The Big Picture

Overview

What is AmeriCorps VISTA all about? What’s the mission? Is a VISTA member right for my organization or program? How do I get started?

Take time to review our highly informative VISTA 101 and 201 tutorials for answers to many of your questions about the nature and purpose of the VISTA program. Then, have a look at the other resources here for a sense of the opportunities and responsibilities of using VISTA members to support your mission.

VISTA 101: Understanding VISTA

Learn about VISTA and make the decision on whether to pursue a VISTA project with this tutorial.
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VISTA 201

Get a complete overview of the sponsor application process with an emphasis on successfully completing a Concept Paper and Project Application, after you’ve decided to apply for a VISTA project.
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AmeriCorps VISTA Performance Measures Module

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Consult this tutorial to become familiar with how to enter your performance measures in eGrants when applying to become an AmeriCorps VISTA sponsor.
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VISTA Concept Paper

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Refer to this document to write the first sections of the VISTA application for new sponsors. The Concept Paper is a preliminary screening tool used by CNCS.
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VISTA Leader and Supervisor Role Comparison

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Learn the responsibilities that a VISTA leader can take on, as well as ones that need to be handled by the VISTA supervisor.
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VISTA Sustainability Report

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Review this study on the sustainability of VISTA's anti-poverty efforts, the characteristics of successful VISTA members, the reasons why some project efforts are not sustainable, and factors that predict VISTA project success.
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VISTA Project Application Instructions

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Use this overview and set of instructions to get a full sense of the sponsor application process. Once your Concept Paper is approved, you can complete the narratives and performance measurement module referred to in this document.
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Service Connections

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Use this one-page organizational chart to understand the national service network that supports VISTA.
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VISTA Leaders

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Read this excerpt from the Supervisor Orientation workbook to learn about the VISTA leader program and see if a leader might be a good addition to your project.
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Serving Here

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Order a sign to place at service sites to raise awareness about your VISTA project.
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New Site Orientation Agenda Sample

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Use this sample agenda to orient new sub-site supervisors and other staff to AmeriCorps VISTA and the unique aspects of your VISTA project.
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