Prospective VISTAs
To apply now:
- Visit my.americorps.gov
- Click on "Search Listings" (in red text below the login box)
- In the "Quick Search" box, select "VISTA" as the program type and "Oregon" as the state and click on the large red "Search" button. Programs that are accpeting applications will be marked by an asterik
- Click on each program name to read position descriptions. Once you have found a position you would like to apply for, click on the large red "Apply Now!" button at the end of the position description
What are the benefits?
Oregon VISTA members receive a monthly living allowance of $858-891 ($10,296-$10,692/year), and may earn either a $5,350 Education award or $1,500 end-of-service stipend, a health benefit (visit http://americorps.sevencorners.com for more info), student loan forbearance for qualified federal loans, a “settling in” reimbursement, and non-competitive job eligibility for federal positions for the year following your twelve months of service.
How do I apply?
Complete and submit the online AmeriCorps application, which can be found at
www.americorps.gov under the For Individuals/Join Now section. Sending cover letters and resumes to the site(s) you are applying to is strongly encouraged and may strengthen your application.
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You should expect to hear from a program supervisor within two weeks about the possibility of an interview.
Where do Oregon AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve at non-profit organizations focused on issues such as education, housing, access to food, asset-building, volunteerism, the environment, childcare, and many more areas that affect low-income, underserved Oregonians. For examples of current VISTA placements, please refer to the google maps and to the list of the projects to contact the overall VISTA project supervisor.
How long is my AmeriCorps*VISTA service?
VISTA members are placed at a site for one year (12 months). Upon successful completion of a year of service, VISTA members generally can apply for an additional year of service (reenroll) subject to available placements. Not all reenrollments are approved, however if you are granted a reenrollment, keep in mind you may only earn 2 Eli Segal Education Award vouchers, including any time served in any AmeriCorps program.
Can I get a part time job on the side?
All AmeriCorps*VISTAs are expected to be available to their communities and on the job "24/7." Accordingly, VISTAs may not have any other outside employment or be enrolled in school full time.
What kinds of training opportunities are available to me as an Oregon AmeriCorps*VISTA?
Near the beginning of your start date, each VISTA is required to attend a 3-day training Pre-service Orientation (PSO). During PSO, VISTAs will network with each other and learn about diverse topics like: the history of the VISTA program, poverty concepts, understanding your placement, organizational culture, rights and responsibilities, and capacity building. Early in your term a 3-day In-Service Training (IST) provides VISTAs with the opportunity to reconnect and learn about a variety of topics. This year’s IST included: grantwriting, creative communication, volunteer management, alternative fundraising, and living on a VISTA budget. VISTAs are also invited to the Oregon AmeriCorps Kick-off, which takes place annually in the fall, and the Northwest National Service Symposium, which takes place annually in the spring. Additionally, VISTAs may be provided with a number of training opportunities by their site or their corps.
