Megan Stith, AmeriCorps VISTA Supervisor Connecting Our Community Through Capacity Building UWCKs...
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Transcript of Megan Stith, AmeriCorps VISTA Supervisor Connecting Our Community Through Capacity Building UWCKs...
Megan Stith, AmeriCorps VISTA Supervisor
Connecting Our Community Through Capacity BuildingUWCK’s Partnership with the AmeriCorps VISTA Program
VISTA Application Training
About the AmeriCorps VISTA Program
Low-income focus since inception in 1965
Help poor communities attain self-sufficiency by recruiting and training volunteers, raising funds, and developing community
initiatives
Capacity building, sustainable development
Serves both nonprofits and public agencies
Full time, one year positions living at economic level of people they serve
Summer Associate positions
United Way of Central Kentucky
About VISTA Assignments
VISTAs are not meant to be long-term resources
They build capacity and create new programs within organizations and make them such an integral part of the organization that they stay on a long-term basis but without the VISTA
Projects focus on:
-Economic Opportunity
-Education
-Healthy Futures
-Veterans and Military Families
-Disaster Services
-Environmental Stewardship
United Way of Central Kentucky
About VISTA Assignments
United Way of Central Kentucky
Capacity Building Direct Service
Recruiting volunteers to build houses Building houses
Organizing a fundraiser Delivering Meals on Wheels
Developing a database of mentors Mentoring teenagers
Writing a curriculum for a financial literacy course
Teaching a financial literacy course
Setting up partnerships in the community
Providing health screening services
UWCK’s Role in the VISTA Program
United Way of Central Kentucky
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) KY State Office
United Way of Central Kentucky Chris Wilborn, Director
VISTA Supervisor Megan Stith
USA Cares Jenn Robinson
1 VISTA
Hardin County Schools T. Ovesen,
C. Wise
2 VISTAs
Helping Hand of Hope
David Dozer
2 VISTAs
CASA of the
Heartland Sylvia
Griendling
1 VISTA
Big Brothers
Big Sisters Terri Harms
3 VISTAs
UWCK
3 VISTAs
Bringing VISTAs to Our Community
Initial concept paper for new sites
Application for all sites which includes:
-Project plans and VISTA Assignment Descriptions
-Needs assessments
-Letters of support from community partners
-Recruitment and training plans
Approved by advisory committee that guides initial project selection
Recruitment through My AmeriCorps Portal
Federally-funded Pre-Service Orientation
Quarterly reporting to CNCS
Ongoing training and support (ARC certification, social and educational opportunities)
Complying with regulations (record keeping, benefits administration, etc.)
United Way of Central Kentucky
Benefits for VISTAs
A living stipend of $10,704 (pre-tax) dispersed over the 12 month service term*
Forbearance or deferment during the 12 month service term for qualified student loans*
Upon completion of service, VISTAs may choose EITHER a $5,500 education award OR a $1,500 (pre-tax) end-of-year cash stipend
Free health coverage (vision and pre-existing conditions not included; dental coverage is limited to emergencies; limited annual exams)
A childcare subsidy of up to $400 per child for qualifying childcare providers
Vacation time: 10 personal days, 10 sick days, and holidays your service site honors
Skills development for non-profit or public sector career
Reimbursement for service-related travel (site’s responsible for payment)
A relocation reimbursement and reimbursement of some shipping costs for VISTAs moving over 50 miles to serve
1 year of non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs
United Way of Central Kentucky
Requirements for VISTAs
VISTA members CANNOT hold secondary jobs or make additional income during a VISTA service term
Full-time commitment of at least 35 hours/week
Members remain available for service, without regard to regular working hours, at all times during the member’s service, except for periods of approved leave
Part-time educational enrollment may be allowed with prior CNCS approval
Must pass federal background check
Must be at least 18 years of age and a US Citizen, National or Legal Resident
Sites can add additional requirements depending on project needs (education, skills, etc.)
Complete pre-service forms in My AmeriCorps
Attend Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) and take Oath of Office if they have not previously served as a VISTA
United Way of Central Kentucky
Costs Incurred
Paid by CNCS:
-VISTAs’ living stipends, educational awards/end of service awards, health coverage, and other benefits
-VISTA Supervisor’s stipend
-PSO training
Indirect Costs:
-Site Supervisors’ time
-Use of site facilities, office supplies
-Mileage reimbursement
-Costs of new/expanded program, community outreach, etc
-No training budget, education arranged pro-bono by UWCK and sites
United Way of Central Kentucky
Time Required of Site Supervisor
• Write VISTA application for CNCS approval
• Develop project plan/VAD using provided templates
• Recruit applicants for the position, interview and select the VISTA
• Attend orientation and training opportunities
• Supervise the VISTA on a daily basis
• Approve VISTA’s biweekly time sheets
• Ensure VISTA provides UWCK with all documentation required
• Be available for site visits by VISTA Supervisor as needed
• Submit monthly reports written by the VISTA to the VISTA Supervisor
• Complete VISTA’s end of service evaluation
United Way of Central Kentucky
Organizational Support Required
• Reimburse VISTA for work-related travel
• Provide space and equipment for VISTA to work, including but not limited to a phone, computer, printer, and internet connection
• Provide on-site orientation and training to your VISTA
• Attend Site Supervisor’s Orientation (online, asynchronous)- done before VISTA is hired
• Require VISTAs to attend UWCK-coordinated workshops, trainings, and volunteer events (including but not limited to Red Cross Certification, Day of Action, Project United, MLK Day of Service)
United Way of Central Kentucky
Benefits from VISTA Service
The talents of a VISTA who works full-time to develop new programs, fundraise, or recruit volunteers
Many VISTAs possess specialized skills that might otherwise be outside your organization’s budget (graphic design, grant writing, etc.)
The opportunity to implement some of your “big ideas” through the VISTA’s capacity-building focus
A sustainable program that will be able to continue after your participation in the VISTA program (typically VISTAs can be hosted for up to three years per project)
New partnerships that address community-identified issues of concern related to eliminating poverty
Measurable achievements and participation in volunteer events that can be publicized in press releases, newsletters, or other outlets
Ongoing training and opportunities for professional development
United Way of Central Kentucky
Benefits from VISTA Service
UWCK brought 12 federally-funded volunteers to build the capacity of 6 local nonprofits in 2013.
These AmeriCorps VISTAs raised $435,946 in donations, recruited 1583 volunteers, and generated over 28,304 hours of service at a value of $594,384.
Last year alone, the VISTA program had an $1,030,330 impact on our community.
VISTAs have brought $3.6 million in value to our community since 2011.
Estimated return on CNCS’ investment:
-$238,000 to administer the program last year
-ROI of approximately 430%
United Way of Central Kentucky
October 2011
VISTAs supporting Project United
Click icon to add picture
2012 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
VISTAs volunteering at Feeding America
Click icon to add picture
Application Procedure
United Way of Central Kentucky
New Site
Concept Paper
Submit full application, Project Plan, begin recruiting
Submit VAD, position posted in eGrants
Current Site
Submit application and Project Plan, continue recruiting
Submit VAD, update posting in eGrants
After your concept paper/application has been reviewed by the Advisory Committee, you will be notified as to whether UWCK will
move forward with recommending your placement to CNCS.
Application Procedure
Same questions as 2013-2014
Responses should be thorough but concise
Annual review for existing Sites
New Sites will have a few additional questions to answer if initial concept paper to CNCS is approved
Must submit signed MOA before you can be reviewed by Advisory Committee
REVIEW MOA AS A GROUP
United Way of Central Kentucky
Developing a Project Plan and VAD
Think carefully about the milestones you set, as they cannot be changed once approved
Find a balance between ambitious and realistic goals
Consider factors like the time of year your VISTA will be starting (Project year of July-June may be different than VISTA start dates depending on PSO availability)
VAD is the VISTA’s guide to achieving their Project Plan goals
Must have milestones from Project Plan but may have additional indicators related to overall project
Samples available at http://unitedwayck.org/Supervisor_Resources.php
United Way of Central Kentucky
Questions to Consider
Can you provide an incentive for VISTAs like housing stipend or Cost-Share the placement with CNCS (may give flexibility with start dates)?
For existing projects, how can you expand the program or have different focus?
How are you bringing your services to under-served areas?
How is your program sustainable?
Which VISTA focus area(s) will your project address?
How will your project alleviate poverty?
United Way of Central Kentucky
Finding Potential VISTAs
Don’t rely solely on applicants to find your posting in My AmeriCorps
Failure to fill your positions can jeopardize current/future placements at your site
May want to pre-screen with checklist before doing more in-depth interviews
UWCK’s interview checklist must be completed during interview with candidate to ensure they understand terms of service
Be sure to verify references independent of automated responses in eGrants
Always be recruiting in case your current VISTA leaves unexpectedly
United Way of Central Kentucky
Application Procedure
Applications available for download at http://unitedwayck.org/Host_a_VISTA.php
MOA must be signed and set to UWCK for your application to be reviewed
Notice of intent to apply must be received by March 18th at 2PM EST, via email to [email protected]
Applications due via email to [email protected] by April 8th at 2PM EST
Supporting documentation (new sites) and MOAs (all sites) can be mailed to 850 West Park Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 but must be postmarked by April 8th
United Way of Central Kentucky
More Information
More resources on VISTA available at http://unitedwayck.org/Supervisor_Resources.php
Check out the Site Supervisor online training class available at www.coursesites.com.
Login info: uwckvista14 as username and password
Contact UWCK
VISTA Supervisor, Megan Stith
270-737-6608
United Way of Central Kentucky
Questions?
Thank you for your time!
United Way of Central Kentucky