Host Site Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What costs does the VISTA grant cover?
-All VISTA member benefits (Living allowance, education award/cash-stipend, loan forbearance and interest accrual payment, health insurance, child care, life insurance, relocation allowance, etc.)-Cost of VISTA travel to Pre-Service Orientation-Cost of Supervisor travel to Supervisor Orientation
Q: What costs does the host site need to cover?
-Administrative Fee and/or cost-share to NYCC, as outlined in VISTA Host Site Overview and Requirements-Travel reimbursement to VISTA for any project-related travel, including travel for 3 NYCC in-service trainings-In-kind office requirements: office space, desk, computer, phone line, e-mail and any other items the rest of the office staff would receive
There are other in-kind donations that are not required by NYCC, but are highly encouraged and drastically increase applicants, which include:-Campus housing or off-campus housing assistance-Parking Pass-Recreation Pass-Funds for professional development opportunities and conference attendance
Q: What am I expected to do as the VISTA supervisor?
- Attend a CNCS New Supervisor’s Conference- Regular supervision, guidance, support and feedback to VISTA member- Adhere to all CNCS regulations governing VISTA members- Provide opportunities to encourage professional development of VISTA member- Submission of quarterly progress reports and VISTA member evaluations- Assist NYCC with recruitment process, including internal distribution- Conduct interviews for potential VISTA members- Submit VISTA nominee to NYCC for approval by due date
Q: Will I get guidance throughout the year about the VISTA program?
Yes, the NYCC VISTA Program Coordinator will be available throughout the year to answer questions, provide resources and guidance. Q: Does the VISTA need to be placed in a specific department?
NYCC will accept VISTA applications from any department in a member institution. Q: Can I use a VISTA to replace a staff member?
AmeriCorps VISTA positions may not supplant, replace or eliminate staff positions. They are not to be used as an administrative stopgap. Q: How many hours per week does a NYCC AmeriCorps VISTA work?
A NYCC AmeriCorps VISTA position is a full-time, twelve-month commitment without regard for regular business hours. AmeriCorps VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. It is not a 9 to 5 job. Each host site may require different working hours, which may include evening and weekend responsibilities. VISTA members are expected to be available for the needs of the community and project at all times. Q: How can I best utilize my VISTA?
A VISTA member should be used to fill a need of a campus and community that would otherwise not be accomplished due to lack of time, resources, energy or structural conduciveness. Once the need has been identified the host site can structure the VISTA’s work plan to best build the capacity of a program or initiative that will continue to address the need after the VISTA program has ended
Key Questions to consider before applying for a VISTA Project:
• Is there a poverty-focused project my organization would like to start or expand?
• What are the long-term (three year) goals of the project?
• What population(s) does the project target?
• How will we include the local community in project planning and implementation?
• How will a VISTA support these efforts?
• How will we measure the project’s impact?
• With what other community groups or organizations will we collaborate?
• Do we have the resources to support one or more VISTAs?