Thus began my 2-month (turned 29-month & counting) commitment to the AmeriCorps VISTA program…

“After 4 years of undergraduate work, I want take a year giving back fully to the community.”

“I think I want to go into nonprofits, but I want to get a feel for it before diving into a lifelong career.”

“VISTA is another way for me to stay involved with this organization and the people it serves, as I’ve already been volunteering here for the past few years.”

“I’ve waited my whole life to do VISTA. It just didn’t fit into my plans earlier in life.”

Everyone has his/her own reason for joining the VISTA program. For me, it was the organization itself – the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning – that originally drew my interest. After researching the VISTA program, however, I realized this was the perfect way to spend my summer and year after graduation from Centre College. Aside from an internship at a small “community driven economic development initiative” in Danville during my senior year in college, I knew very little about the true administrative workings of the nonprofit world. I couldn’t wait to learn and to see what other doors this experience would open for me in the world of nonprofits. Thus began my 2-month (turned 29-month & counting) commitment to the AmeriCorps VISTA program…

Door #1: I began as a Summer Associate in the Summer of 2007. If you’ve stumbled upon this blog because you’re interested in learning more about VISTA, I recommend the Summer Associate program if it’s available. It’s an 8 or 10 week commitment, you are able to do more direct service than yearlong VISTA members, and you still receive a living allowance and reduced end-of-service award. Basically, it’s a wonderful way to get a feel for the VISTA program, and it’s a great opportunity for the organization to get a feel for you, too! {Word to the wise: Do NOT elect to receive the reduce education award if you even think you may do one or two years of VISTA after your summer. You are only allowed 2 education awards in your lifetime, no matter the size. This was a mistake both Hannah and I made during the summer of 2007 (oops). I elected to receive the $1,000 summer ed award and the $4,725 yearlong ed award… if I decide to do another full year of VISTA, I am required to choose the smaller cash stipend and lose out on another big ed award. Oh well, live and learn.} More info about the Summer Associate program: http://www.americorps.gov/pdf/08_0609_ac_vista_summer.pdf

Door #2: After my summer of service ended, I stayed on for a full year of VISTA (August 2007-August 1008). While I had the same title as I did in the summer, it seemed a bit more “real” – and a bit more of a commitment! I felt lucky to know the Carnegie Center before beginning my year, and I definitely understand that most VISTA members don’t have the same opportunity to serve the summer before their year. Summer VISTA is in no way a requirement, and in most cases, it may not be available at your site or the timing may not line up for a smooth transition, anyways. During my year, I recruited volunteers, I wrote and received several grants, and I even started a new program with one of my fellow VISTA members – a Young People’s Poetry Contest. It was rewarding. It was informative. It was eye-opening. It was a whirlwind. It was everything a VISTA position should be.

A few months before the end of my service, my supervisor announced her plans to head to graduate school that fall. Open Door #3: The Carnegie Center offered me the opportunity to stay on as a staff member, taking over my supervisor’s position when she left. In August 2008, I began as the Carnegie Center’s Program Specialist and the Supervisor of the Carnegie Center VISTA network. For this, I am especially grateful to my VISTA experience – it led me to a full-time job at a nonprofit. And, it’s practically my dream job.

So this isn’t quite where I thought my first guest blog entry would take me, but alas, here we are. Now it’s time for me to head out for my Thanksgiving weekend festivities. Hopefully this served as a professional background for those of you who know me, and as a brief outline of program opportunities for those of you who might be interested in joining the VISTA program. I’ll try to blog again soon on my specific experiences, duties, and feelings as a VISTA. And much, much more advice!