Current VISTAs
VISTA Member Support Unit (VMSU)
There are many levels of support for you during your year of service. The State Office manages the VISTA projects and retains all authority over project and member administration and approvals. In addition, you will find that the the VMSU provides the full array of support that a VISTA member needs to complete a successful year of service. This includes providing support of the member application, enrollment forms, training events, active service, end of service and post-service.
Resources
VISTA Handbook
Provided by the Corporation for National Service (CNCS), The VISTA handbook includes useful information about the AmeriCorps*VISTA program including topics such as: Background and Purpose of VISTA, Overview of Your Year of Service, Working at Your Project, Training and Technical Assistance, Financial Support, Education Benefits, Travel and Transportation Support, Health Care Support, Leave Benefits, AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader, End of Service, Administrative Policies, Other Terms and Conditions of Service, and Basic Laws and Federal Regulations. The VISTA handbook is your online support and reference tool. It is important to review the handbook to familiarize yourself with the expectations and requirements of your service.
VISTA Campus
The newly created VISTA Campus provides an online learning community for VISTAs, Supervisors and State Office Staff. In addition to networking opportunities, the VISTA Campus provides resources such as: Tutorials, Courses, Links, Directories, Learning Journals, VISTA Discussion Boards, Resource Maps, and Facts about VISTA.
VISTA Viewfinder Newsletter
The VISTA Viewfinder is an eNewsletter created as your direct link to creating a community of VISTAs, learning what they are doing, and helping to spread the message of VISTA and national service! Inside you’ll find features of interest to you and your project, profiles on current VISTAs and alumni, and links to what’s happening in the VISTA community across the country. The Viewfinder circulates to over 6000 VISTAs and community members bimonthly.
Seven Corners Health Benefit
Seven Corners is the administrator of the AmeriCorps health benefits program. Their website answers questions regarding the AmeriCorps Health Benefits, processes healthcare claims, and includes information about preferred providers in your area.
AmeriCorps in Oregon
The AmeriCorps in Oregon website provides information about AmeriCorps programs that engage 850 members per year in providing direct service to Oregonians. Oregon Volunteers! Commission on Voluntary Action & Service provides management and oversight of the AmeriCorps programs in Oregon and is an outstanding partner is achieving the critical mission of Getting Things Done in Oregon!
AmeriCorps Alums
AmeriCorps Alums represents the 400,000 alumni of AmeriCorps National Service, who together constitute a powerful force for change in this country. AmeriCorps Alums helps alumni continue to “get things done” by connecting alumni, advancing their commitment to service, supporting and advocating for AmeriCorps programs and building the capacity of alumni to be agents of change in their communities.
National Service Resources
The National Service Resource Center is a one-stop shop for online tools and training resources to strengthen your volunteer or service program. Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service the Resource Center is the central point for: Sharing training and technical assistance information among the Corporation's three main programs — Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs, Sharing information with potential grantees to help them apply for Corporation resources, and Providing technical assistance to any organization using volunteers to strengthen local communities. The Resource Center contains online training tools, event calendars, and effective practices, as well as a catalogue of printed publications and videos available on loan. In addition, the Resource Center serves as a learning exchange where individual programs can share their innovations and effective practices with others.
AmeriCorps Video contest
The Annual AmeriCorps Video Contest is an opportunity for current members and AmeriCorps alumni to create a 60 second video to help engage more Americans in service and educate them about the AmeriCorps program. The videos have a call to action of encouraging individuals to join AmeriCorps by effectively communicating this to the general public in an informative, memorable, and creative way. In 2008, the grand prize was a volunteer vacation worth up to $5,000 courtesy of Travelocity through its Travel for Good Change Ambassadors program. Second prize was an iPod Shuffle, and third prize is an AmeriCorps Alums Prize Package, both courtesy of AmeriCorps Alums. Five semifinalists received a free one-year membership from AmeriCorps Alums
AmeriCorps Week
AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible. AmeriCorps Week provides an opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the work done by members in communities across the country—and to motivate more Americans to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities. AmeriCorps Week events are happening across the country. They include statewide AmeriCorps gatherings, award ceremonies, “AmeriCorps for a Day” events with local VIPs, community service projects, recruitment fairs, and more. Those with a special interest in AmeriCorps are encouraged to use their creativity to mark the week in any way they see fit.
Service Nation
Service Nation is a campaign for a new America. It focuses on building a national grassroots movement aimed at inspiring widespread public support for increasing voluntary community and national service opportunities, solving problems with proven service strategies, and elevating service as a core ideal of civic engagement. Service Nation encourages all Americans to step forward and take the lead in bridging our divides, strengthening our communities, and building a more vibrant democracy.
Northwest National Service Symposium
The Annual Northwest National Service Symposium is open to Oregon and Washington AmeriCorps and VISTA members, Senior Corps volunteers, and educators involved with Learn & Serve projects. The symposium hosts a contest for the literary, visual, and performing arts. The main criteria for projects are that they reflect upon the service experience and that they demonstrate artistic merit and/or enthusiasm. Over two days in May, more than 200 national service participants will gather at Portland State University to share and reflect upon their experience. Highlights include a banquet honoring the top projects submitted, a gallery opening featuring symposium artwork, a performance showcase, and interactive breakout sessions led by national service participants.
Free Tax Preparation by CASH Oregon
Located in the Lloyd Center in Portland, CASH Oregon provides year-round free tax preparation and filing for working families and individuals. Many AmeriCorps*VISTA members are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is a refund for people aged 25-64 who work but do not have much income. This credit can amount to around $400 dollars if you are without children and more if you do have children. CASH Oregon can determine if you are eligible for EITC and file your taxes for free.
Oregon Food Stamp Program
The Food Stamp Program is a federal nutrition program designed to help improve the health and well being of low-income households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. As an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, you will likely qualify for food stamps, but the amount of you recieve depends on your household size, income, and expenses. Food Stamp benefits in Oregon are distributed through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, which allows recipients to obtain their benefits by using an “Oregon Trail Card” at grocery stores, convenience stores, markets, co-ops, and some farmers markets. You use them the same way someone would buy food with a bankcard or a credit card.
