Please read and familiarize yourself with the following Key AmeriCorps VISTA regulations.

     - AmeriCorps VISTA service is a year-long, volunteer opportunity - it is not employment. A small subsistence allowance is provided to assist with living expenses. Applicants are asked to carefully evaluate their financial situation to ensure they will be able to complete a full year of service.  Terminating VISTA service prior to the end of the service year has lasting negative effects on project sites.

- All AmeriCorps VISTA members are required to attend Pre-service Orientation (PSO).  PSO is typically a three-day, multi-state training event designed to provide members with basic knowledge in several critical areas of service.  Travel expenses to and from PSO are paid by CNCS.

 - AmeriCorps VISTA members are expected to adhere to the official, written Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) which indicates the nature of all activities and duties to be performed. These activities must retain a focus on issues of poverty and should consist of indirect service (capacity building) only.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members cannot have part-time jobs or be employed in any other paid position while serving as a volunteer.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members cannot be enrolled as students or attend classes for credit while in service.  In certain circumstances, members may take a course directly related to their VISTA project, however all class attendance must be approved in advance by the Corporation State Director and NYCC Program Coordinator.

- Each AmeriCorps VISTA member is authorized 10 personal/vacation days and 10 sick days per year. All vacation days must be approved by the site Supervisor in advance. Site Supervisors are responsible for keeping track of sick/vacation days used by the VIST during the year.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members may not register people to vote or drive voters to the polls.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members may not engage in any pro- or anti-labor organizing activities.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members may not be involved in any form of lobbying.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members may not take any action with respect to a partisan or nonpartisan political activity that would result in the identification of the AmeriCorps VISTA program with such activity.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members may not provide religious instruction, worship, or proselytizing as part of his/her official duties.

- AmeriCorps VISTA members may not receive any additional monetary compensation for service as an AmeriCorps VISTA member.

- Each AmeriCorps VISTA member is allowed one week of additional leave time in the event of a critical illness or in the event of a death in the member’s immediate family. In most cases, CNCS will assist members with transportation costs in the event of a death in the family.

- If the member is out of the office for an extended period of time (more than one week) for any reason, NYCC must be notified.

- Only the Corporation State Office can terminate or suspend a VISTA. Supervisors can request that a VISTA be removed from their project for the grounds listed in your Member Handbook (Appendix B).

- Re-enrollment or Extension of Service is not automatic but may be granted to AmeriCorps VISTA members who have served in an above average manner.  The Supervisor must write a full justification.  Completion of service will be 1 year from the date the AmeriCorps VISTA member enters service.  Entry into service begins the day after the completion of PSO.