite 1140 North
Washington, DC, 20001
Phone: (202) 727-7925
Fax: (202) 727-9198
Florida
Volunteer Florida
401 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301-2034
Fax: (850) 921-5146
Georgia
Georgia Commission Des Moines, IA 50309-1856
for Service
60 Executive Park South, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30329-2296
Phone: (404) 327-6844
Fax: (404) 327-6848
Guam Department of Labor
Suite 205
GCIC Building
Hawai´i
Hawai´i Commission on
C/o University of Hawai´i
2600 Campus Road, Rm. 405
Honolulu, HI 96822-2205
Phone: (808) 956-8145
Fax: (808) 956-2950
Idaho
Serve Idaho
Governors Commission on
Service and Volunteerism
1299 N. Orchard St., Ste 110
Boise, ID 83706-2265
Phone: (208) 658-2063
Fax: (208) 327-7470
Illinois
Commission on Volunteerism
and Community Service
535 West Jefferson, 3rd floor
Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: (217) 782-5945
Fax: (217) 557-0515
Indiana
Office of Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives
302 W. Washington St., Rm.E220
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4701
Phone: (317) 233-4273
Fax: (317) 233-5660
Iowa
Commission on Volunteer Service
200 East Grand
Phone: (800) 308-5987
Fax: (515) 242-4809

8 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

PSO Materials Resources
State Commissions (cont.)
Kansas
Volunteer Commission
120 S.E. 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1103
Phone: (785) 368-6207
Fax: (785) 368-6284
Kentucky
Commission on Community
Volunteerism and Service
275 E. Main Street
Mailstop 3 W-F
Frankfort, KY 40621-0001
Phone: (502) 564-7420
Fax: (502) 564-7478
Louisiana
Serve Commission
State National Life Building
263 3rd Street
Suite 610-B
Baton Rouge, LA 70801-1306
Phone: (225) 342-2038
Fax: (225) 342-0106
Maine
Commission for Service Commission
Community Service
187 State Street
38 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0038
Phone: (207) 287-5313
Fax: (207) 287-8059
Maryland
Governor’s Office on Service Montana
and Volunteerism
State Office Building
301 W. Preston Street
15th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 767-4803
Fax: (410) 333-5957
Massachusetts
Service Alliance
100 North Washington Street
3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 542-2544
Fax: (617) 542-0240
VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 9
Michigan
Community Service Commission
1048 Pierpont
Suite 4
Lansing, Michigan 48913
Phone: (517) 335-4295
Fax (517) 241-373-4977
Minnesota
ServeMinnesota!
431 South 7th Street
Suite 2540
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 333-7740
Fax: (612) 333-7758
Mississippi
Commission for Volunteer Service
3825 Ridgewood Road
Suite 601
Jackson, MS 39211-6463
Phone: (601) 432-6779
Fax: (601) 432-6790
Missouri
Missouri Community Fax: (609) 777-2939
301 West High Street,
Harry S. Truman State Office New Mexico Commission for
Suite 770
P.O. Box 118
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-7488
Fax: (573) 326-0463
Commission on New York Office of National and
Community Service
1301 Lockey Avenue, 3rd floor
P.O. Box 200801
Helena, MT 59620-0801
Phone: (406) 444-5547
Fax: (406) 444-4418
Nebraska
Nebraska Volunteer North Carolina
Service Commission
State Capitol West, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 98927
Lincoln, NE 68509-8927
Phone: (402) 471-6225
Fax: (402) 471-6286
Nevada
Nevada Commission for
National and Community Service
137 Keddie Street
Fallon, NV 89406
Phone: (775) 423-1461
Fax: (775) 423-8039
New Hampshire
Volunteer New Hampshire
117 Pleasant Street
Dolloff Building, 4th Floor
Concord, NH 03301-3852
Phone: (603) 271-7202
Fax: (603) 271-7203
New Jersey
Commission on National and
Community Services
New Jersey State Department
of Ed.
225 W. State St. 5th Floor
P.O. Box 459
Trenton, NJ 08625-0459
Phone: (609) 633-9627
New Mexico
Community Volunteerism
3401 Pan American Fwy., N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87107-4785
Phone: (505) 841-4841
Fax: (505) 841-4839
New York
Community Service, Inc.
NYS Office of Children & Family
52 Washington Street
Room 308 North
Rensselaer, NY 12144-2796
Phone: (518) 473-8882
Fax: (518) 402-3817
Commission on Volunteerism
and Community
116 West Jones Street
20312 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0312
Phone: (919) 715-3470
Fax: (919) 715-8677
PSO Materials Resources
State Commissions (cont.)
North Dakota
Workforce Development Division
State Commission on National and
Community Service
Department of Commerce
1600 E. Century Avenue, Suite 2
P.O. Box 2057
Bismarck, ND 58502-20573
Phone: (701) 328-5345
Fax: (701) 328-5320
Ohio
Ohio Community Service Council
51 N. High Street, Room 800
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 728-2916
Fax: (614) 728-2921
Oklahoma
Community Service Commission
1401 N. Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phone: (405) 235-7278
Fax: (405) 235-7036
Oregon
Oregon Volunteers!
P.O. Box 751-CSC/KH210
Portland OR 97207-5522
Phone: (503) 725-5903
Fax: (503) 725-8335
Pennsylvania
PennSERVE: The Governor’s Office Fax: (801) 538-8690
of Citizen Service
1306 Labor and Industry Building
7th and Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17121
Phone: (717) 787-1971
Fax: (717) 705-4215
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Service Alliance
143 Prairie Avenue
P.O. Box 72822
Providence, RI 02907
Phone: (401) 331-2298
Fax: (401) 331-2273
10 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program
South Carolina Washington
Commission for National and Washington Commission for
Community Service National & Community Service
South Carolina Department PO Box 43113
of Education Olympia, WA 98504-3113
3710 Lankmark Drive, Suite 200 Phone: (360) 902-0663
Columbia, SC 29204-4602 Fax: (360) 902-7315
Phone: (803) 734-2258
Fax: (803) 734-4825 West Virginia
Commission for National and
Tennessee Community Service
Commission on National and PO Box 11778
Community Service Charleston, WV 25339
William R. Snodgrass Phone: (304) 558-0111
Tennessee Tower Fax: (304) 558-0101
312 8th Avenue North, 12th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243 Wisconsin
Phone: (615) 532-9250 National and Community
Fax: (615) 532-6950 Service Board
1 West Wilson Street, Rm. 456
Texas Madison, WI 53703
OneStar National Phone: (608) 261-6716
Service Commission Fax: (608) 266-9313
816 Congress Ave, Suite 900
Austin, Texas 78701-1814 Wyoming
Phone: (512) 473-2140 ServeWyoming
Fax: (512) 473-8228 229 East 2nd Street
P.O. Box 1271
Utah Casper, WY 82602
Utah Commission on Volunteers Phone: (307) 234-3428
324 S. State St., Suite 500 Fax: (307) 234-3438
Salt Lake City, UT 84111-2388
Phone: (801) 538-8700
Vermont
Vermont Commission for
National and Community Service
Office of the Governor
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-4801
Phone: (802) 828-4982
Fax: (802) 828-4988
Virginia
Office of Volunteerism
and Community Service
Virginia Department of
Social Services
7 North Eighth Street, 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219-3301
Phone: (804) 692-1952
Fax: (804) 692-1999
PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Contacts
If you have questions about completing forms, or anything that pertains to your benefits including travel
reimbursement, living allowance, end of service awards, etc., please contact the VISTA Member Support Unit
(VMSU).

VISTA Member Support Unit

300 East 8th Street
Suite G-169
Austin, TX 78701-3220
Toll Free: 866-473-5733
Fax: 512-916-7021
Email: vistamembersupportunit@cns.gov

Atlantic Cluster Corporation for National and Community Service State Offices

Every state in the Atlantic Cluster is represented by one of the CNCS state offices below. If you are unable to
reach the VMSU, contact the CNCS state office representing the state where you are serving.

*AM = (Cluster) Area Manager *SPD = State Program Director *AA = Admin. Assistant
*SPS = State Program Specialist

Connecticut New Hampshire/ Pennsylvania

Anne M. Ostberg, SPD Maine/Vermont Mary Strasser, SPD
Marilyn Drew, AA Shireen Tilley, SPD Christine Bagley, SPS
280 Trumbull Street Susan Cheesman, SPS Bernard Brown, SPS
21st Floor Elizabeth Hanna, SPS Catherine Kelly, SPS
Hartford, CT 06103-3510 Eileen Smart, SPS The Curtis Center
Phone: (860) 240-3237 Cleveland Building Suite 876E
Fax: (860) 240-3238 55 Pleasant Street 601 Walnut Street
ct@cns.gov Room 1501 Philadelphia, PA 19106
Concord, NH 03301 Phone: (215) 597-2806
Delaware/Maryland Phone: (603) 225-1450 Fax: (215) 597-2807
Crystal Biles, SPD Fax: (603) 225-1459 pa@cns.gov
Brenda Ross, SPS nh@cns.gov
31 Hopkins Plaza Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands
Suite 400 B New Jersey Patrice Dempsey, SPD
Baltimore, MD 21201 Lisa Guccione, SPD Amanda Préstamo, SPS
Phone: (410) 962-4443 (609) 689-0474 Juan Carlos Campos, SPS
Fax: (410) 962-3201 Charles Mack, SPS 150 Carlos Chardon Avenue
md@cns.gov (609) 989-2246 U.S. Federal Building
44 South Clinton Avenue Suite 662
District of Columbia Suite 312 San Juan, PR 00918-1737
Rosetta Freeman Busby, SPD Trenton, NJ 08609 Phone: (787) 766-5314
1201 New York Avenue NW Phone: (609) 989-2243 Fax: (787) 766-5189
Room 9201 Fax: (609) 989-2304 pr@cns.gov
Washington, DC 20525 nj@cns.gov
Phone: (202) 606-6818 Rhode Island
Fax: (202) 606-3475 New York Vincent Marzullo, SPD
dc@cns.gov Donna M. Smith, SPD Deborah O’Gara, SPS
Kathleen Carey, SPS 400 Westminster Street
Massachusetts Robin Corindo, SPS Room 203
Malcolm Coles, Atlantic AM Cheryl Hurd, SPS Providence, RI 02903
Sherry McClintock, SPD Karen Talbot, SPS Phone: (401) 528-5424
Lora Grady, SPS Taryn Vanaskie, SPS Fax: (401) 528-5220
Christine Robles, SPS Leo O’Brien Federal Bldg. ri@cns.gov
10 Causeway Street 1 Clinton Square
Room 473 Suite 900
Boston, MA 02222-1038 Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (617) 565-7017 Phone: (518) 431-4150
Fax: (617) 565-8607 Fax: (518) 431-4154
ma@cns.gov ny@cns.gov

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 11

PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Contacts
If you have questions about completing forms, or anything that pertains to your benefits including travel
reimbursement, living allowance, end of service awards, etc., please contact the VISTA Member Support Unit
(VMSU).

VISTA Member Support Unit

300 East 8th Street
Suite G-169
Austin, TX 78701-3220
Toll Free: 866-473-5733
Fax: 512-916-7021
Email: vistamembersupportunit@cns.gov

North Central Cluster Corporation for National and Community Service State Offices

Every state in the North Central Cluster is represented by one of the CNCS state offices below. If you are unable
to reach the VMSU, contact the CNCS state office representing the state where you are serving.

*AM = (Cluster) Area Manager *SPD = State Program Director *AA = Admin. Assistant
*SPS = State Program Specialist

Illinois Michigan North Dakota / South Dakota

John Hosteny, SPD Evan Albert, SPD Debra Schiefelbein, SPD
Sara Montemayor, SPS Sheila Smith, SPS 225 South Pierre Street
Jacqueline Wasik, SPS Kevin Murphy, SPS Room 225
James Watts, SPS Nathan Strickland, SPS Pierre, SD 57501
Gerry Pete, SPA Louise Thornton, AA Phone: (605) 224-5996
77 West Jackson Boulevard 211 West Fort Street Fax: (605) 224-9201
Suite 442 Suite 1408 nd@cns.gov
Chicago, IL 60604 Detroit, MI 48226 sd@cns.gov
Phone: (312) 353-3622 Phone: (313) 226-7848
Fax: (312) 353-6496 Fax: (313) 226-2557 Ohio
il@cns.gov mi@cns.gov Paul Schrader, NC AM
Tina Dunphy, SPD
Indiana Minnesota Sarah Brady, SPS
Louis Lopez, SPD Sam Schuth, SPD Jennifer Irwin, SPS
46 East Ohio Street Sydney Campbell, SPS Laurel Shoaff-Tranick, SPS
Room 226 Mark Cullen, SPS Betsy Mincey, NC AA
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4317 Jaime Renner, SPS 51 North High Street
Phone: (317) 226-6726 431 South 7th Street Suite 800
Fax: (317) 226-5437 Room 2405 Columbus, OH 43215
in@cns.gov Minneapolis, MN 55415-1854 Phone: (614) 469-7441
Phone: (612) 334-4083 Fax: (614) 469-2125
Iowa Fax: (612) 334-4084 oh@cns.gov
Vicki Hover-Williamson, SPD mn@cns.gov
JJ Niño, SPS Wisconsin
Jancy LaFollette, SPS Nebraska Linda Sunde, SPD
210 Walnut Angela Volovich, SPD Shannon Rolf, SPS
Room 917 100 Centennial Mall North Kara Klein, SPS
Des Moines, IA 50309 Room 274-A 310 West Wisconsin Avenue
Phone: (515) 284-4816 Lincoln, NE 68508-3896 Suite 1240
Fax: (515) 284-6640 Phone: (402) 437-5474 Milwaukee, WI 53203
ia@cns.gov Fax: (402) 437-5495 Phone: (414) 297-1118
ne@cns.gov Fax: (414) 297-1863
wi@cns.gov

12 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Contacts
If you have questions about completing forms, or anything that pertains to your benefits including travel
reimbursement, living allowance, end of service awards, etc., please contact the VISTA Member Support Unit
(VMSU).

VISTA Member Support Unit

300 East 8th Street
Suite G-169
Austin, TX 78701-3220
Toll Free: 866-473-5733
Fax: 512-916-7021
Email: vistamembersupportunit@cns.gov

Southwest Cluster Corporation for National and Community Service State Offices

Every state in the Southwest Cluster is represented by one of the CNCS state offices below. If you are unable to
reach the VMSU, contact the CNCS state office representing the state where you are serving.

*AM = (Cluster) Area Manager *SPD = State Program Director *AA = Admin. Assistant
*SPS = State Program Specialist

Arizona Louisiana Oklahoma

Terry Gunnell, SPD Pam Olson, SPD Theresa Long, SPD
Kimberly Will Broadie, SPS Victoria Schenk, SPS Abby Klepper, SPS
230 North First Avenue 707 Florida Street 215 Dean A. McGee
Suite 200 Suite 316 Suite 324
Phoenix, AZ 85003 Baton Rouge, LA 70801 Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (602) 514-7171 Phone: (225) 389-0471 Theresa direct : (405) 231-5203
Fax: (602) 379-4030 Fax: (225) 389-0510 Abby direct : (405) 231-5202
az@cns.gov la@cns.gov Fax: (405) 231-4329
ok@cns.gov
Arkansas Missouri / Kansas
Opal Sims, SPD Michael Laverty, SPD Texas
Derek Cromwell, SPS Josh Lyman, SPS Jerry Thompson, SPD
700 West Capitol Street Patti Stengel, SPS Katy Dooley, SPS
Room 2506 Kirsty Nattor, SPS Martha Fleming, SPS
Little Rock, AR 72201 John Ybarra, SPS Leroy Minor, SPS
Phone: (501) 324-5234 2345 Grand Blvd. Leslie McLain, SPS
Fax: (501) 324-6949 Suite 650 Larscenia Staley, SPS
ar@cns.gov Kansas City, MO 64108 300 East 8th Street
Phone: (816) 426-2080 Room G169
Colorado Fax: (816) 426-2082 Austin, TX 78701-3220
Kathie Ferguson-Avery, mo@cns.gov Phone: (512) 916-7000
Southwest AM Fax: (512) 916-7020
Bruce Cline, SPD 120 SE 6th Street tx@cns.gov
Sonya Decman, AA Townsite III, Suite 255
Daniel Dunlap, SPS Topeka, KS 66602
Denver Federal Center Phone: (785) 234-0498
Building 46, Room 117 Fax: (785) 234-2129
PO Box 25505 ks@cns.gov
Denver, CO 80225-0505
Phone: (303) 236-2034 New Mexico
Fax: (303) 236-2039 Marcia Medina, SPD
co@cns.gov Michelle Griffith, SPS
Kira Weiss, SPS
120 South Federal Place
Room 315
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2026
Phone: (505) 988-6577
Fax: (505) 988-6661
nm@cns.gov

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 13

PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Contacts
If you have questions about completing forms, or anything that pertains to your benefits including travel
reimbursement, living allowance, end of service awards, etc., please contact the VISTA Member Support Unit
(VMSU).

VISTA Member Support Unit

300 East 8th Street
Suite G-169
Austin, TX 78701-3220
Toll Free: 866-473-5733
Fax: 512-916-7021
Email: vistamembersupportunit@cns.gov

Pacific Cluster Corporation for National and Community Service State Offices

Every state in the Pacific Cluster is represented by one of the CNCS state offices below. If you are unable to reach
the VMSU, contact the CNCS state office representing the state where you are serving.

*AM = (Cluster) Area Manager *SPD = State Program Director *AA = Admin. Assistant
*SPS = State Program Specialist
Alaska Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Oregon
Billie Joe Caldwell, SPD Northern Mariana Islands Amy Dailey, SPD
Bill Dillon, SPS Laurie Cannady, SPD Teresa O’Halloran, SPS| Stephanie
915 Second Avenue CNCS Wrightsman, SPS
Suite 3190 300 Ala Moana Boulevard 620 SW Main Street, Room 714
Seattle, WA 98174 Room 6-213 Portland, OR 97205
Phone 1: (206) 220-7736 Honolulu, HI 96850 Phone: (503) 326-3282
Phone 2: (206) 220-7735 Phone: (808) 541-2832 Fax: (503) 326-3474
Fax: (206) 553-4415 Fax: (808) 541-3603 or@cns.gov
ak@cns.gov hi@cns.gov
Utah
California Main Office Idaho Jake Murakami, SPD
Kristen Haggins, SPD Kent Griffitts, SPD April Durrant, SPS
Barbara Boehringer, SPS Colette Scheideler, SPS Jane Quist, SPS
Greg Erickson, SPS Abby McLean, SPS 125 South State Street
Gayle Hawkins, SPS 304 North 8th Suite 8416
Danette Martin, SPS Room 344 Salt Lake City, UT 84138-1117
11150 West Olympic Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 Phone: (801) 524-5411
Suite 670 Phone: (208) 334-1707 Fax: (801) 524-3599
Los Angeles, CA 90064 Fax: (208) 334-1421 ut@cns.gov
Phone: (310) 235-7421 id@cns.gov
Fax: (310) 235-7422 Washington
ca@cns.gov Montana Peter Heinaru, Acting AM
Jackie Girard, SPD Kirsten Franklin-Temple, Acting SPD
Northern California Office Amy Busch, SPS Barbara Stahler, SPS
Janet Beatty, SPS 208 North Montana Avenue Catherine Koehn, SPS
Gail Benton Shoemaker, SPS Suite 206 Bill Dillon, SPS
Roy Earnest, SPS Helena, MT 59601-3837 915 Second Avenue, Suite 3190
1301 Clay Street Phone: (406) 449-5404 Seattle, WA 98174
Suite 365-S Fax: (406) 449-5412 Phone: (206) 220-7745
Oakland, CA 94612 mt@cns.gov Fax: (206) 553-4415
Phone: (510) 637-1740 wa@cns.gov
Fax: (510) 637-1749 Nevada
ca@cns.gov R. Craig Warner, SPD Wyoming
400 South Virginia Street Patrick Gallizzi, SPD
Suite 548 308 West 21st Street
Reno, NV 89501 Suite 206
Phone: (775) 784-7474 Cheyenne, WY 82001-3663
Fax: (775) 784-7476 Phone: (307) 772-2385
nv@cns.gov Cell: (202) 491-9360
Fax: (307) 772-2389
wy@cns.gov
14 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program
PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Contacts
If you have questions about completing forms, or anything that pertains to your benefits including travel
reimbursement, living allowance, end of service awards, etc., please contact the VISTA Member Support Unit
(VMSU).

VISTA Member Support Unit

300 East 8th Street
Suite G-169
Austin, TX 78701-3220
Toll Free: 866-473-5733
Fax: 512-916-7021
Email: vistamembersupportunit@cns.gov

Southern Cluster Corporation for National and Community Service State Offices

Every state in the Southern Cluster is represented by one of the CNCS state offices below. If you are unable to
reach the VMSU, contact the CNCS state office representing the state where you are serving.

*AM = (Cluster) Area Manager *SPD = State Program Director *AA = Admin. Assistant
*SPS = State Program Specialist
Alabama Kentucky Tennessee
Jacqueline G. Bishop, SPD Betsy Wells, SPD Jerry Herman, SPD
Beth Bloomfield, SPS Dale Tucker, SPS Mark Gage, SPS
Zeola Gentry, AA Delois Mitchell, AA Jean Anglea, SPS
Medical Forum Building 600 Martin Luther King, Jr. Place 233 Cumberland Bend Drive
950 North 22nd Street Room 190 Suite 112
Suite 428 Louisville, KY 40202-2230 Nashville, TN 37228
Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (502) 582-6384 Phone: (615) 736-5561 x3
Phone: (205) 731-0027 Fax: (502) 582-6386 Fax: (615) 736-7937
Fax: (205) 731-0031 ky@cns.gov jherman@cns.gov
al@cns.gov mgage@cns.gov
Mississippi Janglea@cns.gov
Florida Roktabija Abdul-Azeez, SPD
Suzanne Richards, SPD Retha Harrison, SPS Virginia
Hue Jacobs, SPS 210 East Capitol Street Kim Frola, SPD
Gail Killeen, SPS Room 920 Denise Jenkins, SPS
Rubén Nazario, SPS Jackson, MS 39201 Debbie Martinez, SPS
3165 McCrory Place Phone: (601) 965-5664 Claudia Gray, AA
Suite 115 Fax: (601) 965-4617 400 North 8th Street
Orlando, FL 32803-3750 ms@cns.gov Suite 446
Phone: (407) 648-6117 Richmond, VA 23219-4816
Fax: (407) 648-6116 North Carolina Phone: (804) 771-2197
fl@cns.gov Betty Platt, SPD Fax: (804) 771-2157
300 Fayetteville Street va@cns.gov
Georgia Room 414
Darryl James, Southern AM Raleigh, NC 27601 West Virginia
Rochelle Barry, SPD Phone: (919) 856-4733 Kathleen Roedersheimer, SPD
Nancy Anderson, SPS Fax: (919) 856-4738 Karalisa Bradley, SPS
Bob O’Harra, SPS nc@cns.gov Michelle Teare, SPS
Regina Grimes, AA One Bridge Place
401 West Peachtree Street, NW South Carolina #10 Hale Street
16th Floor, Suite 1600 Cathy Sharp, SPD Suite 203
Atlanta, GA 30308 Myra Cunningham, SPS Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (404) 331-4646 Virginia Buckmon, AA Phone: (304) 347-5246
Fax: (404) 331-2898 1835 Assembly Street Fax: (304) 347-5464
ga@cns.gov Suite 872 wv@cns.gov
Columbia, SC 29201-2430
Phone: (803) 765-5771
Fax: (803) 765-5777
sc@cns.gov

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 15

PSO Materials Resources
Summary of Key Terms, Conditions,
and Benefits of VISTA Service
VISTAs must be at least 18 years old, US citi-
zens, national or legal residents, and com-
plete a criminal background check and check
in the National Sex Offender’s Registry.
VISTA is a twelve month, full time commit-
ment. VISTAs are required to work an average
of 40 hours per week, but may work in excess of
that amount focusing on capacity building activi-
ties. They usually serve within the work hours of
their sponsoring organizations, but are expected
to be available evenings and weekends to meet
the needs of the project and community. A per-
son may serve up to three terms of service
in any combination of AmeriCorps service pro-
grams.
VISTAs receive a living allowance, direct
deposited every two weeks, health cover-
age, and 10 personal and 10 sick leave days.
Additionally, all VISTAs receive training and
development opportunities including a Pre-
Service Orientation provided by CNCS and an
onsite orientation provided by the sponsoring
organization.
Based on the circumstances and/or wishes of
the individual, a VISTA may receive some addi-
tional benefits including a settling-in allow-
ance of up to $550 for moving expenses, and
child care allotment of up to $400 per child,
per month. VISTAs can elect to have life insur-
ance and are covered by workers compensa-
tion for service related injuries. Some VISTAs
will also benefit from income exclusion to
continue public assistance they were receiving
before joining VISTA. Finally, some VISTAs may
be eligible for tax benefits such as the Earned
Income Credit.
VISTAs can choose to receive either the
Education Award ($5350) or an End-of-
Service-Stipend ($1500) at the end of their
VISTA service. A VISTA can not switch from the
stipend to the education award, but can switch
from the education award to the stipend before
the end of his/her tenth month of service.
16 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program
If a VISTA selects the Education Award, eligible
student loans can be put into forbearance and
have interest accrued during the service year
paid by the Trust.
A percentage of Perkins Loan debt can be for-
given if the End-of-Service-Stipend is selected.
Deferment may be granted based on economic
hardship. Accrued interest is the responsibility
of the VISTA.
When VISTAs satisfactorily completes one full
year of service, they earn one year of non-com-
petitive eligibility (NCE) status. NCE allows
a federal agency to hire an AmeriCorps*VISTA
alumnus/alumna, who meets the minimum qual-
ifications for a federal job, without going through
all the formalities of the competitive process.
VISTA members cannot have part-time jobs or
be employed in any other paid position while
serving as a VISTA member.
VISTA members cannot be full-time students
or attend classes more than part-time while in
service. Part time course work should be directly
related to a VISTA’s service placement. All class
attendance must be approved in advance by the
Corporation state director and the project supervi-
sor. Under certain circumstances a VISTA member
may be enrolled in an institution of higher educa-
tion in order to maintain eligibility for a Pell Grant.
Any political advocacy, organizing, promo-
tion, or demonstration while on VISTA duty,
or while PERCEIVED to be on duty, is prohib-
ited. This includes registering people to vote or
driving people to the voting polls, engaging in any
pro- or anti-labor organizing activities, lobbying,
or taking any action with respect to a partisan or
nonpartisan political activity that would result in
the identification of the VISTA program with the
activity.
VISTA members may not conduct religious
instruction, engage in proselytizing, or other reli-
gious activities as part of their duties.
PSO Materials Resources

Education Award vs.

End-of-Service Stipend
Education Award End-of-Service Stipend

• $5,350 for a successful completion of
year of full-time service, pro-rated for
part-time service.
• If you choose the education award, you
can switch to the end-of-service stipend
prior to your 10th month of service.
• $1,500 cash stipend for successful com-
pletion of a year of service, disbursed to
you in your last two living allowance pay-
ments.
• You may NOT switch to the education
award from the stipend.

• It can be used to pay tuition at a Title IV
institution of higher education, for educa-
tional training, approved “school to work”
programs, or to repay your qualified exist-
ing student loans.
• $5,350 is the pretax amount - you will
have to pay taxes on the education award
within the tax year(s) you use it.
• You can access part or all of the award
up to seven years after you complete your
service.
• Is not limited in how you use it.
• Federal and FICA taxes are deducted
when the payment is made.
• You may be eligible for loan deferment
based on economic hardship.
• If you choose the end-of-service stipend,
you may also be eligible for cancellation
of part of your Federal Perkins Loan for
completion of a full year of VISTA.

• It is not transferable to anyone else. You

cannot use it while you are serving as a
VISTA.

• Most federally-backed student loans are

eligible for forbearance. Check with your
loan-maker to verify eligibility for forbear-
ance of your specific loan.

• You can only earn up to two education

awards per lifetime. A summer associate’s
$1,000 Education Award counts as one
full award.

• Login to the My AmeriCorps - https://

my.americorps.gov and use the
AmeriCorps Online Payment System to
request your education award payments
and other benefits, such as Forbearance
requests and Interest Accrual payments,
online.

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 17

PSO Materials Resources
Hatch Act Limitations on
VISTA Political Activities
Prohibitions on Political and Lobbying
Activities – Updated 6/28/05
(Pages 109-113 in your Member Handbook)
No appropriated funds of the Corporation shall be
used to finance, directly or indirectly, any activity
designed to influence the outcome of an election to
federal, state, or local office or a voter registration
activity, or pay the salary of a Corporation employee
who engages in such activity.
In addition, VISTA programs are prohibited from using
funds or personnel in a matter supporting or resulting
in the identification of such programs with partisan
or nonpartisan election activities, in voter registra-
tion activities, and in providing transportation to the
polls. Additionally, no VISTA member or employee of
a Sponsoring Organization may take any action with
respect to a partisan or nonpartisan political activ-
ity that would result in the identification or apparent
identification of the AmeriCorps* grams assisted under this Act may make voter reg-
VISTA program with such activity (see 42 U.S.C. §
5043 for additional restrictions and prohibitions).
VISTA programs also are prohibited from any activity
intended to influence the passage or defeat of legis-
lation or proposals by initiative petition (see 42 U.S.C.
§ 5043 (c) for additional restrictions and prohibitions).
You may participate in political activities allowed
under the Hatch Act. The Domestic Volunteer Service
Act at 42 U.S.C. § 5055 applies the restrictions of the
Hatch Act, Title V, United States Code, Chapter 73,
to VISTA members. The Hatch Act applies to you at
all times during your service, including off duty hours.
Permissible activities under the Hatch Act apply to
VISTA members unless these activities are prohibited
by other statutory authority when the members are
on authorized leave or are not perceived to be per-
forming as a VISTA member (e.g., while not engaged
in performing service, or on service time).
You have the right to register and vote as you
choose, express opinions about candidates and
issues in a nonpublic context, contribute money to
political organizations, and attend political meetings.
You also may join and be a member of a political
party or club, and sign nominating petitions if you
do not identify these activities with VISTA or your
Sponsoring Organization.
18 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program
Corporation regulations that prohibit electoral and
lobbying activities are contained in 45 CFR Part
1226 (see Appendix B). The approach of the regula-
tions is twofold: 1) Restrictions on the assignment of
VISTA members to, or restrictions on the receipt of
Corporation funds by, certain organizations because
of the nature of the organizations or their activities;
and 2) Restrictions on member assignments and
activities.
The organizational restrictions are based on the
premise that the assignment of members or the
receipt of Corporation funds by certain organizations
(regardless of the proposed assignment or activity of
the member) is precluded because of the organiza-
tion’s stated purpose or the nature of its activities.
The restrictions on member assignments and activi-
ties contain four basic areas of prohibited activities:
1) Electoral; 2) Voter registration, except that pro-
istration information available to the public on the
premises of such programs; 3) Voter transportation to
the polls; and 4) Efforts of influence legislation. The
prohibitions are directed to the use of Corporation
funds, the assignments of members, and any other
activities supported by Corporation funds.
The Domestic Volunteer Service Act provides two
exceptions to the prohibitions on efforts to influence
legislation: 1) At the request of a legislative body,
committee, or member of a legislative body, and 2)
Regarding an authorization or appropriation measure
directly affecting the operation of the project or pro-
gram.
The regulation, found at 45 CFR Part 1226, describes
the conditions under which activities pursuant to
these exceptions were once undertaken. The regula-
tion also describes the applicability of the restric-
tions to Sponsoring Organization employees and the
obligations of Sponsoring Organizations to ensure
observance of the regulation. Appropriation laws have
restricted these exceptions and activities permitted in
45 CFR Part 1226. Consequently, you must contact
your Corporation State Program Office before you
engage in any political or lobbying activity.
PSO Materials Resources

What VISTAs Should Expect from Onsite

Orientation and Training (OSOT)
1. Background, organization, and overall purpose 5. Explanation of supervisory and support structure
of the sponsoring organization. for the volunteer.

2. Background of the community and identifica-
tion of community leaders.
3. Nature of the low-income population served
by the VISTA project.
4. Potential resources (funds, material, people)
that can be applied to achieve project goals.
6. Clarification of individual volunteer work plans
and how volunteer progress in achieving work
plan objectives will be assessed.
7. Explanation of volunteer reporting require-
ments.

What VISTAs Should Expect as

Post-PSO Training
As a VISTA you can expect to receive post-PSO
training, including in-service training (IST) arranged
by your CNCS state program office or sponsoring
organization.

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 19

PSO Materials Resources
VISTA Leaders
VISTA leaders serve in large VISTA projects or by
region where there is a minimum of six VISTAs per
leader. The leader's aim is to expand and build
the capacity of the VISTAs they lead, in coordina-
tion with the projects in which they serve. VISTA
leaders serve as role models and trainers who
strengthen the leadership capacity of VISTAs,
VISTA projects, and community members. They
also provide resources to members.
Responsibilities of a VISTA Leader
VISTA leaders focus on increasing the effective-
ness of both the VISTAs and the project they
serve. Leaders help recruit, screen, and train
VISTA members. They search for ways to further
develop a VISTA's skill set, providing opportuni-
ties for growth and making sure each VISTA is
successful and prepared for life after service.
Leaders promote information sharing; create a
VISTA support net develop in-service training
workshops; and create model programs. Many
leaders assist their VISTAs in the writing of grants,
fundraising, and conducting broad-based public
awareness campaigns. In general, they set an
example of leadership for VISTAs; ensure positive
relations, facilitate idea sharing, and help in medi-
ating issues with the community, supervisors, and
VISTAs regarding to the project.
Requesting a VISTA Leader
Corporation State Offices (CSO) discuss with
project sponsors the opportunity to place a VISTA
leader on larger VISTA projects or a group of
smaller regionally located projects. Coordination
and planning should begin as the project is being
developed or renewed for another year. Sponsors
must officially request a leader by including a
Volunteer Leader Assignment Description (VLAD)
in their project application to the state office. If the
need for a leader develops after the project appli-
cation has been approved, the VLAD should be
submitted to the CSO for approval and the project
application should be amended accordingly. The
VLAD may also serve as a tool for recruiting.
20 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program
Application Process
In the same manner as someone applies through
MyAmeriCorps to be a VISTA, a VISTA must apply
to an open leader position in MyAmeriCorps
and go through the application and enrollment
process. The exception to this requirement is a
VISTA who is currently serving at a project and
wants to become a VISTA leader at the project
once their first year of service is completed. If the
CSO, supervisor, and VISTA agree that the VISTA
has the capacity to serve as a VISTA leader, then
the VISTA may skip the application process and
go on to the enrollment process.
Selection of a Leader
VISTAs are eligible to serve at leaders if they have
completed at least one year of service and have
strong recommendations from their last VISTA
project supervisor, a record of outstanding perfor-
mance, and a demonstrated leadership ability. A
VISTA is not entitled to a leader position, but must
apply to an open leader position and go through
the application and enrollment process.
Each leader position is full-time and subject to the
same terms and conditions of service that apply
to VISTAs (in regards to outside employment,
school, the Hatch Act, etc.). Leaders may not
perform the duties of a VISTA in addition to their
functions as leaders.
Training
VISTA leaders participate in a leaders training
scheduled at various times throughout the year.
The training provides leaders with an introduction
to their new roles and equips them with a set of
skills to help recruit and assist VISTAs, and ensure
their projects are sustainable.
Length of Service
An individual may serve up to a total of three
years as a VISTA. VISTA leaders, if they have only
served one year as a VISTA, may serve a second
VISTA leader year if did an outstanding job and
the project sponsor and the CSO agree that it
would benefit the project to extend the leader's
service term.
PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Living Allowance Schedule 2010

Direct Direct
Deposit Deposit
Period Start Date End Date Date Period Start Date End Date Date

201001 12/20/09 1/2/10 1/8/10 201014 6/20/10 7/3/10 7/9/10

201002 1/3/10 1/16/10 1/22/10 201015 7/4/10 7/17/10 7/23/10

201003 1/17/10 1/30/10 2/5/10 201016 7/18/10 7/31/10 8/6/10

201004 1/31/10 2/13/10 2/19/10 201017 8/1/10 8/14/10 8/20/10

201005 2/14/10 2/27/10 3/5/10 201018 8/15/10 8/28/10 9/3/10

201006 2/28/10 3/13/10 3/19/10 201019 8/29/10 9/11/10 9/17/10

201007 3/14/10 3/27/10 4/2/10 201020 9/12/10 9/25/10 10/1/10

201008 3/28/10 4/10/10 4/16/10 201021 9/26/10 10/9/10 10/15/10

201009 4/11/10 4/24/10 4/30/10 201022 10/10/10 10/23/10 10/29/10

201010 4/25/10 5/8/10 5/14/10 201023 10/24/10 11/6/10 11/12/10

201011 5/9/10 5/22/10 5/28/10 201024 11/7/10 11/20/10 11/26/10

201012 5/23/10 6/5/10 6/11/10 201025 11/21/10 12/4/10 12/10/10

201013 6/6/10 6/19/10 6/25/10 201026 12/5/10 12/18/10 12/24/10

Living allowances received by U.S. Treasury checks will arrive approximately five days after the direct deposit
date. Unless pre-approved by your state office, you must receive your living allowance through direct deposit. To
set up direct deposit, go to my.americorps.gov. If your direct deposited living allowance payment does not arrive
by the date listed, contact the VSMU at 866-473-5733.

Deposit dates may differ if your disbursement is from a grant given to your sponsoring organization.

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 21

PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Allowance Statement

Payments for the Period through 23 May 98

p l e Social Security Number:

Tax Withholding Status:

a m Allowances Claimed:

S
Additional Tax Withholding:
Days Paid this Period:
Days Paid this Year:

We are paying you: This payment: Year to Date:

Subsistence Allowance 329.56 2,502.91
Relocation Allowance 0.00 0.00
Stipend 0.00 0.00
Other 0.00 0.00

We are deducting: This payment: Year to Date:

Fed Income Tax Withholding 19.71 137.65
Life Insurance 1.62 11.34
Overpayments Collected 0.00 0.00
Tax and Court Levies 0.00 0.00
FICA Deductions 0.00 0.00

This payment: Year to Date:

Total Paid 329.56 2,502.91
Less Total Deductions 21.33 148.99
Plus Advanced EIC 0.00 0.00
Net Check 308.23 2,353.93

Stipend Accrued this Period: 46.06

Stipend Paid this Period: 0.00
Current Stipend Balance: 352.03

If you have any questions please contact the VISTA Member Support Unit
at 866-473-5733.

Notice-NO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE COVERAGE PROVIDED

These payments are not wages under federal or state unemployment
compensation laws (45 USC 5055)

22 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

 PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Allowance Calculations

Let’s Do the Math!

VISTA Members

Monthly Months Yearly Number of Amount Per

Amt ($) of Service Amt ($) Pay Periods Pay Period ($)
858 x 12 10,296 26 = 396.00
891 x 12 10,692 26 = 411.23
936 x 12 11,232 26 = 432.00
977 x 12 11,724 26 = 450.92
1,017 x 12 12,204 26 = 469.38
1,055 x 12 12,660 26 = 486.92
1,121 x 12 13,452 26 = 517.38
1,163 x 12 13,956 26 = 536.77
1,214 x 12 14,568 26 = 560.31
1,326 x 12 15,912 26 = 612.00

*Gross is amount prior to deductions for taxes and/or life insurance.

*Chart reflects September 2009-August 2010 amounts

VISTA Leaders

Monthly Months Yearly Number of Amount Per

Amt ($) of Service Amt ($) Pay Periods Pay Period ($)
1,058 x 12 12,696 26 = 488.31
1,091 x 12 13,092 26 = 503.54
1,136 x 12 13,632 26 = 524.31
1,177 x 12 14,124 26 = 543.23
1,217 x 12 14,604 26 = 561.69
1,255 x 12 15,060 26 = 579.23
1,321 x 12 15,852 26 = 609.69
1,363 x 12 16,356 26 = 629.08
1,414 x 12 16,968 26 = 652.62
1,526 x 12 18,312 26 = 704.31

*Gross is amount prior to deductions for taxes and/or life insurance.

*Chart reflects September 2009-August 2010 amounts

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 23

PSO Materials Resources

Income Disregard Provisions

Memo
January 1, 2007

MEMORANDUM TO NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS STAFF

VISTA STAFF
CORPORATION STATE OFFICE STAFF

FROM: Frank R. Trinity

General Counsel

SUBJECT: Senior Companions, Foster Grandparent, Retired and Senior Volunteer and
VISTA Programs – Income Disregard Provisions

It continues to come to our attention that state and local governments, and on occa-
sion federal entities, are not properly applying federal law governing the disregard of pay-
ments to Senior Companions, Foster Grandparent, Retired and Senior volunteer and VISTA
members when determining eligibility for assistance and benefits.

Section 404 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, (DVSA),
states, in relevant part, as follows:

(f)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law except as may be provided

expressly in limitation of this subsection, payments to volunteers under this Act shall
not in any way reduce or eliminate the leave of or eligibility for assistance or ser-
vices any such volunteers may be receiving under any governmental program, except
that this paragraph shall not apply in the case of such payments when the Director
determines that the value of all such payments, adjusted to reflect the number of
hours such volunteers are serving, is equivalent to or greater than the minimum wage
then in effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. § 201 et seq.)
or the minimum wage, under the laws of the State where such volunteers are serv-
ing, whichever is greater.

(f)(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person enrolled for

full-time service as a volunteer under Title I of this Act who was otherwise entitled
to receive assistance or services under any governmental program prior to such vol-
unteer’s enrollment shall not be denied such assistance or services because of such
volunteer’s failure or refusal to register for, seek, or accept employment or training
during the period of such service.

24 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

 PSO Materials Resources

Income Disregard Provisions

Memo (cont.)
42 U.S.C. § 5044 (f)(1) and (2).

In a few cases, government agencies have erroneously attempted to substitute their

judgments for the DVSA’s authority in determining under (f)(1) if payments to participants
are equivalent to or greater than the applicable minimum wage. Only the Corporation for
National and Community Service may make this determination, and to date payments to
participants under this Title have not been determined to exceed the federal or state mini-
mum wage, whichever is greater.

Section 418 of the DVSA also states as follows:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no payment for supportive services or

reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses made to persons serving pursuant to Title
II of this Act shall be subject to any tax or charge or be treated as wages or compen-
sation for the purposes of unemployment, temporary disability, retirement, public
assistance, workers’ compensation, or similar benefit payments, or minimum wage
laws. This section shall become effective with respect to all payments made after
the effective date of this Act [October 1, 1973]. 42 U.S.C. § 5058

In summary, (1) a government program may not consider payments to individuals

under the DVSA in determining to reduce or eliminate the individual’s level of or eligibility
for public assistance or services; (2) entitlements to assistance may not be denied because
of a participant’s failure or refusal to seek or accept employment or training, including those
established for welfare to work programs; and (3) no payments to participants shall be con-
sidered wages or unemployment for the purposes of any tax, unemployment, workers’ com-
pensation, or for similar benefit payments.

In addition, the legislative history concerning this matter indicates that Congress did
not want to damage efforts to recruit participants by reducing or eliminating government
assistance for them and placing financial burdens on sponsors of the programs.

This memorandum should be forwarded to anyone with questions concerning this
matter. In the event this memorandum does not resolve the issue, please contact this office
immediately.

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 25

PSO Materials Resources

Hey! What Happened

to My Check?
The Treasury Department has implemented Direct Deposit
a program aimed at collecting delinquent debt
owed to the United States. The program is called The United States Treasury requires that federal
the Trea­sury Offset Program and it works by pay­ments be made by direct electronic deposit
automatically reducing amounts of federal pay- except when this would cause an unusual “hard-
ments made to indi­viduals or companies who are ship” on the payee due to a physical or mental
listed in a Treasury database as having delinquent disability, or a geographic, language, or literacy
federal debt. The reduced amounts are used to barrier or would impose a financial hardship. If you
offset the debt. experience such hardship, a U.S. Treasury check
can be mailed to you or to the project address
The process begins when federal agencies closest to your assignment.
report to Treasury’s Debt Management Service
that some­one has an outstanding debt that is at If you believe that receiving your pay by direct
least six months old. Treasury maintains these deposit payment would cause you hardship,
debt records in a database to which payment please put this in writing and submit it to your
requests from other federal agencies are com- Corporation for National and Community Service
pared as they are proces­sed. When, for example, state office and your payments may be made by
the Corporation requests a payment to someone check.
listed in the database as delinquent, Treasury
reduces the Corporation’s payment by 99 percent A direct deposit form can be completed online at
or the amount of the debt, whichever is less. The My AmeriCorps (https://my.americorps.gov).
payee receives a check for the remainder and
a letter explaining that the de­ducted amount is
being applied to the outstanding debt. Treasury’s
letter includes the name of the creditor agency
and contact points, including telephone numbers,
for the creditor organization. Bas­ically, once we
request that the Treasury Department issue a pay-
ment, the Corporation plays no role in the pro-
cess.

Currently, this offset process covers travel and

other payments that the Corporation makes to
VISTA members. In the event of an offset to pay,
the limit is 50 percent of the next payment for
debts owed for child support payments and 15
percent for other debts.

Creditor agencies include many organizations but

do not yet include the Internal Revenue Service.
The Treasury Department has entered into recip-
rocal agreements with some states for the collec-
tion of debts, so debts to those states are also
being collected.

26 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

PSO Materials Resources
Tax Cuts and Your
AmeriCorps Education Award
As a result of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, many
AmeriCorps members using their education
awards may obtain substantial – and in some
cases full – relief from federal taxes. This relief comes
in the form of the Hope Scholarship Credit and the
Lifetime Learning Credit, as well as a deduction
for certain interest payments on qualified student
loans. These benefits are available generally
to people who are paying qualified tuition and
related expenses to an eligible institution of higher
education either for them­selves or for members of
their families.
Claiming this tax relief for education expenses
will require more than simply filing a Form 1040
EZ. If you are eligible for the education tax cred-
its, you will need to fill out a Form 1040 (line 44),
or 1040A (line 29) and attach form 8663. If you
are eligible for the qualified student loan interest
deduction, you need to file a Form 1040 (see line
24) or 1040A (see line 16).
You will also need to become familiar with the details
of the new credits. For example, the education cred-
its designed to reduce your taxes are based only
on tuition and related expenses required for enroll-
ment at an eligible educational institution and not on
books, room and board, student activities, equip-
ment, or transportation. Also, payments toward
interest, not principal, lower your taxable income.
Questions and Answers
The following questions and answers are intend-
ed to introduce AmeriCorps members to these
pro­visions; for individual guidance, you should
contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue
Service.
Does this mean that my education award is not
taxable?
Not exactly. While the education award is still
considered taxable income, you may – depending
on how you use your education award – reduce
your federal taxes by claiming an education credit
or by deducting student loan interest payments
from your taxable income.
VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 27
I plan to use a portion of my education award to
repay student loans and the balance to pay for
college. Can I take advantage of both the educa-
tion credit and the student loan interest deduction
in the same year?
Yes.
Should I be thinking about these education tax
credits and student loan interest deductions
when I decide how and when to use my education
award?
Absolutely. You may be able to increase your tax
savings significantly by tailoring your use of the
education award to the rules of each tax benefit.
To find out the best options for your situation,
consult a tax professional or the Internal Revenue
Service.
Why can’t I file the Form 1040EZ and still reduce
my federal taxes?
The 1040EZ is not designed for education credits
or the student loan interest deduction. To claim
an education credit or to deduct student loan
interest payments, you must file either the Form
1040A or Form 1040.
Is it worth the extra time to file the Form 1040A or
Form 1040?
While each person’s situation is different, claim-
ing an education credit or deducting student loan
interest payments could save you hundreds of
dollars.
My head is spinning. How can I get some more
help figuring out how to save on my Federal taxes?
Unfortunately, the Corporation is not able to give
individual guidance. While there is no substitute
for a tax professional, you can start learning the
basics by contacting the Internal Revenue Service
in any of the following ways:
PSO Materials Resources

Tax Cuts and Your

AmeriCorps Education Award (cont.)
• The IRS TELETAX (1-800-829-4477) has
re­corded information on the education credits
(Topic # 605) and student loan interest deduc-
tion (Topic # 456).
• To download forms and publications, go to
www.irs.gov or call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-
829-3676). You can start with Publication 910,
Guide to Free Tax Services. Pub­lication 970, Tax
Benefits for Higher Education, provides step by
step assistance to those seeking to benefit from
the education tax credits or interest deduction.
• The IRS has compiled lists of frequently asked
questions about the education credits and stu-
dent loan interest deduction. Use the search
field to find out more on the "education credits"
and "student loan interest."
• The IRS’s phone number is 1-800-829-1040.
• The U.S. Department of Education’s Web site has
helpful information at www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/
PPI/HOPE.

28 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

PSO Materials Resources
VISTA
Web Resources
VISTA Home:
www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp
My AmeriCorps portal
http://my.americorps.gov
VISTA Member Web site:
http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/ National Service Resource Center:
current/index.asp
VISTA Supervisor Web site:
www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/overview
VISTA Campus
www.vistacampus.org
VISTA Viewfinder
http://vistacampus.org/course/view.php?id=18
V is for VISTA
http://vistacampus.org/course/view.php?id=25
VISTA Member Handbook
http://www.americorps.gov/help/vistahandbook/chap-
ter1.html
VISTA Alumni Web site:
www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/alumni/index.asp
Friends of VISTA:
www.friendsofvista.org
AmeriCorps Alums:
www.lifetimeofservice.org
Electronic Mailing List Resources
ACList
Those without Web access can subscribe to the
Ameri­Corps e-mail list by sending an e-mail message to
join-aclist@lists.etr.org. The Ameri­Corps e-mail list is a
forum for AmeriCorps programs, state commissions, T/
TA pro­viders, staff of the Corporation for National and
Community Service, and anyone else interested in
Ameri­Corps. Discussion focuses on training, technical
assistance, and programmatic issues.
VISTAnet
To join by e-mail, send a message to listserv@listserv.
icors.org with this text in the body: subscribe vistanet
your FirstName your LastName. VISTAnet is an on-
going discussion group for VISTAs, former VISTAs,
AmeriCorps folks and anyone interested in national
ser­vice and social issues.
Disability List
This e-mail list has been created to facilitate commu-
nication among national service programs involving
persons with disabilities including State Commission
disability coordinators. Join by visiting http://lists.etr.
org/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=disabilitylist.
VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 29
Corporation for National and
Community Service Web site:
www.nationalservice.gov
Service and Inclusion:
www.serviceandinclusion.org
www.nationalserviceresources.org
Poverty Net:
www.worldbank.org/poverty
VISTA O-LINC (Online Learning in Networked
Communities):
http://vistacampus.org/course/view.php?id=20
What's Next (Life After Service)
http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/whatsnext/
index.shtml
Using your Ed Award Effectively
http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/edaward/
index.shtml
EnCorps Resources
• Member Training Topics http://encorps.nationalser-
viceresources.org/mt_topics.php
• Planning a Career Beyond the Service Year http://
encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/laa_planning.
php
Be sure to include contact information such as your
name, your program name, e-mail address and phone
number when you post.lyris.etr.org/scripts­/­lyris.pl?­
enter=disabilitylist
Learn and Serve
To join by e-mail, send a message to join-k12-sl@lists.etr.
org with this text in the body: subscribe nslck-12 your
First­Name your LastName. The NSLCK-12 e-mail list is
an electronic forum for the discussion of service learn-
ing among administrators, practitioners, researchers,
and student.
Service Learning
To join by e-mail, send a message to listproc@csf.
col orado.edu with this text in the body: subscribe
service-learning your FirstName your LastName
Other E-mail Lists
Check out the National Service Resource center e-mail
list page to join other e-mail lists focused on different
issue areas. www.nationalserviceresources.org/
resources/email-lists
PSO Materials Resources

VISTA Alumni
Information
“Serving as a VISTA was one of the most Stay Connected
rewarding experiences of my life. It provided • Visit us on Facebook, Facebook.com/
me with knowledge, inspiration and a commit- AmeriCorpsVISTAAlumni
ment that helped shape my career. I hope by
• Follow us on Twitter, Twitter.com/vistabuzz
sharing my stories and staying connected to
the service community, I can help current and
future VISTAs.” Share your Stories
~ Michelle Bond, ’02-’03, • Tell us about your experiences and provide
Greater Newburgh, NY tips to current members on the Bulletin
Board at VISTACampus.org.
For the most up-to-date information and
resources for VISTA Alumni, visit the alumni
Re-enroll in VISTA
section of the VISTACampus.org.
We need you! Use your experience to serve
another term as a VISTA Leader or member and
Recruit new members
expand what you started OR serve in another
Potential members will be more interested in
AmeriCorps program (NCCC, State/National,
VISTA when they hear about experiences and
Senior Corps). Visit AmeriCorps.gov or contact
success stories from VISTA alumni. If you would
your State Office for more information.
like to staff a booth at a campus or community
career fair, please email vista.alumni@cns.gov.
Join AmeriCorps Alums, AmeriCorpsAlums.
org – the nonprofit organization that supports and
House current members
advocates for the 550,000 alumni of AmeriCorps
“When someone suggested I provide hous-
National Service. Check out their career center,
ing for a new member, it just seemed like
find a local chapter or service project and more.
the right thing to do. I’ll be able to help her
adjust to her new surroundings so she can
VISTA celebrates 45 year in 2010 – stay tuned!
start getting things done right away. It’s just
another way for me to give to my commu-
For questions or more information, please email
nity.”
us at vista.alumni@cns.gov.
~ Gina Cross, ’96-’97,
Covington, KY

If you have low-cost or complimentary housing

available that you would like to provide a current
member or project in your area, email vista.alum-
ni@cns.gov with the location and details.

30 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program

PSO Materials Resources
Successful Volunteer Programs
Answer Key
This is the Answer Key to the Successful Volunteer
Programs Puzzle Activity completed in the
Volunteer Development breakout group.
Plan
• Research resources and current trends in the
use of volunteers.
• Research your organization’s past and current
use of volunteers.
• Recruit stakeholders to advise and contribute to
the volunteer effort.
• Building on past and current practice, plan how
volunteers will serve the project.
• Develop or refine volunteer policies and proce-
dures.
• Develop or refine processes for how volunteers
will be guided, evaluated, and recognized.
Outreach and Recruit
• Identify specific volunteer needs. What skills,
abilities, and background experiences are you
seeking in volunteers?
• Develop volunteer task descriptions that spell
out qualifications, activities, benefits, time com-
mitment, and other expectations.
• Develop a plan for marketing the program.
• Develop a targeted recruitment plan: Where are
the people with the qualities you are seeking?
• Market your volunteer opportunities in places
where you’ll find your target volunteers.
Screen and Match
• Ensure appropriate screening methods are in
place. Secure background checks if needed.
• Intake and review applications.
• Interview prospective volunteers. Check refer-
ences.
• Match volunteers with appropriate opportuni-
ties.
VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 31
Train and Support
• Identify resources and implement plan for vol-
unteer training.
• Implement plan to train staff on how to effec-
tively work with volunteers.
• Orient volunteers to the organization and their
task.
• Ensure that volunteers have ongoing guidance
and support.
• Create ways to recognize volunteer efforts and
volunteer-staff partnerships.
Monitor and Evaluate
• Implement record-keeping and communication
systems to assess how things are going.
• Ensure that there is a process for reviewing and
responding to ideas, suggestions, comments,
and perceptions from volunteers.
• Gather input on volunteer performance and out-
comes.
• Use information to give volunteers feedback on
their performance and to inform needed chang-
es in the program.
• Report volunteer outcomes to key stakeholders.
Sustain
• Research funding and internal/external resourc-
es to support volunteer effort.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and
secure staff or volunteer resources to continue
the program.
• Revise and document all processes, policies,
procedures, communication systems, and eval-
uation data.
WHAT’SNEXT LIFE AFTER YOUR SERVICE YEAR
DECISIONS, DECISIONS!
Sooner or later, AmeriCorps and VISTA
members face important decisions
about what to do when their service
term ends.
Planning and decision making aren’t
always easy, and “What’s Next:
Life After Your Service Year” is
here to help.
“What’s Next: Life after Your Service Year” was produced by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory as
part of a cooperative agreement with the Corporation for National and Community Service.
For additional tools, training, and information, visit The Resource Center at www.nationalservice.gov/resources.
WHAT IS WHAT’S NEXT?
What’s Next is an online tutorial that guides national
service members to reflect on their service, research
future options, and make decisions about the giant
(or baby) steps they will take once their service terms
end.
Going to college? Not sure how to use your
ed award? Starting a career or returning to the
workplace? Looking for new ways to serve? These are
among the topics covered in What’s Next.
Designed for members at various phases of their work
lives, the tutorial features a self-paced set of journaling
activities that help members create the type of texts
that can help them with job and college applications.
It also provides processes for organizing their
thoughts about their service experience, as well as
encouragement and perspective for those times when
the road ahead looks bumpy.
WHERE TO FIND WHAT’S NEXT
Go to the “Transitions” section of the “VISTAs” area on
the VISTA Campus website: www.vistacampus.org
or Google these keywords: What’s Next AmeriCorps
Questions?
Email the What’s Next Project Coordinator at
whatsnext@nwrel.org.
PSO Materials Resources

Oath of Service

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of

the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;

That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;

That I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose
of evasion;

And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which
I am about to enter.

So help me God.

Note: The phrase “So help me God” in the oath may be stricken, and
the word “swear” where it appears above may be changed to “affirm”
rather than swear to the affidavits. These are the only legal change that
can be made to the oath.

VISTA Integrated Training Program February 2010 33

PSO Materials Resources

The AmeriCorps Pledge

I will get things done for America -

to make our people safer,
smarter, and healthier.

I will bring Americans together

to strengthen our communities.

Faced with apathy,

I will take action.

Faced with conflict,

I will seek common ground.

Faced with adversity,

I will persevere.

I will carry this commitment

with me this year and beyond.

I am an AmeriCorps member,
and I will get things done.

34 February 2010 VISTA Integrated Training Program