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AmeriCorps VISTAMember Handbook
Advancing the community engagement of Oregon higher education
Welcome to the VISTA Member Handbook!To our most dearest Oregon Campus Compact VISTA members,
Just as you are committed to empowering students, Oregon Campus Compact is committed to your growth as professionals and change agents in our society. Here at the main office of Oregon Campus Compact, we all have been diligently working to create an all-encompassing resource for our VISTA’s to utilize to answer potential questions that arise throughout your VISTA year. We have assembled the ORCC VISTA Member Handbook which navigates through the expectations and the opportunities that are held by both Oregon Campus Compact and AmeriCorps VISTA. Much care has been put into creating the ORCC VISTA Handbook and we hope that it is helpful through potential grey areas during your VISTA year of service.
The ORCC VISTA Members’ Handbook is a comprehensive document that covers key dates, contacts, and forms that will be essential during your VISTA term. ORCC is cheering and advocating for you. Communities are being transformed by your amazing service. We want to reassure you that if there are situations that cannot be answered directly through the Members’ Handbook, we strongly encourage you to contact our amazing VISTA Leaders Ben Carver and Matt Jernigan, as well the Oregon Campus Compact staff, who are ready to assist and support you in being the best VISTA that you can be. We are excited to have each one of you on the Oregon Campus Compact team and wish that you all a year of triumph and positive transformation within you and your communities.
Sincerely,
Your Oregon Campus Compact Staff
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Table of ContentsWelcome to the VISTA Member Handbook!.........................................................................................2
Section 1: Oregon Campus Compact and CNCS.....................................................................................6
1.1 Contacts.............................................................................................................................................................7
Oregon Campus Compact....................................................................................................................................7
Corporation for National and Community Service...............................................................................................7
AmeriCorps VISTA Team Contacts........................................................................................................................8
1.2 All About Us, Who We Are...............................................................................................................................10
Oregon Campus Compact..................................................................................................................................10
AmeriCorps VISTA Program................................................................................................................................10
2014-2015 VISTA Program Overview.................................................................................................................11
2013-2014 VISTA Program Summary.................................................................................................................18
1.3 ORCC VISTA Program Calendar 2014-2015......................................................................................................19
1.4 Mission and Legacy of Corporation for National and Community Service.......................................................21
Mission Statement.............................................................................................................................................21
VISTA Mission and Legacy..................................................................................................................................21
1.5 Structure of National Service...........................................................................................................................22
1.6 VISTA Project: Major Roles and Responsibilities..............................................................................................23
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps*VISTA...................................................23
CNCS Oregon State Office..................................................................................................................................23
VISTA Project Director........................................................................................................................................23
VISTA Leader......................................................................................................................................................23
Site Supervisor...................................................................................................................................................23
VISTA Member...................................................................................................................................................24
Section 2: ORCC VISTA Program Policies and Procedures......................................................................25
2.1 VISTA Program Terms and Conditions..............................................................................................................26
AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities.......................................................................................................................26
Employment Restrictions...................................................................................................................................27
Education Restrictions........................................................................................................................................27
Fraternization.....................................................................................................................................................28
Political Restrictions...........................................................................................................................................28
2.2 AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits & Policies..............................................................................................................29
VISTA Living Allowance......................................................................................................................................29
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Living Allowance Calendar and Statement Information.....................................................................................29
VISTA Health Coverage.......................................................................................................................................30
Obtaining Health Insurance................................................................................................................................30
Approved Leave: VISTA Teleservice Report........................................................................................................33
VISTA Training....................................................................................................................................................33
VISTA Relocation and Settling In........................................................................................................................33
Driving to Site.....................................................................................................................................................34
Delinquent Debts...............................................................................................................................................34
Service-Related Transportation and Reimbursement........................................................................................34
Optional Life Insurance......................................................................................................................................34
Protection of Public Assistance..........................................................................................................................34
Public Assistance and the State..........................................................................................................................34
Child Care Benefit..............................................................................................................................................34
Education Award................................................................................................................................................35
End of Term Stipend...........................................................................................................................................35
Student Loan Forbearance & Deferment Comparison.......................................................................................35
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE).......................................................................................................................36
Day-to-day Schedule..........................................................................................................................................36
Timesheet..........................................................................................................................................................36
Living Allowance Disbursement (Pay)................................................................................................................36
VISTA Leave of Absence.....................................................................................................................................36
Holidays Observed.............................................................................................................................................37
Site Visits............................................................................................................................................................37
Monthly VISTA Progress Report.........................................................................................................................37
Alternative Break...............................................................................................................................................38
2.3 AmeriCorps VISTA Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Guidelines.............................................................40
2.4 Frequently Asked Questions............................................................................................................................41
Section 3: Evaluation & Assessment....................................................................................................46
3.1 Tips for Completing Progress Reports..............................................................................................................47
3.2 ORCC VISTA Report Format..............................................................................................................................49
3.3 AmeriCorps*VISTA Monthly Timesheet...........................................................................................................57
3.4 Member Development Plan.............................................................................................................................60
3.5 Winter Service Plan..........................................................................................................................................61
3.6 Make a Difference Day Report.........................................................................................................................62
3.7 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Report....................................................................................................63
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3.8 VISTA Member Performance Evaluation..........................................................................................................64
3.9 Alternative Spring Break (Pre-Trip Approval Request).....................................................................................70
3.10 Alternative Spring Break (Post-Trip Report)...................................................................................................72
3.11 VISTA Site Visit Packet....................................................................................................................................73
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Section 1: Oregon Campus Compact and CNCS
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1.1 ContactsOregon Campus Compact
Kendra HenryProgram [email protected]
Matt [email protected]
Josh ToddExecutive [email protected]
Address: 620 SW 5th Ave, Suite 910, Portland, OR 97204Fax: 503-406-3568
Web: www.oregoncampuscompact.orgFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/oregoncampuscompactTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ORCompactFlickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregoncampuscompact/
Corporation for National and Community Service
Courtney MiskellOregon State Program [email protected]
Stephanie WrightsmanOregon State Program [email protected]
Corporation for National and Community Service620 SW Main Street, Suite 714Portland, OR 97205
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AmeriCorps VISTA Team Contacts
Amanda ShoreCivic Scholars CoordinatorCity Club of [email protected]
Angela FrazierCommunity Operations CoordinatorBlack Parent [email protected]
Brenda GarciaCoordinator of K-12 VolunteersUniversity of Oregon & United [email protected]
Bryan ZinschlagTransformative Data Inquiry Project CoordinatorRoosevelt High [email protected]
Carmen DenisonMentor Recruitment SpecialistPortland Community College, [email protected]
Hillary CarylCommunity CoordinatorCarpi [email protected]
Jennifer WilsonResource Development Coordinator Children's Book [email protected]
Jesus VasquezPeer Mentor Program Service CoordinatorReed [email protected]
Jordan HallStudent Leaders Program AssociatePortland State [email protected]
Julie AndersonVeteran Student Services CoordinatorOregon Coast Community [email protected]
Kate WalfordFuture Connect Community CoordinatorPortland Community College, [email protected]
Kelly TedeschiService Learning Development CoordinatorLinn Benton Community [email protected]
Kelsey KavaExperiential Learning CoordinatorConcordia [email protected]
Luis CisnerosTeacher Cadet Mentoring Program CoordinatorPacific University, [email protected]
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Maggie AbneyCommunity Engagement CoordinatorUniversity of Oregon, Holden [email protected]
Marlene CervantesInternship and Volunteer Program CoordinatorNational College of Natural [email protected]
Molly O'BrienReading Initiative Partnership CoordinatorPortland Public [email protected]
Nadia PhippsCommunity Outreach and Operations SpecialistShadow [email protected]
Rachel De La HayaMulticultural Student Mentoring CoordinatorConcordia [email protected]
Sarai BarreraCoord. for Early Literacy VolunteersUniversity of Oregon & United [email protected]
Simeon JacobLeadership & Development SpecialistOregon Campus [email protected]
Taylor RodbyCommunity Engagement AssociateBetter [email protected]
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1.2 All About Us, Who We Are
Oregon Campus CompactMotivated by the belief that students have the power to change the world, ORCC activates higher education toward student participation in civic life. As the only statewide organization working with private, public, four-year, and two-year institutions, ORCC embraces its unique position to strengthen Oregon’s narrative of student service and leadership.
GoalEvery Oregon student will graduate as an engaged, global citizen.
HowTogether with campuses, we advance service, learning, and leadership in the community.
AmeriCorps VISTA ProgramAmeriCorps VISTA was established in 2007 through a partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the ORCC AmeriCorps VISTA program enables colleges and universities to address issues facing low-income communities through high quality service-learning and community service programs that empower students to be change agents in their communities. VISTA Members are placed on campuses to develop service-learning programs, build relationships and partnerships between their institution and the surrounding community, manage service-related events, coordinate programs that engage students in community service, and increase the level of civic engagement on their campuses and the communities they serve.
Program Goals Cultivate partnerships with community-based organizations that address the educational needs
of low-income individuals. Work with faculty and staff to create and coordinate service-learning courses. Plan and implement campus service days. Conduct presentations and meetings with faculty, students, and community members to
increase awareness of service-learning and community engagement. Recruit, train, and place student volunteers. Provide leadership development, training, support, and reflection activities for student
volunteers. Build the capacity for campuses and community organizations to create sustainable service
programming and partnerships that address poverty.VISTA Members
Develop service-learning programs. Build relationships and partnerships between their institution and the surrounding community. Implement campus-wide service days. Coordinate programs that engage students in community service. Increase the level of civic engagement on campuses.
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2014-2015 VISTA Program Overview
VISTA Host Sites
Better Together, 8+9Black Parent InitiativeCarpe MundiChildren’s Book BankCity Club of Portland Concordia UniversityLinfield CollegeLinn Benton Community CollegeNational College of Natural MedicineOregon Campus CompactOregon Coast Community College
Pacific University, WoodburnPortland Community College, SylvaniaPortland Community College, SoutheastPortland Public SchoolsPortland State UniversityReed CollegeRoosevelt High SchoolThe Shadow ProjectUniversity of OregonUnited Way of Lane County
VISTA Position Descriptions
Better Together, 8+9, Community Engagement AssociateOregon State University & High Desert Education Service DistrictProject year: 1, City: Redmond (Central Oregon)
Through a partnership with local schools, non-profit organizations and community partners, 8+9 will provide free engagement programs for students in the summers before and after 8th grade and systematically match them with a mentor at the beginning of 9th grade. This strategically timed support aims to keep more kids on track through the often difficult transition into high school since research indicates that students who end 9th grade having earned at least six credits are four times more likely to successfully complete high school. The VISTA Volunteer will play a critical role in adding capacity and sustainability for 8+9. We will have one summer under our belt – a “pilot” program – and will need to strengthen the relationships with summer program partners and mentor organizations. Success in school is inextricably linked to long-term self-sufficiency and can serve as a path out of poverty. The collective effort made by the 8+9 program partners will bring hope and promise of effecting upstream change for Central Oregon’s 8th and 9th graders. The 8+9 Project will align with the other collective efforts along the educational continuum.
Black Parent Initiative, Community Operations CoordinatorParent UniversityProject year: 1, City: Portland
The Parent University Community Operations Coordinator VISTA is responsible for building and strategizing community support and development. Working with BPI staff, partners and volunteers under the direction of the Parent University Manager, this position is responsible for ensuring communication of services, resources and collaborative opportunities available to Black families. The Community Operations Coordinator will also assist in developing the infrastructure and recruitment of volunteers and community stakeholders, in addition to strengthening the needs and function of Parent University as a whole.
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Carpe Mundi, Community CoordinatorProject year: 1, City: Portland
Carpe Mundi is implementing a program to provide underserved youth international community service experience, internships, and mentoring opportunities. The AmeriCorps VISTA member will design and implement a volunteer program, assist with program fundraising efforts, and develop community partnerships.
Children’s Book Bank, Resource Development CoordinatorProject Year: 1, City: Portland
The Children’s Book Bank is a Portland-based grassroots organization that is narrowing the achievement gap by surrounding kids with books at critical stages of their reading development. The AmeriCorps VISTA member will develop sustainable strategies for 1) gathering books, 2) recruiting and training skilled volunteers, and 3) increasing revenues. By developing these critical resources needed to execute our mission, the VISTA member will build CBB’s capacity to serve more children. As part of a cohort of VISTA members supporting the Portland Public Schools Early Literacy Initiative, the VISTA member will also work collaboratively with school district and nonprofit partners to develop a collective impact model that can be replicated to improve reading success at high-poverty schools.
City Club, Civic Scholars CoordinatorCivic ScholarsProject year: 1, City: Portland
City Club’s Civic Scholars program will create and manage a new outreach program in 4 Portland high schools. The student program will encourage civic engagement and leadership to academically at-risk high school students by allowing them to participate in City Club’s Friday Forums, where local and national experts and public figures speak on a variety of subjects to City Club members. Students will be City Club members, serve on committees and attend other events. The VISTA member will lead after school discussion groups on Forum topics and work with teachers to integrate Civic Scholars into social studies curriculum. SUN Schools will recruit students at the highest-need schools, provide the program with a contact inside each eligible school, involve government study teachers, and identify students for leadership potential. The position will serve to provide access to civic engagement opportunities for academically at-risk youth from impoverished backgrounds. Studies show that continued access to civic engagement and dialogue is tied to academic success, which allows for students to have a greater opportunity succeed and the limit the affects on poverty in their lives.
Concordia University, Multicultural Student Mentoring CoordinatorOffice of Multicultural ServicesProject year: 2, City: Portland
The Concordia University Multicultural Peer Mentoring program coordinator will enhance the Office of Multicultural Services in program creation, increased retention of minority and underserved students, and improved processes for campus and community engagement in service. The VISTA will also engage mentors and their mentees in service as a service learning literacy coach to students at three local K-8 SUN Portland Public School partnerships. The 3 schools (Woodlawn, Scott, and Vernon Elementary) are all Title 1 schools that have achieved from the bottom 5% within the state of Oregon. This new focus will build the capacity of retaining our institutions 1st generation students of color through meaningful service opportunities to bridge the achievement gap of K-8 students who are struggling to academically by
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obtaining stronger levels of academic engagement.
Concordia University, Experiential Learning CoordinatorOffice of Service LeadershipProject year: 3, City: Portland
The VISTA will bring sustainability and formalization to campus service programming so that the Alternative Break Leadership Experience and Service Experience Team programming can be fully integrated into the Office of Service Leadership permanently and supported by university staff. The VISTA member will continue to grow and maintain the critical local relationships between the Oregon Food Bank, Bridgetown Inc., and Habitat for Humanity Portland Metro office that provide focused educational service components for the ABLE programs and the Service Experience Teams. The AmeriCorps VISTA member will focus their capacity building efforts on final program development for critical community partnerships locally and throughout the country to address target populations who are experiencing food or housing insecurity, homelessness, or educational resource access.
Linfield College, Latino Farmer Market Access CoordinatorLinfield Center for the NorthwestProject year: 1, City: McMinnville
The AmeriCorps VISTA member will serve with Linfield College’s Linfield Center for the Northwest (LCN) to establish a program that develops a Latino Farmer Program that creates trains and creates market accessibility for members of the Latino Community in Yamhill County, Oregon. Position requires bi-lingual capability to develop relationships with community partners, communicate with members of the Latino community, and to work with Linfield College students in developing marketing, business and social media access for Latino farmers, as their skills are developed through program activities.
Linn Benton Community College, Service Learning Development CoordinatorHigh School PartnershipsProject year: 1, City: Albany
The VISTA member will develop infrastructure for a service-learning program at Linn-Benton Community College, connecting students to nonprofit organizations and schools to serve as tutors and mentors to struggling, at-risk youth. Service learning is one way to promote engagement of college students and thereby increase retention and college graduation. Helping students earn college degrees is a powerful strategy for long-term eradication of poverty. Our goal is that all students would develop because of their experiences with community engagement. The VISTA will also create a local mentoring program so professionals can mentor first generation, low-income students. Students will be assigned to volunteer at non-profit sites that will connect them with professional adults who can encourage them to pursue careers. We hope that as students receive mentoring from professionals, they will increase their motivation to complete their college programs. The VISTA member will also set up opportunities for college students to volunteer in K-12 schools to motivate younger students to aspire to go to college. Students will have the opportunity to serve as mentors/tutors in the local schools with high free/reduced lunch. These students will help establish in the K-12 schools, a college-going culture.
National College of Natural Medicine, Internship and Volunteer Program CoordinatorCommunity ClinicsProject year: 2, City: Portland
NCNM Community Clinics provide affordable access to primary care medicine and other forms of natural healthcare. Access to health care can and is a barrier to many poor and underserved members in the
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Portland metropolitan area. The health care provided by our students and doctors can mean the difference in getting a job or even getting to work for many people. The VISTA position will serve at NCNM to provide these services by creating a volunteer program for running the health clinics, allowing NCNM to continue to offer the care at an affordable price. Because of the VISTA last year, all of our clinics are either able to stay open for extended hours or stay open, period. The VISTA will work to develop a sustainable internship and volunteer program through which our community clinic front desk locations will be staffed, providing our patients that suffer from poverty and poor health front line resources and referrals to different programs in the area. The AmeriCorps VISTA member will create partnerships with allied health programs and implement a training and assessment agenda for student intern/volunteers. The AmeriCorps VISTA will also help create and deliver training content to volunteers, community partners and the NCNM community related to issues of equity health care disparities in Multnomah County and cultural and economic barriers to accessing services for patients
Oregon Campus Compact, Leadership & Development SpecialistProject year: 2, City: Portland
The Leadership & Development VISTA will focus on activities that specifically support ORCC Campus Members around service and poverty alleviation. One area will include implementing student programs such as a large-scale MLK Day of Service and the Student Advisory Board, which will all be aimed at bringing awareness and action around issues related to high school and college access and retention. Additionally, the VISTA will be assist with fundraising and developing and compiling trainings and resources as well as convening campus partners around key areas including service-learning, mentoring, large days of service, and access and retention.
Oregon Campus CompactORCC AmeriCorps VISTA Leader (2)City: Portland
The VISTA Leader supports a meaningful and substantive national service experience for all members in the ORCC AmeriCorps VISTA program. The role of the VISTA Leader is to increase member effectiveness as national service professionals in their efforts to address the needs of low-income communities, to support retention, coordination, and communication between VISTA Members at all projects, to promote excellence in the development, implementation, and impact of the Oregon Campus Compact VISTA Program, and to promote their own leadership skills in the service field. The Research VISTA Leader will lead an evaluation and assessment learning community for all VISTA members and develop sustainable evaluation and reporting strategies for the VISTA program.
Oregon Coast Community College, Veteran Student Services CoordinatorStudent ServicesProject year: 1, City: Newport (Oregon Coast)
The first year of this VISTA project will alleviate poverty by providing veteran students at Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) access to educational support opportunities to increase retention and completion rates. The VISTA will build sustainability for the new Career and Transfer Readiness Center by locating and creating new resource materials. The VISTA will also build sustainability for the relatively new Tutoring Center by recruiting tutors for veterans especially those who are veterans themselves.
Pacific University, Woodburn, Teacher Cadet Mentoring Program CoordinatorCollege of EducationProject year: 2, City: Woodburn
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The VISTA Member housed at the Pacific University Woodburn Campus will continue to develop, implement, and evaluate a mentoring program begun under VISTA support in 2013-2014, joining community college teacher education students with middle and high school student “teacher cadets.” The program will alleviate poverty by positively impacting high school and college completion rates, improving academic achievement, and developing critical career and academic skills for both mentors and mentees. The anticipated broader impacts of the Woodburn Teacher Cadet Mentoring Program include the eventual induction of local minority students into teaching careers as a critical component of a long-range strategy for teacher induction. This long-term outcome is measured in terms of increased numbers of minority teachers in Oregon. In the shorter term, over the next two years, the Woodburn Teacher Cadet Mentoring Program will a) increase the availability and consistency of mentee services to middle and high school students, and b) increase the availability and consistency of mentoring opportunities to community college students. These results will be measured over the term of the project by recording student-hours of mentoring contact time for both middle and high school mentees and community college mentors.
Portland Community College, Sylvania, Mentor Recruitment SpecialistCommunity Based LearningProject year: 2, City: Portland
The AmeriCorps*VISTA will serve to continue the development of a mentoring program in partnership with local organizations, primarily Friends of the Children, which works exclusively with at-risk youth, desires to create a bridge for their youth mentees to successfully transition to post-secondary education. Connecting their 12th graders with a PCC student who can serve as a mentor will help provide the guidance in process and culture that will increase access to post-secondary options. Friends of the Children currently serves youth through high school graduation, but by creating this relationship in 12 th grade, youth will have access to mentors as they navigate the transition to a post-secondary program, increasing their success and retention. This means that, if successful, their program would have a beneficial outcome for PCC as our own students would be among the recipients of mentoring.
Portland Community College, Southeast, Future Connect Community CoordinatorFuture ConnectProject year: 1, City: Portland
The Future Connect program currently connects recipients in our program to college success coaches prior to high school graduation. Students in this program are achieving success at a higher level compared to their peers who do not receive similar supports. The AmeriCorps VISTA position will help to increase capacity to expand the program, increase the number of mentors, and evaluate current mentoring programs. The VISTA will interact with PCC staff within the Future Connect and LINKS Programs to identify other partner schools interested in developing a first year student-mentoring program at their site. The VISTA will serve alongside Roosevelt high school staff to evaluate and assess current mentoring practices, trends and needs. The VISTA will also build capacity to replicate best mentoring practices at two other local high schools for school year 2014-2015.
Portland Public Schools, Reading Initiative Partnership CoordinatorOffice of Teaching and LearningProject year: 1, City: Portland
The AmeriCorps VISTA Member at Portland Public Schools will help build the district’s capacity in collaborating with stakeholders of our Reading Partnership Initiative as we implement a new model to align the non-profit community with the goal of working as a cohort to provide a seamless framework for reading intervention and advancing a culture of reading and literacy. The VISTA will document processes and assess effectiveness to support the District and its partners’ establishment of a partnership
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framework, communication system, manuals and other components needed to effectively operate and continue to expand core elements of the Reading Partnership Initiative.Portland State University, Student Leaders for Service Program AssociateStudent Leaders for ServiceProject year: 2, City: Portland
This VISTA project will address educational access and equity while increasing student involvement in service and leadership. The AmeriCorps VISTA Member will work to develop a sustainable program design for PSU Mentors, partnerships between PSU and Alder Elementary School, as well as plan a poverty-focused alternative break trip. This project addresses and ameliorates issues of poverty in our community by continued development of the MAPS (Mentors: Alder and Portland State) program. The mission of MAPS is: “To provide a group mentor-based structure for Portland State University student volunteer mentors and Alder Elementary School Dreamer students to create positive emotional connections, learn from one another and reinforce the connection between higher education and career achievement through engaging bi-weekly sessions at Alder Elementary School.”
Reed College, Peer Mentor Program Service CoordinatorOffice for Inclusive CommunityProject year: 2, City: Portland
Education plays a vital role in helping individuals overcome poverty. The Reed College Peer Mentor Program will empower students from underrepresented communities to engage in meaningful service by partnering with community organizations to increase K-12 students’ school readiness, academic performance, and academic engagement. In addition, PMP aims to increase the retention and academic achievement of participating college students through engagement in meaningful service and creating a community of learners invested in educational equity.
Roosevelt High School & Portland State University, Transformative Data Inquiry Project CoordinatorUniversity StudiesProject year: 2, City: Portland
The AmeriCorps VISTA member will collaborate with the PSU University Studies Department and the Roosevelt High School College & Career Transition Center to identify a strategic approach to building, institutionalizing, and sustaining a model of inquiry that collects and examines often unseen data about the upstream social determinants that influence student success in education. As Project Coordinator, the VISTA will be responsible for leading this initiative with the support of two supervisors from PSU and RHS. Tasks will include partnering with Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ), Senior Inquiry (SRINQ), and AVID, collaborating with the Counseling Department, and engaging the Equity Team. As youth move into action-planning phase any number of additional partnerships may be required to address the needs identified. As RHS and PSU pilot this initiative within the high school there is an urgent need for a Project Coordinator to oversee the moving parts and build the capacity for institutional collaboration to address the root causes that surface from the data.
The Shadow Project, Community Outreach and Operations SpecialistProject year: 1, City: Portland
The AmeriCorps VISTA member will serve collaboratively with school district and nonprofit partners to develop a literacy intervention model that can be replicated to improve academic success at high-poverty schools. The VISTA member will build The Shadow Project’s capacity to create a school environment that fosters academic success, high expectations, dignity and respect for special education students in grades
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K-8. To accomplish this, the VISTA member will develop sustainable strategies for increasing awareness, educational resources and support for a population that has been historically marginalized. In addition, the VISTA member will contribute to strengthening organizational systems and infrastructure, which will position The Shadow Project to serve additional students in years to come.
University of Oregon, Community Engagement CoordinatorHolden Leadership CenterProject year: 2, City: Eugene
This VISTA position will create poverty focused issue cohorts for the student volunteers involved in DuckCorps at the University of Oregon, through community partnership building, volunteer recruitment, and student leadership development. The VISTA will expand upon the current position and continue to focus beyond episodic service events (national days of service, monthly, etc.) to incorporate a new auxiliary service program aimed at offering students a cohort-based, issue oriented service experience for which our AmeriCorps VISTA would be primarily responsible for implementing. The VISTA will expand and pursue ongoing implementation of the Coalition of Projects Model to institutionalize student leadership development and create a more sustainable model of student community engagement at UO. The VISTA will establish issue-oriented service groups under the umbrella of our community engagement program to specifically address public health, housing, food security, and education—addressing root causes and threats to poverty in the local community.
University of Oregon & United Way of the Lane County, Coordinator for Early Literacy VolunteersCollege of EducationProject year: 1, City: Eugene
The VISTA will serve to provide access to high-quality early literacy opportunities, along with college- age mentors and role models, to children and their families across Lane County, but with a focus on the two Promise Neighborhoods and rural communities. The goals of this VISTA position during the first year of the program are to build connections with early childhood education providers, early elementary school teachers (K-3), and staff at local Family Resource Centers; recruit UO volunteers; develop and implement volunteer trainings; coordinate a community book drive; and assist with the coordination of research-based literacy programs with license-exempt child care providers. This position will have an emphasis on assisting with outreach and service to Spanish speaking children and families. The primary focus will be on developing strong volunteer leaders to take the program forward, putting financial support in place, incorporating proven best practices, and proving our effectiveness internally. The Member will work closely with the supervisors and with partners at agencies and schools to develop systems for engagement, support, and accountability for volunteers, and to oversee their implementation in the field and on campus.
University of Oregon & United Way of the Lane County, Coordinator of K-12 VolunteersService Learning ProgramProject year: 3, County: Lane
The AmeriCorps VISTA will help ameliorate poverty for children in Lane County, and especially for children in the Promise Neighborhoods. By intervening in at-risk children’s education, nurturing and inspiring them, we disrupt generational poverty and increase the capacity of people in the community to care for each other. The VISTA will engage University of Oregon students to increase participation in service learning opportunities, as measured by the number of students who participate in the After School Program. Because of this intervention, Fairfield Elementary students will have improved access to out-of-school time activities, as measured by the number of participating elementary students, improve their
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attitudes about learning and school/homework, as measured by teacher reports, and improve their perceptions about attending college, as measured by student reports.
2013-2014 VISTA Program Summary
The 2013-2014 VISTA service year was very successful. The VISTA members developed key initiatives that helped to increase educational access, develop volunteer program, and address the educational success of underserved youth and college students throughout the State of Oregon. The numbers below are unable to truly capture the impact the VISTA team had throughout the year.
Volunteer Engagement
7,532 Student and community member volunteers engaged in co-curricular service
37,691 Hours of service facilitated
Resource Development
$75,833 Cash resources raised
$106,800 In-kind resources raised
Partnership Building
115 New Community partnerships established
180 Existing community partnerships expanded and supported (Annual goal: 100)
724 Community-based organizations contacted in outreach effort
Placement Sites
Chemeketa Community College, SalemConcordia UniversityInternational Carpe Diem FoundationLewis & Clark CollegeMarylhurst UniversityNational College of Natural MedicineOregon Campus CompactOregon State UniversityOregon State University, SalemPacific University Woodburn Campus
Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus
Portland State UniversityReed CollegeRoosevelt High SchoolSouthern Oregon UniversityUnited Way of Lane CountyUniversity of OregonUniversity of PortlandInternational Carpe Diem Foundation
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1.3 ORCC VISTA Program Calendar 2014-2015
Activities in BOLD are required.
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Due Date or Activity Date
Report/Activity
Period Covered (if applicable)
August 25-28, 2014
Pre-Service
Orientation (PSO)
Member participates in Pre-Service Orientation organized by CNCS
August 29, 2014
Member Start Date
Member begin serving at host sites
September 12, 2014
AmeriCorps 20th
Anniversary
Celebration
Optional Celebration at Portland State University
September 15-17, 2014
ORCC Program
Orientation
Required for all ORCC AmeriCorps Members
September 29 or October 1
Volunteer Managem
ent Training at Portland
State University
Optional Volunteer Management Training for AmeriCorps Members
September 30, 2014
AmeriCorps Launch Event at Portland
State University
Participate in skill-building workshops. Take an oath of service
October 3, 2014
Member Development Plan due to ORCC
Members and supervisors will work together to outline a development plan for the service year
October 25, 2014
Make A Differenc
e Day, National Day of Service
Plan or Participate in Service Event & Submit Report within two weeks
October 31, 2014
Winter Service
Plan form due to ORCC
Members and supervisors will work together to outline a plan for holiday leave time
December 2014
In-Service TrainingLocation/
Dates TBD
Members come together for continuing training
Reporting Period: Report Due Date: Special Action:August 29 – September 30 October 10
October 1 – 31 November 10November 1 – 30 December 10December 1 – 31 January 10January 1 – 31 February 10
February 1 – 28 March 10 Includes community partner & student surveys.
March 1 – 31 April 10April 1 – 30 May 10May 1 – 31 June 10June 1 – 30 July 10July 1 – 31 August 10August 1 – 30 August 25 Members may send in reports early.
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Oregon Campus Compact Theory of Change
1.4 Mission and Legacy of Corporation for National and Community Service
Mission StatementThe Corporation’s mission is to provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation’s educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results and to encourage all Americans to engage in such service. In doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as a people and provide educational opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
VISTA Mission and LegacyThe Corporation’s mission is to provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation’s educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs to achieve direct and demonstrable results and to encourage all Americans to engage in such service. In doing so, the Corporation will foster civic responsibility, strengthen the ties that bind us together as a people, and provide educational opportunity for those who make a substantial commitment to service.
The Mission of VISTATo start, strengthen, or expand programs, systems or services that help people move out of poverty.
VISTA Impact Facts Since 1965, over 190,000 people have served as VISTA volunteers working with local
organizations to strengthen communities and help people escape poverty. In 2012, VISTAs helped raise $170.1 million in funds and in-kind contributions for anti-poverty
efforts. In 2012, 8,165 VISTAs served with 1,132 anti-poverty programs. In 2012, VISTAs mobilized 1.1 million community volunteers who served a total of 11.7 million
hours. Eighty percent of former VISTA continue to volunteer in their communities after their term of
service ends.Additionally, in FY 2012:
2.5 million disadvantaged youth were served. 115,000 veterans and military family members were served. 12,610 veterans and military family members were engaged as community volunteers.
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1.5 Structure of National Service
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1.6 VISTA Project: Major Roles and Responsibilities
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps*VISTA Monitors progress toward achieving national program goals and priorities Allocates VISTA resources among the states Develops and implements training and technical assistance for members and leaders Administers member support services (i.e. health coverage, living allowance, education awards,
etc.)
CNCS Oregon State Office Helps projects refine goals and objectives Serves as a resource for VISTA projects and staff in the state Provides program development and technical assistance for current and potential VISTA projects Organizes Pre-Service Orientations and other training opportunities for members and staff Ensures that rules, regulations, and guidelines of programs are met
VISTA Project Director Selects host site institutions Recruits, selects, and places VISTA members in partnership with host campuses Develops project plan and performance measures Monitors progress of members and sites Provides training and technical assistance to site supervisors and host campuses Provides administrative support to members Reports project progress to CNCS
VISTA Leader Organizes and facilitates member trainings and meetings Communicates regularly with members, provides member support, and serves as liaison
between members, ORCC, and CNCS Generates resources for members and/or connects members with existing resources Assists Project Director with recruitment, reporting, and site visits, and monitoring progress of
members and sites
Site Supervisor Provides overall and day-to-day direction and support to members Recruits and selects member, and provides comprehensive on-site orientation and training Meets regularly with member (at least once per week) to provide supervision, resources, skill
development, professional and/or career development, equipment, assistance, etc. Provide regular positive and constructive performance feedback to member Ensure member does not perform any AmeriCorps*VISTA prohibited activities Complete all ORCC VISTA project requirements for site supervisors Have full and working knowledge of ORCC VISTA project goals and objectives as well as goals
and objectives specific to the campus and member’s work plan Report to and check in with ORCC about any problems, concerns, and success of your member
and project.
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VISTA Member Mobilize campus and community resources, increase the capacity of the campus to address
poverty, and ensure sustainability of initiatives Make every effort to achieve all goals and expected outcomes listed in VISTA Assignment
Description Serve the project on a full-time basis for one year Do not engage in prohibited and restricted activities Communicate regularly with site supervisor and VISTA Leader about progress, challenges,
concerns, and needs Attend all mandatory trainings, meetings, and events
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Section 2: ORCC VISTA Program Policies and Procedures VISTA Program Terms and Conditions
AmeriCorps Prohibited ActivitiesEmployment RestrictionsEducation RestrictionsPolitical Restrictions
VISTA Benefits Living AllowanceHealth CoverageApproval for LeaveJury Duty
VISTA TrainingVISTA Optional Benefits
Relocation and Settling InDriving to SiteDelinquent DebtsService Related Transportation and ReimbursementOptional Life InsuranceProtection of Public AssistanceChild Care Benefit
End of Term Benefits Education AwardStipendStudent Loan Forbearance & Deferment ComparisonNon-Competitive Eligibility (NCE)
ORCC VISTA Program Policies Time/TimesheetsLiving Allowance DisbursementVISTA Leave of Absence Health CareSite VisitsMonthly VISTA Progress ReportAlternative Spring Break
VISTA Education Policy While ServingTeleserve Policies Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary GuidelinesVISTA FAQs
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2.1 VISTA Program Terms and Conditions
For additional information about these topics, please refer to the Terms, Conditions and Benefits for VISTAs course or the VISTA Member Handbook on Vista Campus.
AmeriCorps Prohibited ActivitiesAmeriCorps VISTA Members may not perform specific activities in the course of their duties, while charging time to the AmeriCorps program, nor at the request of anyone including ORCC or the host site. Furthermore, members and staff may not engage in conduct that would associate the national program or the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) with prohibited activities. Host sites must become familiar with specific provisions described in CNCS’s formal regulation and the grant provisions.
While charging time to the AmeriCorps VISTA program, accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps program or CNCS, staff and Members may not engage in the following activities (see 45 CFR § 2520.65):
a. Attempting to influence legislation; b. Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; c. Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing; d. Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements; e. Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election
to any public office; f. Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political
parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials; g. Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program
that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization;
h. Providing a direct benefit to— I. A business organized for profit;
II. A labor union;III. A partisan political organization;IV. A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 related to engaging in political activities or substantial amount of lobbying except that nothing in these provisions shall be construed to prevent participants from engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and
V. An organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph g. above, unless CNCS assistance is not used to support those religious activities;
i. Conducting a voter registration drive or using CNCS funds to conduct a voter registration drive; j. Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and k. Such other activities as CNCS may prohibit.
AmeriCorps VISTA Members may not engage in the above activities directly or indirectly by recruiting, training, or managing others for the primary purpose of engaging in one of the activities listed above. Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate in the activities listed above on their initiative, on non-AmeriCorps time, and using non- CNCS funds. Individuals should not wear the AmeriCorps logo while doing so.
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Employment Restrictions While serving, VISTAs cannot work to supplement their living allowance. Earning outside income while serving as a VISTA is cause for termination.
Education RestrictionsThe VISTA is allowed to attend class(es) as long as s/he receives prior approval from ORCC. School attendance will most likely be approved as long as his/her studies do not interfere with his/her VISTA responsibilities. The VISTA, the supervisor, and the ORCC Program Manager will need to determine whether or not the class(es) will detract from his/her commitment to the VISTA project.
If a VISTA’s class(es) interferes with his/her VISTA responsibilities, the supervisor or ORCC Program Manager will discuss the issue with the VISTA.
What is the purpose of this policy?VISTA members and leaders may participate in classes, online or in-person, regardless of subject matter, during their service year. VISTA members and leaders are not required to justify a class’ relevance to their assignment or career development plan.
What are the responsibilities of VISTA members attending courses?The VISTA program is a full immersion experience. Coursework and class scheduling must not interfere with the operations of the VISTA project or the member’s ability to complete their tasks and responsibilities. A project’s needs supersede any course’s requirements.
What should VISTA members consider before enrolling in a course?VISTA members and leaders wishing to enroll in classes must discuss their plans to enroll in a course or courses with their supervisor to ensure that they will not interfere with the project. VISTA sponsors should consider the competing commitments of coursework and VISTA service. Sponsors should clearly advise applicants of the uniquely rigorous commitments regarding VISTA service in contrast to traditional employment.
Does the VISTA have to get approval before taking a class?No formal written approval is necessary. However, before enrolling in any class, VISTAs must discuss with their supervisors specific plans for enrollment, including the number of credit hours intended to be taken, the period of time of the class or classes, and the course schedule. If, after discussion with the VISTA, the project supervisor still has concerns about the VISTA’s plans to enroll in classes, the supervisor must immediately notify the Corporation State Office of the issue. In addition to notifying the Corporation State Office, going forward the VISTA project supervisor should monitor the VISTA or VISTA Leader’s performance to ensure that the class or classes do not interfere with VISTA service or the operations of the project.
What if coursework interferes with the responsibilities of the VISTA?Service to the organization and community takes precedence over coursework. If a VISTA member or leader is unable to complete assigned tasks or responsibilities due to coursework, the supervisor will contact the Corporation State Office. If schedules and demands of the sponsoring organization and the course cannot be balanced, the Corporation State Office will direct the VISTA member or leader to withdraw from the course. Failure to withdraw will be cause for termination from the VISTA program and forfeiture of all benefits.
Fraternization
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Relationships between VISTA members and the staff members (including volunteer and contracted personnel) of the Corporation, sponsoring organization, and the project site that are exploitive or that have the appearance of partially, preferential treatment, or the improper use of position for personal gain, are prejudicial to the morale of VISTA members and will not be tolerated. Relationships between members and the aforementioned staff members are forbidden if the relationship compromises or appears to compromise supervisory authority or could result in preferential treatment. Relationships are prohibited if they appear to involve the improper use of rank or position for personal gain.
All VISTA members must avoid nonprofessional relationships with other members or staff members that create real or perceived conflicts of interest, discord, or distractions that interfere with other members’ productivity, or potentially could result in charges of sexual harassment. These problems are serious in situations in which one person has authority over another.
Inappropriate relations include, but are not limited to:
A Corporation state office staff member and a VISTA supervisor within that state A Corporation state office staff member and VISTA member or Leader A VISTA supervisor and a VISTA member at the same project A VISTA leader and a VISTA member under their coordination
Such relationships are strictly forbidden and will not be tolerated. Violators may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal. Nonprofessional relationships between members and the aforementioned staff includes, but is not limited to:
Intimate/sexual relationships Borrowing or lending money, automobiles, or other personal property Engaging in financial or business dealings, or acting as an agent or sponsor with any commercial services Allowing services to be performed (compensated or uncompensated) that have no reasonable connection
with VISTA activities Gambling for goods, services, or money Any activity and/or relationship that, in the judgment of the Corporation state program director, may
reasonably be perceived to undermine discipline, good order, and/or morale Socializing that might lead to the perception of a relationship or overtures to activities listed above
Political Restrictions The Hatch Act applies to VISTA members at all times during their service, including certain activities during their off-duty hours. Your VISTA can’t engage in any political activity (either partisan or nonpartisan) that would result in identifying the VISTA program with the activity. While on duty or perceived to be identified with the VISTA program, VISTA members cannot show partisanship or work to direct resources (financial or human) to influence elections or legislation (e.g., lobby), engage in voter registration, or provide voter transportation to the polls.Specific examples of activities your VISTA CANNOT participate in as a VISTA, either on or off duty:
Soliciting or accepting from others monetary contributions for a partisan political candidate Pro-labor or anti-labor organizing Running for a partisan elected office
Note: You have the right to register and vote as you choose, express opinions about candidates and issues in a nonpublic context, contribute money to political organizations, and attend political meetings. You also may join and be a member of a political party or club, and sign nominating petitions if you do not identify these activities with VISTA or your sponsoring organization. Participating in prohibited political activities during the VISTA term of service is cause for termination.
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2.2 AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits & Policies
VISTA Living Allowance Covers basic needs – housing, food, utilities Varies in amount, depending on location – the rate is based on poverty guidelines for a single individual in
your area Is paid every two weeks via direct deposit Is taxable. Federal taxes are withheld, though state and local taxes, and Social Security are not – VISTAs
are responsible for paying these Does not qualify you to collect unemployment compensation after service. Is the only monetary compensation VISTAs can receive
The VISTA Living Allowance is dispersed twice monthly. Checks are submitted via direct deposit on the 15 th and last business day of each month. Please see the living allowance allocation calendar for exact times. The living allowance for members serving in Multnomah and Washington Counties is $11, 352. Members in all other counties receive a living allowance of 11,1In lieu of direct deposit, paper checks are available. If a check is lost, up to $50 stop-check fee may be imposed.
Living Allowance Calendar and Statement Information
Pay Period Direct Deposit Date
WA &Multnomah Counties
All other counties
8/15/2014 - 8/31/2014 9/5/2014 $228.82 $233.26
8/15/2014 - 8/31/2014 9/15/2014 $259.34 $264.36
9/1/2014 - 9/15/2014 9/30/2014 $457.64 $466.52
9/16/2014 - 9/30/2014 10/15/2014 $457.64 $466.52
10/1/2014 - 10/15/2014 10/31/2014 $457.64 $497.62
10/16/2014 - 10/31/2014 11/15/2014 $488.15 $466.52
11/1/2014 - 11/15/2014 11/30/2014 $457.64 $466.52
11/16/2014 - 11/30/2014 12/15/2014 $457.64 $466.52
12/1/2014 - 12/15/2014 12/31/2014 $457.64 $497.62
12/16/2014 - 12/31/2014 1/15/2015 $488.15 $466.52
1/1/2015 - 1/15/2015 1/30/2015 $457.64 $497.62
1/16/2015 - 1/31/2015 2/15/2015 $488.15 $466.52
2/1/2015 - 2/15/2015 2/28/2015 $457.64 $404.32
2/16/2015 - 2/28/2015 3/15/2015 $396.62 $466.52
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3/1/2015 - 3/15/2015 3/31/2015 $457.64 $497.62
3/16/2015 - 3/31/2015 4/15/2015 $488.15 $466.52
4/1/2015 - 4/15/2015 4/30/2015 $457.64 $466.52
4/16/2015 - 4/30/2015 5/15/2015 $457.64 $466.52
5/1/2015 - 5/15/2015 5/30/2015 $457.64 $497.62
5/16/2015 - 5/31/2015 6/15/2015 $488.15 $466.52
6/1/2015 - 6/15/2015 6/30/2015 $457.64 $466.52
6/16/2015 - 6/30/2015 7/15/2015 $457.64 $466.52
7/1/2015 - 7/15/2015 7/31/2015 $457.64 $497.62
7/16/2015 - 7/31/2015 8/15/2015 $488.15 $497.62
8/1/2015 - 8/15/2015 8/31/2015 $457.64 $466.52
8/16/2015 - 8/31/2015 9/15/2015 $228.82 $233.26
*The VISTA member living allowance will increase for the October 31, 2014 paycheck. A new living allowance calendar will be developed to allocate for the allowance increase.
VISTA Health CoverageVISTA members receive health coverage under the AmeriCorps Health Benefits Program. The benefit is covered by Seven Corners. The AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits is a basic health benefit package, and does not satisfy the individual responsibility requirement of the Affordable Care Act. VISTAs who do not have other coverage may be subject to a penalty, depending on their individual circumstances. Coverage begins when the individual is sworn-in and officially becomes a VISTA and ends at midnight the day service is terminated. Only the VISTA member is covered, not spouses or dependents. VISTAs pay a $5 co-pay for each visit to a medical office; $25 for an emergency room visit.
The Following Are Covered Most major medical and surgical costs Hospitalization Prescription drugs (for new and existing prescriptions including those for pre-existing conditions; see
Member Health Care Guide for prescription exclusions.) Certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care
Not Covered Certain costs associated with pre-existing conditions or any illness diagnosed or treated prior to PSO Routine physicals, except OBGYN visits Dental and eye exams
For questions about a VISTA’s specific situation and a complete list of what is and isn’t covered, your VISTA should view the Member Health Care Guide from Seven Corners: http://americorps.sevencorners.com. Additional health care policies are listed in the ORCC AmeriCorps Policies section of this handbook.
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Obtaining Health InsuranceWhile meeting the requirements of the ACA and obtaining health insurance is your own personal responsibility, we at ORCC want to ensure that you have the tools needed to go forward. Below you will find options that each of you has in order to meet the ACA. You are all eligible to receive health insurance through Cover Oregon, regardless of your state residency because you currently reside in Oregon.
Primary Health Care OptionsIt is important that VISTAs have information to help decide what healthcare coverage is available and works best for their individual circumstance. The following healthcare options may be available to individuals while they serve in the ORCC VISTA program.
Family healthcare coverage: If you are 26 or younger and on a parent’s plan, or married and covered by a spouse’s plan, you may continue this coverage during your term of service. You can even remain on your parent’s plan if you are married, not living with your parents, attending school, or not financially dependent on your parents. For more information about this option, please see https://www.healthcare.gov/can-i-keep-my-child-on-my-insurance-until-age-26/. If you are married, and you are already covered by your spouse’s healthcare plan when you enroll in the VISTA program, you may remain on your spouse’s plan while in VISTA service. For more information, please see https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-i-have-job-based-health-insurance/.
Healthcare coverage purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace: Every state has a Health Insurance Marketplace where you can shop for coverage and find out if you qualify for lower costs. You may be eligible to purchase a private insurance plan or enroll in Medicaid. For more information, please see https://www.healthcare.gov or http://www.coveroregon.com.
Medicaid or Medicare healthcare coverage, or military healthcare benefits: For those already receiving or eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or military healthcare benefits, you may still receive those benefits during your year of service. For more information about Medicare or Medicaid, please see: http://www.cms.gov/.
Secondary Health Care through AmeriCorps Health Benefit Plan AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan: The AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan is available to
members at no cost and covers most non-routine medical services, limited preventative care visits (e.g. an annual ob-gyn visit for women), medical emergencies, surgical, and hospitalization expenses, and certain prescription drug costs. The AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan is not insurance, but rather a basic health benefit package, and will not satisfy the individual responsibility requirement of the ACA. The plan does not cover pre-existing conditions or routine dental care. For more information about the AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan, please see the AmeriCorps Healthcare Guide or visit http://americorps.sevencorners.com/. If you would like to learn more about the AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan or discuss your eligibility, please contact the Plan's administrator, Seven Corners, 1-866- 699-4186.
All incoming VISTA members are automatically enrolled in the AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan. You may rely on coverage with this plan until you elect alternative healthcare coverage, or throughout your tenure in the VISTA program. You may also decline enrollment in the AmeriCorps Healthcare Benefits Plan. If you select alternative healthcare coverage, the AmeriCorps Health Benefit can serve as secondary coverage, if the member decides to keep it.
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At Pre-Service Orientation (PSO), you were asked to submit an Other Health Coverage Questionnaire or, if you wished to decline enrollment, a Waiver of Coverage form from the plan’s Administrator, Seven Corners, Inc. These forms are found online at:
Other Health Coverage Questionnaire: http://americorps.sevencorners.com/docs/other_coverage_questionnaire.pdf
Waiver of Coverage: http://americorps.sevencorners.com/docs/waiver.pdf
If you signed-up for new health insurance coverage since you became a VISTA and previously reported that you had no additional insurance when you initially enrolled with Seven Corners, you must resubmit the Other Health Coverage Questionnaire. Information about submission requirements is included at the bottom of the form. All information needs to be up-to-date to ensure that your claims are being processed correctly.
Oregon Health PlanYou are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) if your sole income is the AmeriCorps VISTA living allowance! If you are currently on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or would like to apply for OHP, no special enrollment period is required. To be eligible for OHP, you are required to be an Oregon resident and you must have an annual income less than $15,860.
Methods to Apply
1. Receive application assistance from a Cover Oregon community agent or partner. Go online or call 1-855-CoverOR. Applications take 45 days to get accepted but will cover insurance claims back to the day the app was submitted and potentially back to Jan 1.
2. Cover Oregon online application system3. Request paper forms from DHS or by calling 1-855-CoverOR
There is a special enrollment period for all AmeriCorps members, once they begin and end service. The next open enrollment period when you will be eligible to qualify for tax credits for your health insurance begins November 15, 2014 to enroll in health insurance plans that will begin on January 1, 2015. Anyone who does not have a qualified health plan that meets the minimum essential coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act may be subject to an individual shared responsibility payment (ISRP) when they file their taxes. Members are eligible to file for a hardship exemption from the ISRP for 2014 only. If you are not enrolled in a qualified health plan as of January 1, 2015 the ISRP increases to 2% of your income or $325 per person (whichever amount is higher). The moral of the story is: don’t wait to enroll! For more information on the ISRP visit https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-i-dont-have-health-coverage/. To learn more about applying for a hardship exemption, see the Qualifying for a Hardship Exemption instructions provided by Oregon Volunteers.
Oregon Health Plan Application Assistance Below, I have listed state agencies that will help you in your area, along with information about receiving quick assistance. For assistance applying to the Oregon Health Plan, call 800-699-9075 or find a community agent or partner in your area. This is a great way to ensure that you are signing up correctly and getting it submitted by a professional with knowledge of the health programs.
Portland: Multnomah County Health Department has group enrollment opportunities for OHP. You must call them directly to find out about upcoming enrollment times/dates at 503-988-2228.
Salem: Polk County Health and Human Services (1520 Plaza St NW) has outreach specialists who provide enrollment services on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-7pm.
Eugene: Community Health Centers of Lane County has access specialist who provide enrollment services during the week. Call 541-682-3585.
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Corvallis: Benton County Community Health Centers (530 NW 27th St) can help with enrollment. Call to schedule an appointment 541-766-6835
Ashland: Jackson County Public Health (1005 E. Main St, Medford) can help with enrollment. Call 541-770-7707. There are additional community organizations who can assist as well.
If You Are Not Eligible For Oregon Health PlanFor those of you with other circumstances (additional income, marriage, etc.), visit www.coveroregon.com to see what options you have for medical coverage. You are still eligible to receive application assistance if you need it. Please let us know if you need any help or assistance. We want to make sure you have everything you need!
Approved Leave: VISTA Teleservice ReportVISTA Members are enrolled by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and, as such, are expected to be in-service full-time at your campus for a full year. For extended campus closures or interruptions of campus operations due to scheduled closures, hazardous conditions, inclement weather, or other declared emergency situations causing work curtailment, VISTA members must use leave time or work from another location (teleserve) in order to ensure their service requirements are met. For all closures, vacations, personal/sick time, and flextime are made available for use. Teleservice reports are due to ORCC during the first month of service. For emergency situations, emergency leave may be made available with prior approval from CNCS. VISTAs are additionally permitted to teleserve once a pay period (every two weeks) if they want
Jury DutyVISTA members selected to serve as jurors are allowed to participate and will continue to receive all benefits, including living allowance, regardless of any reimbursement receive from the court. If a member is selected as a juror, they must inform their VISTA Leader as soon as possible.
VISTA TrainingAs a benefit of VISTA service, you will experience some training opportunities:
Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) – Formal training that introduces you to the VISTA program, its mission, history, and policies, and to her roles and responsibilities as a member.
On-Site Orientation and Training (OSOT) – Supervisor-led training to familiarize you with your sponsoring organization, project, community, and specific tasks required.
In-Service Training (IST)- There will be three ISTs throughout the year (September, December, and June) that will be held at various locations around Oregon. They are the only times the team is required to come together for training.
Each site is required to set aside $150 for each VISTA in service to receive training that will help to benefit their personal and professional development. ORCC will cover costs for three in-service trainings each year, along with a monthly learning community.
VISTA Relocation and Settling InIf you are moving more than 50 miles to a new community to begin service you are entitled to relocation assistance:
1. The Settling In Allowance Is intended to assist with initial settling in expenses (rental application fees, utility deposits, etc.). $550 as determined by the state office director. Is paid as a lump sum with your VISTA’s first living allowance payment.
2. Travel Relocation Reimbursement
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VISTAs will receive a relocation allowance based on the direct mileage between your home of record and VISTA project site, up to $1,000, regardless of the mode of transportation used. The relocation allowance may not cover all expenses that VISTAs incur or alleviate all inconveniences. Once the relocation request has been approved, the VISTA will arrange their own travel from home to service site. The mode of travel is up to the VISTA—air, rail, bus, or car. The dates of travel must be approved by the VISTA Member Support Unit. Remind VISTAs that they should NOT book any travel until they get an email from the VMSU with approved routing and reimbursement. VISTA also provides a travel allowance for travel from project site back to the home of record when service is completed. If you or your VISTA has questions, contact the VMSU.
Driving to SiteIf your site requires you to have a personal vehicle to complete the activities in your VISTA assignment, you can be reimbursed for mileage. You must complete and submit a V-81 form (Use of Vehicles or Public Transportation) through the MyAmeriCorps portal, prior to beginning service. If you have questions, contact your State Office or the VMSU via the National Service Hotline.
Delinquent Debts If you have delinquent federal or state debts, your travel allowance or miscellaneous reimbursements can
be reduced. These reimbursements are covered under the Treasury Offset program, administered by the Department
of Treasury, which assists government agencies in collecting delinquent debts.
Service-Related Transportation and ReimbursementRequired form:
V-81 form (Authorization of Privately Owned Vehicle at Site)
If you think you need to use a personal vehicle for service-related activities (other than the daily commute) you can get reimbursed for approved transportation expenses at the organization’s standard rate. If your organization has no standard rate, you will receive the federal mileage reimbursement rate ($0.56 per mile).
You will need to complete a V-81 form (Authorization of Privately Owned Vehicle at Site) prior to PSO to be reimbursed for mileage. This form is found at my.americorps.gov. Your VISTA will only be reimbursed if the V-81 form is on file. You can expect to be reimbursed within one month after submitting your mileage statement form to your supervisor.
Optional Life InsuranceVISTAs have the option to purchase life insurance. VISTA offers a group policy with the Reliance Standard Insurance Company. The premium is $2.07 per pay period which is deducted from his/her living allowance. To sign up for life insurance, your VISTA needs to complete Section I of the “Designation of Beneficiary/Waiver for CNCS Life Insurance” form found on my.americorps.gov. If your VISTA is not interested in life insurance, she needs to complete Section II of the “Designation of Beneficiary/Waiver for CNCS Life Insurance” form found on my.americorps.gov. Age range/Coverage: 18-59 years old: $19,600; 60-69 years old, $9,800; 70 and older: $4,900
Protection of Public AssistanceIf you and/or your family are receiving assistance or services under any federal, state, or local governmental program before entering AmeriCorps VISTA service, you won’t lose or have your benefits reduced by serving as a VISTA. This includes WIC/SNAP (replaced food stamps), TANF (replaced AFDC), Social Security Disability (SSI) payments, Veteran’s Benefits, subsidized housing programs (Section 8), and any child care subsidy provided by VISTA. If you become eligible for assistance while serving (such as turning 65), your living allowance income won’t be counted in determining eligibility for, or the level of, Social Security retirement benefits. If you were NOT
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receiving SNAP before joining VISTA, your living allowance WILL count as income in determining SNAP eligibility. The living allowance could decrease your SNAP allotment.
Public Assistance and the StateIf you receive cash assistance from the State of Oregon, talk with a state (or county) agency worker to learn if VISTA service will affect your eligibility. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (Welfare to Work Act) affects, in a number of ways, VISTA members who are eligible for or receive public assistance.
Child Care Benefit You may be eligible for a childcare benefit of up to $400 per month per child. Qualifying children must be under 13. Eligibility is based on income guidelines. All income of all family unit members living in the household is counted to determine eligibility. This
includes any wages, SSI, TANF, public assistance, unemployment, child support or alimony, worker’s compensation, retirement benefits, Social Security, and self-employment earnings.
You cannot receive childcare benefits from any other source if you are receiving VISTA childcare subsidies. Each state has set income limits. If your family unit income is above the limit, you cannot receive childcare
benefits. You should contact First Financial Associates for more information.
Education Award $5,645 for successfully completing a full year of service. Can only be used to pay for tuition/college costs and related expenses at Title IV schools and to repay
existing qualified student loans. Can access part or all, up to 7 years after your VISTA completes service. When any portion of it is used during a particular calendar year, it is considered taxable income in that
year. A person can only receive up to the value of two full-time awards in a lifetime. If the education award was selected, your VISTA can switch to the stipend before the end of her 10th
month of service.
End of Term Stipend $1,500 cash stipend, paid to you in your last 2 living allowance payments. It can be used however you want. If the stipend was selected, you can NOT switch to the education award. Some taxes are deducted when the payment is made.
When you are making your decision, you should consider the following:Do you plan to go to college, a technical or trade school, or attend any other credit or non-credit training program(s) after finishing service? If the answer could be yes, then you should consider that the Education Award can be used to pay for education costs at Title IV schools – these participate in federal student aid programs. Most two- and four-year institutions in the United States are Title IV schools, including thousands of technical and trade schools. You should contact the school you want to attend to make sure it is Title IV. VISTAs must select the education award or end-of-service stipend on the “End of Service Option” form in MyAmeriCorps.
Student Loan Forbearance & Deferment ComparisonForbearance (pairs with education award)
Loan interest continues to accrue, but when you complete your year of service, the National Service Trust will pay interest on their behalf.
However, these payments are considered income so you will have to pay taxes on the amount of interest paid by the Trust.
Reason for forbearance is “national service”.
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Deferment (pairs with stipend) For subsidized loans, accrued interest will automatically be paid by the Department of Education if the
loan is deferred. Your lender decides if you can defer your student loans during the year of service. The VISTA will need to obtain forms from their lender. Reason for deferment is “economic hardship”. Cancellation of part of her Perkins Loan may be an option.
Regardless of which route you take for student loans during your year of service, you should contact your lender ahead of time to make sure the type of loans you have are eligible for forbearance or deferment, and get details about what that means financially.
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) Non-Competitive Eligibility allows a VISTA who meets the minimum qualifications for a federal job to be hired by a federal agency, without having to compete with the general public.
If you satisfactorily complete one full year of service, you earn one year of non-competitive eligibility status from the day you complete your assignment.
NCE can be extended two additional years if an individual is in the military, Peace Corps, attending college, or engaged in another activity a hiring agency believes warrants an extension.
Day-to-day ScheduleVISTA Members are not required to serve a regular 8-5 Monday to Friday schedule. However, they need to accomplish the goals of their VAD and serve full-time. Your supervisor is responsible for approving personal leave for you. VISTAs should request approval in advance from their supervisor for personal leave and provide notice when possible of medical and emergency leave requests. Members receive 10 days they can use as sick/personal time and 10 days for vacation time (20 total days leave). It is important that you work with the member to ensure projects and activities that will keep your member active throughout the year on a full-time basis.
TimesheetVISTA timesheets are due on the 10th of every month. Each timesheet must be signed by the VISTA, the VISTA’s supervisor, and the VISTA Leader. Timesheets will reflect the time served from the 1st to the last day of each month. They also include one reflection story about the VISTAs efforts at their site, one challenge they encountered during the month and how it was addressed, and list the professional development activities they participated in.
Living Allowance Disbursement (Pay)The VISTA team must submit their timesheets to provide evidence of the hours they work. VISTAs are paid on the 15th and final working day of each month.
VISTA Leave of AbsenceVISTAs get personal, medical and holiday leave. They may also receive emergency leave if appropriate.
Type of Leave
# of Days
Description
Personal 10 Ten (10) personal days for vacation, personal days off, or for religious observances not given as holidays by your sponsoring organization.
Medical 10 Ten (10) days of medical leave for illness, injury, or medical appointments.
Emergency 5 Up to five (5) work days of emergency leave for death or critical
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illness of an immediate family member or if you are serving in an area where there has been a natural disaster and you must leave the area temporarily. Emergency leave is granted by the sponsoring organization with agreement of the state office. The VISTA program will purchase a ticket or reimburse you for actual travel expenses for the fastest regularly scheduled means of transportation from his site. The VISTA program will not cover expenses for international travel. VISTAs should contact Kendra, who will contact CNCS, if they need to travel for an emergency.
Flex Time Varies Flex time is determined by your supervisor. If you work more than the regular business hours, you and your supervisor can work together to flex future days to accommodate for the additional time spent at work.
Holidays Observed You receive any holidays recognized ORCC, rather than the holiday schedule of the placement site, i.e. Campus Host Site. ORCC’s Holiday schedule is as follows and VISTA Members receive time off for recognized holidays.
Holiday Schedule: Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Day after Thanksgiving Christmas Day Either Christmas Eve or the Day after Christmas New Year’s Day (observed) Memorial Day Independence Day
Site Visits The VISTA Program Manager and VISTA Leaders will do two site visits throughout the year. The first site visit will be by telephone. The second site visit will be in person. Site visits are meant to serve as an opportunity to visit the host site, support the VISTA, and provide assistance where needed. The VISTA Leader will plan the site visit with all parties. Typical visits include a campus or community tour, one-on-one meeting with the VISTA, one-on-one meeting with the supervisor, lunch for the VISTA, the ORCC VISTA Program Manager and VISTA Leaders, and a final meeting with all individuals to discuss program and personal goal setting.
Monthly VISTA Progress ReportRequired Monthly Reports:
Progress Report Community Partner Spreadsheet Attachments to all resources developed by VISTAs
Monthly VISTA program reports are due the 10th of every month. The purpose of the monthly progress report is to collect information about member progress and activities in a report for CNCS; track and document progress toward program and host site goals and objectives; provide an opportunity for site supervisors to assess the member’s progress in completing the goals of the VAD; collect stories and data to share with the public, legislators, and funders to promote the good works of ORCC AmeriCorps members; and provide an opportunity for the
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member to track, evaluate, and reflect on their service and impact in their community. Reports are collected through an online Google Drive form.
Progress Reports should include only activities and progress made during the reporting period listed on the reporting form. Reports are not cumulative and should reflect only the efforts of the AmeriCorps member, not the efforts of the entire department or institution (exceptions include projects that the AmeriCorps member directly supported). VISTAs should only include information about what you as the AmeriCorps member have done, not what you will do. VISTAs will also only report on activities completed or in progress during the reporting period.
Communicate about the best way for your site to regularly track this data throughout each reporting period and implement those tracking methods to make sure your information is accurate and up-to-date. Full names must be used when referring to people, departments or groups on campus, or community organizations. Do not use acronyms, abbreviations, or local jargon.
Reports are submitted online through a Google Drive Form. VISTAs must verify the information with their supervisor before submitting the progress report online. The Community Partner Spread Sheet includes information about partnerships developed and supported by ORCC VISTA members. ORCC is a clearinghouse for service-learning information and it is important for us to collect all the resources developed by our VISTAs. The tools and resources developed throughout the year will help future VISTAs build strong poverty alleviation programs on campuses and in the community. VISTAs must email the VISTA Leader any attachments that should be included in their report, including press clippings, flyers, handbooks, reflection guides, research, letters, etc.
Alternative BreakRequired Alternative Break Reports
Alternative Break Pre-Trip Approval Request ( due no later than 6 weeks prior to trip) Post Trip Report (due no later than 1 week after trip)
The ORCC VISTA program recognizes that Alternative Break (AB) programs can be an effective way to channel the efforts of highly talented and motivated university students to communities in desperate need of assistance. ORCC requires that AmeriCorps Members submit an AB Request Form prior to trip attendance. Requests are made to ORCC and are then submitted to CNCS for final approval. In addition to submitting a pre-trip approval request, Members must commit to submitting a post-trip report within one week of their return. All VISTAs MUST complete the Alternative Break Pre-Trip Approval Request no later than six weeks prior to the trip and a Post Trip Report due no later than 1 week after the trip.
In order to comply with the CNCS regulations, all AB programs must meet these requirements so that VISTAs can be sure to be in conformance with their program’s statutory purpose, legal framework, and programming principles.
Sustainability The target community is identified in the project application Project beneficiaries are involved in the planning, development, and implementation of the project. Either the university or the low-income community local to the university have an ongoing relationship
with either the AB program or the AB target community; the relationship is maintained after the VISTA’s departure.
Target community selection is prioritized as follows:o Communities local to the universityo Communities in the same state or region as the Universityo Communities outside the state or region of the university
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The AB volunteer efforts are part of a comprehensive program in the AB target community, similar to the principles AmeriCorps NCCC applies to its spikes and VISTA applies to Summer Associate projects.
The university has a plan to continue the AB program once the VISTA has developed the capacity of the university to maintain the program.
The VISTA is establishing an on-going AB volunteer generation program. The VISTA is not the individual primarily responsible for the project. (If they were the sole person, they
would essentially be replacing or supplanting full-time university staff).
Poverty Reduction/Alleviation The AB target community is in the United States and is low income/underserved Results are reported to demonstrate long-lasting positive effects in reducing/alleviating poverty
VISTAs may be permitted to go on AB trip if they Are influential in setting up the program, as described by their VISTA Assignment Description Have permission from their direct supervisor and check in at least once during the event Have permission from their State Office which is obtained at least one month prior to the
departure of the member. Will be documenting significant aspects of the trip for sustainability, noting what went well and
what could be improved (and how) and listing what outcomes were achieved. Are accompanied by a University staff member. A VISTA may never act as a chaperone.
Logistics Supervision on AB project is by the University staff member University and/or student volunteers assume all liabilities The services activities will not endanger the safety of the VISTA VISTA travel, including emergency travel if injured on-site, and lodging is university’s responsibility.
Appropriate housing, supervision, and other supports must be available to the VISTA.
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2.3 AmeriCorps VISTA Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Guidelines
The following Standards of Conduct have been developed to provide VISTA Members and site supervisors with standards regarding required behavior and disciplinary steps for improper conduct while serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member with Oregon Campus Compact (ORCC). Any behavior which affects a Member’s ability to perform in their service assignment, or that is not in the best interest of the host site, the VISTA project, or Oregon Campus Compact (ORCC) will be subject to review by the site supervisor and VISTA Program Manager and disciplinary action may be taken.
If a VISTA Member violates the Standards of Conduct, progressive discipline steps will be implemented. However, in some cases, depending on the severity of the violation, site supervisors may forgo verbal and written warnings and request that the VISTA be removed from the project by CNCS. Site supervisors and the Program Supervisor are responsible for determining the severity of the violation and for determining the appropriate disciplinary action.
The ORCC VISTA Program requires that AmeriCorps VISTA Members comply with the following Standards of Conduct. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in disciplinary action:
Be honest, act respectfully, and model integrity Follow site supervisor’s and Program Supervisor’s instructions Perform project responsibilities to the best of one’s ability Comply with the rules, standards, and expectations of the host site Adhere to dress codes and grooming standards of the host site Notify site supervisor of intent to be late or absent within 30 minutes of scheduled start Request permission from site supervisor to participate in activities that are not part of the VISTA’s regular
service Follow all AmeriCorps VISTA policies and procedures and do not participate in AmeriCorps Prohibited
Activities Do not use inappropriate or disrespectful language (i.e. profanity, name calling, etc.) Do not falsify time logs or other program records Do not engage in any activity that may physically or emotionally damage other VISTA Members, students,
clients, partners, site supervisors, staff, or other people from the community
Disciplinary Guidelines for Violations of the Standards of Conduct
First Offense: Verbal warning
Second Offense: Written warning or request to CNCS to remove the VISTA from the project
Third Offense: Request to CNCS to remove the VISTA from the project
In the case of severe violations of the Standards of Conduct, ORCC may request that CNCS remove the VISTA from the project without issuing warnings to the VISTA Member. In addition to the ORCC guidelines listed above, CNCS may terminate a VISTA member based on conduct (termination for cause) for the following reasons:
Conviction of a criminal offense under federal state, or local statute or ordinance Violation of any provision of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended, or a Corporation
regulation, policy, or guideline Failure, refusal, or inability to perform prescribed project duties as outlined in the project application or
assignment description and as directed by the sponsoring organization to which VISTA is assigned Involvement in activities that substantially interfere with performance of project duties
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Intentional false statement, omission, fraud, or deception in obtaining selection as a member Any conduct on the part of the VISTA that substantially diminishes their effectiveness as an AmeriCorps
VISTA member, including, but not limited to, acting in an unprofessional manner, failing to comply with sponsoring organization requirements, or skipping mandatory training sessions
Unsatisfactory performance of assignment Engagement in employment Unauthorized leave or absence (AWOL)
2.4 Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find it here, please visit the online AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Handbook at http://www.nationalservice.gov/help/vistahandbook/chapter1.html
What do Oregon Campus Compact (ORCC) VISTA members do?ORCC VISTA members work on a variety of projects related to building the capacity of their college or university to meet the needs of low-income populations through strong service and service-learning programming. While each campus will have its own specific focus area and goals, many ORCC VISTA members will focus on:
Establishing and strengthening campus-community partnerships with organizations that address the needs of low-income populations.
Working with faculty and staff to strengthen and coordinate service-learning courses and programs.
Recruiting, training, and placing volunteers Increasing student leadership and civic engagement Building the capacity for campuses to create sustainable service programming Planning and coordinating service days and projects
What are the goals of the ORCC VISTA Program?ORCC has four main goals for the VISTA Program:Increase student civic engagement and leadership in the community.Establish and/or strengthen academic service-learning programs and courses that address poverty.Increase the number of campus-community partnerships with organizations that serve low-income populations.Increase campus infrastructure and resources to support service and service-learning.
What benefits do AmeriCorps* VISTA members receive?
A subsistence allowance dispersed by the Corporation for National and Community Service in equal installments every two weeks. To receive this benefit, members must be an active in our program as demonstrated in monthly timesheets and other required documents. The living allowance is not a salary or a wage and it is taxed.
Health care is coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service. NOTE: It is important to remember that this is health CARE and NOT health insurance. The intention is that Members will be taken care of if something happens to them during their term of service. Preventative care may not be covered by the plan.
A childcare allowance is coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service (if eligible).
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Members will receive either an education award or a cash stipend upon successful completion of service (based on member selection during application process).
Interest payments on loans placed in forbearance. If the member has received forbearance on a qualified student loan during the term of service, the National Service Trust will repay a portion or all of the interest that accrued during the term of service upon successful completion of the program. The interest is taxed.
Loan Deferment is available based on economic hardship. Workers’ compensation for in-service injuries. Some campuses are able to offer free or reduced housing, a meal plan at the school, or a parking
or bus pass.
Who pays the living allowance and who provides the benefits?The Oregon Campus Compact provides the living allowance. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides health insurance and workers’ compensation to the AmeriCorps*VISTA members. The living allowance is paid in equal installments every two weeks. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) offers loan forbearance (if applicable) and provides the education award or cash stipend upon successful completion of the term of service.
Can sites pay the member to subsidize their small living allowance?Cash subsidies to the living allowance are not permitted. An AmeriCorps*VISTA member commits to a year of service, not a regular job. They are provided with a small living allowance to cover basic living expenses so they can devote the year to service. However, your organization or the community can help your member in other ways:Help VISTA member find affordable rentals or alternative living arrangementsProvide a vehicle for VISTA member to use for service or a bus passProvide VISTA member with reduced cost or free membership to a gym/community centerOffer VISTA member lunch tickets to the school or office cafeteria
What is the educational award and how does it work? When a member successfully completes a term of service, members submits a form to the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) stating the member has completed their year of service and is eligible for an education award. CNCS then sends the member a voucher in the mail and the award is posted on the member’s my.americorps.gov portal. The member can take this voucher to any Title IV educational institution to pay for individual classes, enrollment or to pay back student loans. The institution bills CNCS for the educational costs.
The member has up to seven years after completing the term of service to use the education award. It may be used in whole or in part over time. For example, a member may use $1,000 to pay off an existing student loan, return to school next year and use $2,000 to complete a bachelor’s degree, take a year off to travel in Europe and then use the balance to return to school for a master’s degree.
Things to remember about the education award:
It is taxable as income It is non-transferable
What is the stipend?
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If a member chooses to receive a cash stipend instead of the education award then upon completion of their year of service, members will receive either a cash stipend. This will be provided to them through the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Can a member hold a job or go to school while serving in AmeriCorps*VISTA?AmeriCorps*VISTA members commit to a year of full-time service through our program and the AmeriCorps*VISTA commitment takes precedence over all other commitments.
Members MAY NOT hold another job or position. Members MAY take classes as long as the classes do not interfere with their service and they receive prior
approval from ORCC.
What restrictions are placed on VISTA service?VISTAS must be focused on indirect, capacity-building service related to fighting poverty. Administrative work, direct service, or doing work that is commonly done by other staff is prohibited.
Is the member a volunteer or an employee?Neither. He or she is an AmeriCorps*VISTA member of the Oregon Campus Compact AmeriCorps* VISTA program, who is completing his or her service at your campus. It is important to make a distinction between your AmeriCorps*VISTA member and regular staff at your organization. Please do not use the term “employee”, “employment”, “staff”, “wages”, “paycheck” or any other term that implies the member’s service is employment.
What hours should the member serve?Members will serve full-time at your campus. If the campus works 37.5 hour weeks then the member will serve that amount of time. The member will be committed to the campus and their work plan, please support them and help them create balance in their lives. Members will serve full-time for a full-year with the campus. The member has holidays off (please see ORCC VISTA holiday policy) but cannot be absent from the site for extended institution closures or holiday breaks.
The calendar alerts you of ORCC/AmeriCorps*VISTA events. We recommend that you use this calendar as a guideline to plan the member’s schedule. Things to keep in mind:
AmeriCorps*VISTA members are not required to serve a regular 8-5 Monday to Friday schedule. However, they need to accomplish the goals of their work plan and work full-time.
Members receive 10 days they can use as sick-time/personal and 10 days as leave time. Members need to clear days off with their site supervisor.
It is important that you work with the member to ensure projects and activities that will keep your member active throughout the year on full-time bases.
How much supervision do VISTAs need?ORCC expects that site supervisors will meet face-to-face with their members for at least one hour per week, and will be available and accessible to VISTA through email and telephone as much as possible. It is important that the supervisor is available as a resource for the VISTA member when needed. The amount of direct supervision and support will vary depending on the member’s experience and skill level. ORCC expects that site supervisors will make every effort possible to ensure that members have the support and guidance they need to succeed in their projects.
What does the site application process look like?
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Once a campus decides to apply to host an ORCC VISTA, the first stage in the process is to submit the required application documents as outlined in an RFP to Oregon Campus Compact. Applications are reviewed by a review committee, and pending approval, applicants are invited to begin recruiting for a VISTA member. Site supervisors are also required to attend a site supervisor training and the site will be asked to file a memorandum of understanding between the institution and ORCC outlining the responsibilities of each party to the project.
How are VISTAs recruited?Advertising about the opportunity and recruiting potential applicants is foremost the responsibility of the host campus. ORCC posts the VISTA positions on a national recruitment website operated by CNCS through which all program applications and references are submitted. ORCC is responsible for the applications being screened and forwarded to host campuses to set up interviews. Host campuses are encouraged to use a variety of strategies to recruit their member (e.g. campus-based listservs, flyers, newspaper ads, etc.).
What training will ORCC or CNCS provide for the members?All VISTA members are required to attend a 3-day Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service before they can begin their term of service. At PSO, members learn about poverty and diversity, program basics, conditions and benefits of VISTA service, and information about health insurance and education awards. In addition to the PSO, ORCC provides several In-Service Trainings (IST) to members throughout the year. These trainings are between 2 – 3 days long, and include education about service-learning, campus-community partnership building, recruitment and support, planning service days, evaluating service programs and much more.
What happens if a member has an extended illness or accident?The site supervisor, the member and ORCC staff can work together to create a plan for the member to make-up the missed service time. The member may be able to pick up more evening and weekend service or he or she may choose to serve during a regularly scheduled vacation day. Members may also have access to emergency leave as approved by the Oregon State Office. If the illness is or accident makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for the member to complete his or her service, the member can withdraw from the program for compelling personal circumstances.
How do site supervisors discipline members?Since the AmeriCorps*VISTA member placed at your site is an AmeriCorps*VISTA member with Oregon Campus Compact, ORCC needs to be involved in the process of disciplining your member. Call the ORCC staff immediately if you have a disciplinary matter to discuss and we will explore implementing the disciplinary process. Ultimately, CNCS enrolls and exits members from VISTA service and CNCS has the final say in all disciplinary proceedings.
What happens if a member quits?AmeriCorps*VISTA members commit to a full-time full year with the program. However, sometimes members do leave mid-year. They do not receive any portion of their education award and exited from the program by “cause”. If a member leaves early the placement site will not be able to replace them for the service year.
Is there a grievance process for members?There is a grievance process for our members. See the Grievance Policy in the Member handbook at http://www.nationalservice.gov/help/vistahandbook/chapter13.html. All parties must follow the procedure when a member files a grievance.
Can a member complete his or her term of service early?
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No, members must commit to serving a full-year.
What is a site visit?ORCC will visit each member and his or her supervisor at least once during the term of service. This visit allows us to gain a better understanding of the member’s service, to learn more about any changes to the member’s project or position description, to learn about accomplishments and to address any challenges or compliance issues and to provide technical assistance. The visits usually take about four to five hours and consist of a meeting with member, a meeting with the site supervisor, and a meeting with the member, the site supervisor together, and a tour of relevant service areas. We will work with you and your member to plan the site visit.
Why are there so many policies?AmeriCorps is a federally funded program.
Do sites really need to follow all of the policies?It is very important that the sites follow all the guidelines and policies of the Corporation for National and Community Services and Oregon Campus Compact.
Equal Employment OpportunityAmeriCorps members are entitled to civil rights protections. When evaluating candidates, make only qualitative decisions relevant to the skills required to perform the duties of the position. Ask only questions that relate to essential functions of the position being sought. Do not ask questions relating to: age, marital status, children, dependents or family life (including ability to work overtime or travel), medical conditions or disabilities (commuting arrangements, sick leave, ability to perform marginal duties), sexual orientation or ethnic or racial background.
Drug Free Work PlaceThe Drug Free Workplace Act requires you, as a sub-grantee of a Federal program to give notice about the Act to your employees and members and to conduct a drug free awareness program. If one of your employees or members is arrested for or convicted of a drug offense, he or she must notify you in writing within five days and you must take appropriate action (including suspension and referral to a drug rehabilitation program, or release for cause consistent with the AmeriCorps’ rules on termination and suspension of service). You must report the conviction in writing within 10 days to ORCC, which must then notify the Corporation in writing. If program directors do not comply with this law, grants are subject to suspension, termination, or debarment proceedings.
Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork…AmeriCorps*VISTA requires documentation of:
Accomplishments – ORCC asks members to track activity via reporting forms and to complete quarterly reports.
Eligibility – CNCS and ORCC need documentation of citizenship status and age before the member can begin serving at the site.
Background check – If the member works with vulnerable populations. This is completed at the PSO.
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Section 3: Evaluation & AssessmentAll forms can be downloaded from the ORCC AmeriCorps VISTA website: http://orccamericorps.weebly.com/forms.htmlTips for Completing Progress Reports ORCC VISTA Progress Report Format
Due on the 10th of each month beginning October 2014. The purpose of progress reports is to allow you time to be reflective about your year of service as it is happening.
Monthly ORCC VISTA Timesheet
Due on the 10th of each month beginning October 2014.
Member Development Plan
Due October 1st 2014. Completed after you have had time to settle in to your community, the Member Development Plan helps manage the expectations you set for yourself. This is an opportunity to think ahead about accomplishments you desire to achieve during and after your AmeriCorps VISTA member experience.
VISTA Winter Service Plan
Due October 30th 2014,
Make a Difference Day of Service Report
Due November 7th 2014, two weeks after Make a Difference Day.
MLK Day of Service Report
Due January 30th 2015, two weeks after MLK Day of Service.
VISTA Member Performance Evaluation
Mid-Term Evaluation is due January 16th 2015 End of Term Evaluation is due July 17th 2015 You and your site supervisor complete Performance Evaluations together as a way to assess
your ongoing efforts and to intentionally direct your remaining time as a VISTA to mutually benefit you and your community.
Site Visit Packet
Site visits occur twice annually in fall and spring, specific dates TBD. This is an opportunity to show the VISTA Leaders and ORCC staff the projects you are working on, communicate site-specific concerns in person, and show off your accomplishments.
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3.1 Tips for Completing Progress ReportsThe purpose of the progress report is to:
Collect information about member progress and activities in a report for CNCS. Track and document progress toward program and host site goals and objectives. Provide an opportunity for site supervisors to assess the member’s progress in completing the
VAD work plan. Collect stories and data to share with the public, legislators, and funders to promote the good
works of ORCC AmeriCorps members. Provide an opportunity for the member to track, evaluate, and reflect on their service and impact
in their community.
Progress reports should be completed as a joint effort between the member and Supervisor. Both should take an active role in collecting information and completing the reports.
Reports are due to ORCC no later than 5:00 pm on the due date for each reporting period.
Things to remember:
Progress Reports should include only activities and progress made during the reporting period. Reports are not cumulative.
Reports should reflect only the efforts of the AmeriCorps member, not the efforts of the entire department or institution (exceptions include projects that the AmeriCorps member directly supported).
Only include information about what the AmeriCorps member has done, not what they will do. Only report on activities completed or in progress during the reporting period.
Use full names when referring to people, departments or groups on campus, or community organizations. Do not use acronyms, abbreviations, or local jargon.
The final report that is turned into CNCS will reflect the efforts of the whole program, not individual AmeriCorps members. Please report accurate numbers and information; this is in no way a competition.
Don’t worry if some questions need to be left blank or recorded as 0 because the member is not currently focusing on those activities (i.e. asset mapping, curricular service-learning, etc). Each site has a different focus and set of objectives.
The better your site is at tracking numbers and activities on an ongoing basis, the easier the report will be to complete. Communicate about the best way for your site to regularly track this data throughout each reporting period and implement these tracking methods to make sure your information is accurate and up-to-date.
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the ORCC AmeriCorps VISTA Leader or Program Supervisor.
Definitions of reporting terms
A volunteer is an individual who volunteers as a result of the work of the AmeriCorps member. Volunteers may provide direct or indirect service through curricular or co-curricular service-learning.
College Student Volunteers: Students who are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program.
Faculty / Staff Volunteers: Faculty and Staff at your host site that are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program.
Community Volunteers: Individuals (not including students, faculty, and staff from your host site) who are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program. Do not include other AmeriCorps members in this count. Can include partners, K-12 students, and other community members.
Baby Boomer Volunteers: Individuals born between (and including) 1946 and 1964 that are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program.
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Co-Curricular Programming: Service programming that is not connected to a service-learning course.
Service-Learning or Curricular Programming: Service programming that is connected to service-learning coursework.
Partnership: An agreement between the AmeriCorps member and the host site with a community organization, government agency, faith-based institution, etc. that advances the interest of both parties. An agreement can be in the form of a Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding, an agreement to co-manage an event, sharing of resources and / or information, etc. Does not include phone calls, acquaintances, or other informal interactions.
Outreach: Efforts by the AmeriCorps member to connect the host sites ideas, practices, and projects to the efforts of other organizations, groups, and other specific audiences.
Non-Cash or In-Kind Resources: Non-cash donations. May include the donation of food or personal items, t-shirts, a presenter who waived a speaker fee, the free use of a facility space etc.
Monetary Grants, Donations, and Fundraising: Donations of actual money. May include a monetary donation from a business or community organization, money raised through a fundraising event, cash brought into the campus or a community organization etc.
Guidelines for Telling Great Stories
While the data collected in the progress reports is important, it is important to also tell the story behind the numbers. In each report, the AmeriCorps member has the opportunity to reflect on and share an experience that was important to them during the reporting period. These stories also educate, inspire, and motivate people around service.
A great story requires reflection. Here are some questions for the AmeriCorps member to consider as s/he begins to write a great story:
What stands out as a defining moment in your service? What happened that wouldn’t have happened without you? What change occurred as the result of your efforts? Did you make a difference for an individual student or community member? Tell that person’s
story. What are you most proud of? What will you remember about your service years from now? How do you know you are making a difference?
What makes a story great?
It opens with a “hook” The audience identifies with the story It has a clear point It is about people, not organizations A few good stats are included It appeals to emotions It has good quotes or testimonials
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3.2 ORCC VISTA Report Format
This template should be completed and reviewed with a site supervisor before the final report is submitted online. Please be sure to save your completed report template so that you and your site will have documentation of your accomplishments. Once you submit your online report and the report has been reviewed by ORCC, a report summary will be emailed to you and your site supervisor.
Reports should be submitted to ORCC no later than 5:00 pm on the due date.
VISTA Name:
Host Site:
Which report is this? Please check the box for the appropriate reporting period:
Reporting Period: Reports Due: Reporting Period: Reports Due:
Aug. 29 – Sept. 30 October 10 March 1 – 31 April 10
October 1 – 31 November 10 April 1 – 30 May 10
November 1 – 30 December 10 May 1 – 31 June 10
December 1 – 31 January 10 June 1 – 30 July 10
January 1 – 31 February 10 July 1 – 31 August 10
February 1 – 28 March 10 August 1 – 31 August 30
KEY DEFINITIONS:
College Student Volunteers: Students who are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program.
Faculty/Staff Volunteers: Faculty/staff at your host site who are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program.
Community Volunteers: Individuals (not including students, faculty, and staff from your host site) who are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program. Do not include other AmeriCorps members in this count. Can include partners, K-12 students, and other community members.
Baby Boomer Volunteers: Individuals born between (and including) 1946 and 1964 that are recruited, coordinated, or supported by your program.
Economically Disadvantaged (defined in Sec. 211, part e. of the DVSA): 1) Any person whose income is not more than 200 percent of the poverty line defined in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)); and 2) any person whose income is not more that 100 percent of such poverty line.
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Co-Curricular Programming: Service programming that is not connected to a service-learning course.
Service-Learning Programming: Service programming that is connected to service-learning coursework.
Partnership: An agreement between the VISTA and the host site with a community organization, government agency, faith-based institution, etc. that advances the interest of both parties. An agreement can be in the form of a Memorandum of Agreement or Understanding, an agreement to co-manage an event, sharing of resources and / or information, etc. Does not include phone calls, acquaintances, or other informal interactions.
Outreach: Efforts by the VISTA member to connect the host sites ideas, practices, and projects to the efforts of other organizations, groups, and other specific audience.
Please read the instructions and complete all sections.
1. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Report on the total number of service participants and cumulative hours of service, only reflecting what has been completed during the reporting period. If a program is on-going, or the completion of a project happens directly following the reporting period, you should record all numbers that reflect what has happened up until the reporting period cut-off. Record the remainder of the project hours in the next progress report. Please reflect the demographics of participants as accurately as possible. An exception to this may be the Baby Boomers demographic, which you may record as “0” if unknown.
Be sure to record contact information for the students with whom you work. For CNCS reporting purposes, ORCC will conduct a student civic engagement survey during the spring of this service year. We will send this survey to each of you and you will need to forward it to students.
TABLE 1
Total # of participants(in each category) that served all co-curricular service programs that you managed and supported this period
(includes any ongoing community service projects, Community Service Federal Work
Study, and one-day service projects not connected to a service-learning course)
Total # of service hours performedby volunteers (in each category) that you recruited in all campus-wide, co-curricular service programming this period (includes any ongoing community service projects, Community Service Federal Work Study,
and one-day service projects not connected to a service-learning course)
College Students 1A. 1I.
Faculty/StaffMembers
1B. 1J.
Community Members (recruited)
1C. 1K.
Communit 1D.
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y Members (managed)
K-12 Youth 1E. 1L.
Baby Boomers 1F. 1M
.
Other AmeriCorps Members
1G.
1N.
Veterans & Military Fam.
1H.
COMBINED TOTALS:
SHORT ANSWER
1O. Total number of economically disadvantaged volunteers who served in your programs:
1P. Total number of disadvantaged children and youth who were served by your program?
1Q. Total number of individuals who were mentored through your program?
1R. Total number of economically disadvantaged veterans who were served by program?
1S. Total number of service projects / civic engagement events that you planned or supported during this reporting period:
List these projects and events with dates:
Describe the community impact of one of the above projects (i.e. what, so what, now what?):
Describe the ways in which you recruit volunteers/participants for these projects. What methods work best for you and your site? Have you developed any innovative recruitment strategies? What recruitment challenges have you experienced and how have you addressed these issues?
2. CAMPUS / COMMUNITY OUTREACH & PARTNERSHIPS
NOTE: Be sure to complete/update your Community Partner Spreadsheet in addition to the online reporting form for each report period.
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The table below and the Community Partner Spreadsheet are used to catalogue the partnerships that you develop and support over the service year. The information shared in this table will be used by ORCC to conduct a survey of community partners during the spring of this service year. The Community Partner Spreadsheet should include contact information the partners counted in the table. Please record a community partner organization or individual only once in the Community Partner Spreadsheet.
New Organizations: Reflects the outreach performed to organizations that are not current program partners.
Existing Partners: Reflects program-related communication and collaborations with an established program partner.
Community Partner Spreadsheet: Lists the name and contact information for all individuals and organizations with whom you collaborated and supported during the reporting period. Please record a community partner organization or individual only once in the Community Partner Spreadsheet.
TABLE 2Total # of community organizations
that you performed outreach to this period
Total # of community organizationsthat you developed partnerships with this
period
New Organizations
2A.
2C.
Existing Partners
2B.
2D.
COMBINED TOTALS:
SHORT ANSWER
In what ways have you developed and strengthened partnerships (with community organizations OR higher education institutions) that address poverty during this reporting period?
Describe the community impact of one community partner relationship created or supported this period:
Have you visited the Community Partner Spreadsheet and completed the requested information for each of the community organizations and/or individuals with whom you built or supported a partnership during this reporting period?
3. SERVICE-LEARNING
New Courses: Service-learning courses that are developed and/or implemented during the reporting period.
Existing Courses: Any existing service-learning course that you supported during the reporting period. Do not count the new courses in this number.
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TABLE 3
Total # of poverty-related service-learning courses that you supported during
this reporting period
Total # of faculty that you supported
in the development and expansion of service-
learning courses during this reporting period
Total # of college or university
students participating
in service-learning courses that you supported during
this reporting period
Total # of service hours completedby service-learning
participants (students) in
courses that you supported during
this reporting period
New Courses
3A.
3C.
3E.
3G.
Existing Courses
3B.
3D. 3F. 3H
.COMBINED TOTALS:
SHORT ANSWER
In what ways did you support service-learning courses, faculty, students, and service sites during this reporting period?
4. FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT
Many ORCC VISTA members engage in fundraising and development work to support poverty-related civic engagement and service-learning efforts. These resources include, but are not limited to, monetary funds (grants, monetary donations, and fundraising income) and in-kind donations (food, tools for your project, t-shirts, etc.).
SHORT ANSWER
4A. List the dollar value of monetary grants, donations, and fundraising that you generated during this reporting period:
Describe why each of the above resources was generated, where it came from (name or organization and contact/website), and how it was or will be used:
4B. List the dollar value of in-kind (non-monetary) donations that you generated during this reporting period:
Describe why each of the above resources was generated, where it came from (name or organization and contact/website), and how it was or will be used:
What is the total dollar value of all the monetary and in-kind resources you generated this month (add 4A and 4B)?
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5. RESOURCES/PROGRAM MATERIALS DEVELOPED
SHORT ANSWER
What is the total number of resources and tools that you developed during this reporting period (i.e. handbooks, tracking tools, promotional flyers, etc.)?
List and describe each resource that you developed. Please include why each resource was created and how will it be used:
6. TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Respond to each prompt in this section.
SHORT ANSWER
How many training events or workshops did you attended during this reporting period?
Please list and describe each training you attended including who led/sponsored them and how it will be useful to you this year.
Please also describe any training or technical assistance needs that you still have.
7. CAPACITY-BUILDING SERVICES
This section helps ORCC report on CNCS required priority areas. It is likely that you will not work on many of these categories during your term of service, but it is important to record all service activities accomplished under these themes.
Activities: Expand services, enhance delivery of services (plan), or generate additional resources.
Services: The delivery (action) of the activities to a client population.
Disadvantaged Youth: Includes those youth who are economically disadvantaged and one or more of the following areas: out-of-school youth, including out-of-school youth who are unemployed; aging out of foster care; limited English proficiency; homeless or have run away from home; at-risk to leave secondary school without a diploma, former juvenile offenders or at risk of delinquency; individuals with disabilities.
SHORT ANSWER
7A. Total number of staff and volunteers trained as a result of capacity-building services:
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7B. Total number of organizations that completed a community assessment identifying goals:
7C. Number of organizations with three or more effective volunteer management practices as a result of the work of the VISTA:
7D. Number of organizations that reporting that VISTA activities helped make the organization more efficient:
7E. Number of organizations that reporting that VISTA activities helped make the organization more effective:
7F. Number of new systems and business processes or enhancements:
7G. Number of organizations that have experienced an increase in requests:
TABLE 7Total # of activities
completed:Total # of services
offered:Total # of
disadvantaged youth receiving services:
Disaster Services 7H. 7I. 7J.
Economic Opportunity 7K. 7L. 7M.
Education 7N. 7O. 7P.
Environmental Stewardship
7Q.
7R. 7S.
Healthy Futures 7T. 7U. 7V.
Veterans & Military Families
7W. 7X. 7Y.
SHORT ANSWER
7Z. Number of veterans that received assistance:
7AA. Number of veterans’ family members that received assistance:
7AB. Number of family members of active-duty military that received assistance:
7AC. Number of active-duty military service members that received assistance:
8. NARRATIVES
ChallengesDescribe any challenges encountered during this reporting period. Be sure to include whether these challenges have been resolved, or, if they remain unresolved, the plans to address them.
StoriesPlease share one story that best communicates to the public how you get things done at your site and/or in your community. Particularly helpful are stories that include numerical results, measurable impact, and
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sustainable solutions.
Other AccomplishmentsDescribe in detail any additional projects or accomplishments related to building the capacity of your site to meet the needs of low-income populations.
9. PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
You should use this section as an opportunity to reflect and share stories in a creative and meaningful way. While the data collected in the quarterly report shows your quantitative impact, it is also important to tell the story behind the numbers. Please respond to the prompts in a way that is most appealing to you. You may choose to write an essay, create poetry, draw cartoons or other pictures, record a video or audio response, etc. The only requirement is that you are able to submit your reflection to us. Please plan to spend 30-45 minutes per question.
1. Please respond to this question in your October report.Describe your service site, the site’s community, and some of your initial experiences. Is it what you expected or have there been some surprises? How does your personal experience in college or other levels of education relate to your service?
2. Please respond to this question in your January report.Focus on an incident at your site that had a noticeable impact on you.
What? Report what happened, objectively. Without judgment or interpretation, describe in detail the facts of the incident.
So What? Describe what was learned and what difference the event made. Discuss your feelings, ideas, and analysis of the service experience.
Now What? What did you take away from the experience? Brainstorm how you will think or act in the future as a result of the experience. Will you make changes or did the experience demonstrate that your actions were effective?
3. Please respond to this question in your April report.Think of a person or group of people who took a small action, which produced a significant impact in the world. Using this story as a model, imagine how your actions at your service site could have a significant impact in the future. How could your actions impact the lives of the students and communities you are serving?
4. Please respond to this question in your July report.From your service experience, are you able to identify any underlying or over arching issues, which influence the academic achievement of students and impact whether or not they complete college? How are these issues and the organization at which you are serving affected by what is going on in the community? What could be done at a larger level to increase the number of students who successfully complete a higher education experience?
5. Please respond to this question in your August report.What impact has your service had on you personally? Did you learn anything about yourself, your ideals, or your values? Any realizations, insights, or especially strong lessons learned or half-glimpsed? Will this experience change the way you act or think in the future? How?
REPORT SUBMISSION
Verify the Information with your Supervisor: Once you have completed the report template, please
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share the information with your supervisor before submitting your progress report online.
Submit Online: Use the template to complete the online report through Google forms (link provided by VISTA Leader)
Update Community Partner Spreadsheet: Update this information in your tab on the Google spreadsheet (link provided by VISTA Leader)
Email Attachments: Please email the VISTA Leader any attachments you would like to include with your report (press clippings, flyers, handbooks, reflection guides, research, letters, etc.) ORCC is a clearinghouse for service-learning information and it is important for us to collect all the resources developed by our VISTAs. The tools and resources you develop this year will help future VISTAs build strong poverty alleviation programs on campuses and in the community!
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Timesheets can be downloaded from the VISTA Forms page on the ORCC website:
http://www.oregoncampuscompact.org/uploads/1/3/0/4/13042698/1415_vista_timesheet_template.docx
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3.4 Member Development Plan
Directions: After thoughtful consideration of what you hope to achieve this year, please complete this form and review it with your site supervisor. Keep a copy for yourself and submit a signed form to Oregon Campus Compact by October 1. This form will be referenced when member development requests are made and should be considered a working document to be revisited throughout the year. If any changes are made, please submit a new form to ORCC.
Member Name:
Institution:
Describe at least two service-related goals (not limited to project-related goals) you would like to achieve during your AmeriCorps term of service.
Describe at least two educational goals you would like to achieve during your AmeriCorps term of service.
Describe at least two professional goals that you would like to accomplish within the next five years
Describe what you hope to accomplish through reflection during the AmeriCorps term of service.
Describe at least two strategies that will enable you to accomplish the reflection goals listed above.
Based upon the goals and interests identified above, the AmeriCorps member will pursue the above-mentioned, individualized educational, professional, and service-related development activities during the AmeriCorps term of service.
Member Signature: Date:
Site Supervisor Signature: Date:
Program Manager Signature: Date:
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3.5 Winter Service PlanDue October 30
Directions: ORCC requires that all AmeriCorps VISTA members complete a Winter Service Plan Form to ensure that members and their supervisors have a plan for anticipating extended office closures due to holidays and winter breaks. Should a member experience an extended office closure, it will be helpful to think about how to make up that time while a member is away from the office. This does not mean that you can't take time off.
Member Name:
Institution:
Dates my site will be closed:
Please describe the major activities you will engage in during your site’s closure (e.g. volunteer time in your community, work on sustainability documents, planning for winter quarter/spring semester, work on assessment, etc). Include the location of service, either at a community partner or teleservice. VISTA members are allowed to teleserve one day per week.
Member Signature: Date:
Site Supervisor Signature: Date:
Program Manager Signature: Date:
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3.6 Make a Difference Day Report
What date did you participate in service and for how long?
Please describe the service activities you participated in and your level of involvement in the planning process? If this was an event you organized, please let us know.
About how many community volunteers participated? How many other AmeriCorps members were present?
How many community volunteers did you recruit (do not include other AmeriCorps members in this number)?
Did students from your organization participate? If so, how many?
What was successful about this service project?
What could be improved for the future?
Member Name Date
Please send to ORCC by November 7th
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3.7 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Report
What date did you participate in service and for how long?
Please describe the service activities you participated in and your level of involvement in the planning process? If this was an event you organized, please let us know.
About how many community volunteers participated? How many other AmeriCorps members were present?
How many community volunteers did you recruit (do not include other AmeriCorps members in this number)?
Did students from your organization participate? If so, how many?
What was successful about this service project?
What could be improved for the future?
Member Name Date
Please send to ORCC within two weeks of MLK Day
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3.8 VISTA Member Performance Evaluation
For completion and discussion by the site supervisors and VISTA and review by ORCC.
Mid-Term Evaluation: Due to ORCC by January 16, 2015 End of Term Evaluation: Due to ORCC by July 17, 2015
SUPERVISOR:
Please fill out this form electronically except the signature box.
PART ONE: Enter the VISTA’s key responsibilities (may use VMAD activities) and comment on their progress and competence in each area.
PART TWO: Reflect and respond to each question. Please feel free to add extra paper. All materials should be reviewed by the VISTA before s/he signs this evaluation.
After you and the VISTA have completed the written evaluation, please take time to talk about the evaluation with the VISTA (VISTAs will complete this form as a self-evaluation). Emphasis should be on praising where praise is due, and brainstorming reasons for challenges and ways to make necessary adjustments in performance.
Provide a print version of this evaluation for the VISTA to review, provide comments, and sign. When the VISTA has responded and signed your copy of the evaluation, please send your
original evaluation with both your signature and the VISTA’s signature to the ORCC VISTA Leader, along with the VISTA’s original self-evaluation.
VISTA MEMBER:
Please fill out this form electronically except the comments section and the signature box.
Please complete this form as a self-evaluation. Your supervisor(s) will complete the same evaluation and you will have a chance to go over it together and discuss the results.
After you have met with your supervisor(s) and read and discussed the evaluation, make comments in the space provided at the end of your supervisor’s version and sign your name.
Your comments should be written by hand and not be made electronically. Your signature should be in ink.
Return both your supervisor’s evaluation and your self-evaluation to your supervisor.
ORCC VISTA LEADER:
Please make your comments at the end, sign, and send copies to the supervisor and VISTA. The original copies will be kept in the VISTA’s file at ORCC.
FOR EVALUATION PERIOD ENDING: January 1, 2014 OR July 1, 2014
VISTA MEMBER NAME:
SUPERVISOR NAME(S):
PART ONE:
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
(Add rows or additional paper as needed)
PART TWO:
COMMUNICATION EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
How does the VISTA work with others (staff, students, community partners, faculty, etc.)?
How often and how well does the VISTA seek to be a team player? Does s/he help others during slow periods?
How successful is the VISTA in asking for and obtaining the cooperation of others?
How effectively does the VISTA resolve conflicts with others?
How effectively does the VISTA communicate questions or concerns?
KNOWLEDGE & INDEPENDENCE EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
How would you characterize the VISTA’s progress with regard to their key responsibilities? If not satisfactory, specify why not.
How does the VISTA judge, resolve, or seek help clarifying priorities?
How efficient is the VISTA in managing work?
How well is the VISTA able to take action without direction?
How often and how well does the VISTA seek out new and better ways of accomplishing a task?
How well and how often does the VISTA seek out new responsibilities?
How well does the VISTA meet deadlines?
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How complete and thorough is her/his work? Does the work often need close review?
GENERAL PROFESSIONALISM EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
How is the VISTA’s attendance, punctuality, requesting time off, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures?
Does the VISTA maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor when in service?
Does the VISTA maintain an appearance (grooming, attire, behavior) that is appropriate to the service assignment?
Describe the VISTA’s greatest achievement(s) during this evaluation period:
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SUPERVISOR’S OVERALL EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
GUIDE FOR EVALUATION:
Performance is superior; the VISTA consistently shows initiative and readily accepts new
responsibilities.
Performance is very good and above normal expectations.
Performance is satisfactory and meets minimum expectations.
Performance is generally less than satisfactory and requires improvement.
Performance is consistently unsatisfactory and immediate improvement is necessary.
SUPERVISOR COMMENTS (may be typed):
In the space below, please provide a summary of the VISTA’s overall performance. Feel free to use the guide above as a reference and please include your general feelings about the VISTA’s performance. Please also note specific areas of performance where improvements can be made.
SUPERVISOR NAME(S) & DATE:
THIS EVALUATION WAS DISCUSSED WITH VISTA MEMBER ON THIS DATE:
SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE(S):
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VISTA MEMBER REVIEW
VISTA MEMBER COMMENTS (should be handwritten):In the space below, please enter any comments you have about this evaluation. Feel free to include another sheet of paper if necessary.
VISTA MEMBER NAME & DATE:
THIS EVALUATION WAS DISCUSSED WITH ME ON THIS DATE:
VISTA MEMBER SIGNATURE:
VISTA LEADER REVIEW
VISTA LEADER COMMENTS (should be handwritten):In the space below, please enter any comments you have about this evaluation.
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VISTA LEADER NAME & DATE:
THIS EVALUATION WAS RECEIVED ON THIS DATE:
VISTA LEADER SIGNATURE:
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3.9 Alternative Spring Break (Pre-Trip Approval Request)
Pre-Trip Approval RequestOregon Campus Compact VISTA and the Retention Project recognizes that Alternative Break (AB) programs can be an effective way to channel the efforts of highly talented and motivated university students to communities in desperate need of assistance. ORCC requires that AmeriCorps Members submit an AB Request Form prior to trip attendance. Requests are made to ORCC and are then submitted to CNCS for final approval. In addition to submitting a pre-trip approval request, Members must commit to submitting a post-trip report within one week of their return.
Please complete the following form in detail and then scan and email to the ORCC VISTA Leaders
1. Pre Trip Approval Request DUE 6 weeks prior to trip2. Post Trip Report DUE 1 week after trip
SERVICE SITE, OFFICE:
MEMBER NAME:
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Alternative Break (AB) city of travel:
Dates of travel:# of Participants (including staff and other AmeriCorps Members):
Name of faculty and/or staff member/s who will supervise the trip (Note: AmeriCorps Members must have at least one college staff and/or faculty member accompany the trip):
Name of organization/s participants will serve:
Describe (in detail) the purpose of the trip and what participants will do:
How does the VISTA’s service site currently work to address issues for people currently facing poverty?
PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY
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What communities will participants serve? What is the target population(s)? Please describe.
How have the communities that participants will serve been involved in the planning and implementation of this trip?
Is this part of an ongoing relationship with the identified community? How will the relationship with the service site be maintained after the Member’s term of service?
Is the trip part of a larger effort and/or program in the area to serve the identified?
How will this trip be evaluated? How will the outcomes be measured?
ADDRESSING POVERTY
How will this trip serve low income and underserved communities?
How will this trip create long lasting effects that will help reduce and/or alleviate poverty in that community?
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3.10 Alternative Spring Break (Post-Trip Report)
Please complete the following form in detail and scan and email it to the ORCC VISTA Leaders
1. Pre Trip Approval Request DUE 6 weeks prior to trip2. Post Trip Report DUE 1 week after trip
SERVICE SITE, OFFICE:
MEMBER NAME:
What was successful about this trip?
What challenges did you experience?
How was the identified population served? What were the outcomes/impacts?
What was the larger/long-term effect on the community?
What did your volunteers learn? How did this experience increase their understanding and awareness of communities experiencing poverty?
How did your office and students fundraise for the trip? What was successful or unsuccessful?
Please tell us about any innovative things you’re doing to raise funds, provide scholarships, recruit advisors, or manage planning of your trip.
Are you planning any post-trip activities (i.e., local service activities, a presentation about your trip, additional reflection activities, post-trip celebration, etc.)?
What reflection tools and activities did you use on your trip? Were you satisfied with the reflection activities?
What else would you like us to know about this trip?
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3.11 VISTA Site Visit PacketSite Visit: Overview & Purpose
PURPOSE: To gain a better understanding of the AmeriCorps Member’s service To learn about any changes or desired changes to the Member’s project or VAD To learn about project accomplishments To learn about and address challenges To review compliance issues, if any
THE DAY OF THE VISIT (PROPOSED): Tour of site and Member’s work area. This can include the community and off-site locations if
applicable (i.e.; community service site, partner locations, etc.) One-on-one meeting with the AmeriCorps Member One-on-one meeting with site supervisor (and mentors, if desired) ORCC lunch with the AmeriCorps Member Meeting with the Member, site supervisor, ORCC Program Supervisor, and ORCC Leader to
discuss Goal Setting Worksheet
BEFOREHAND SITE SUPERVISOR & AMERICORPS MEMBER WILL: Complete Goal Setting Worksheet Look over the site visit questions. It is not necessary to write out answers to the questions Arrange for organization and/or community tour
BEFOREHAND ORCC STAFF WILL REVIEW: The AmeriCorps Member’s VAD Site / Member reports, if applicable
Communication from AmeriCorps Member and site Disciplinary issues for the AmeriCorps Member, if any Compliance issues for site, if any
AFTER THE VISIT IS COMPLETE: Program Supervisor will collect signatures below to verify completion of the site visit ORCC will send site visit report to Member and Supervisor within two weeks of the visit
Verification of Site Visit
The site visit questions and AmeriCorps Member growth and development goals, were discussed with ORCC staff, the site supervisor, and the ORCC AmeriCorps Member on:
Site Supervisor Signature:
AmeriCorps Member Signature:
ORCC Program Supervisor Signature:
ORCC Leader Signature:
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Site Visit: Member QuestionnaireTo be discussed with ORCC staff on day of visit
AmeriCorps Member Name:
Institution: Date:
DAY-TO-DAY SERVICE EXPERIENCE: Do you have an adequate workspace and access to a phone, computer, fax, e-mail,
and other resources necessary to perform your service?
How would you describe your service activities? (Explain what you do at your placement site.) Have there been any changes to your VAD?
Is the position what you anticipated? How so, and if not, why?
Are you making progress towards your VAD goals and are the goals realistic?
Do you feel like you have too little or too much to do?
What are your greatest accomplishments and what stands out for you as being a success?
What are your greatest challenges and what obstacles have you overcome?
PROJECT SUPPORT: Who on staff supervises, mentors, or work closely with you? How often does this
team meet?
What role does your supervisor play in assisting you with project planning, access to resources, reporting, and anything else you need to perform your service activities?
Do you feel comfortable raising concerns or issues with your supervisor?
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Is your supervisor supportive of your AmeriCorps commitments (i.e. trainings, meetings, etc.)?
How supportive is the organization as a whole of your projects and your role as a national service member?
SERVICE RESULTS & GOALS: Who do you feel are the beneficiaries of your service?
Do you feel that the service you’re providing is unique and would not otherwise be accomplished?
What personal and professional goals do you have for yourself at this point and do you feel that your service year is helping you to move forward in these areas?
TRAINING: When you started, did you feel prepared to perform your service activities?
What training have you received from your placement site?
What additional training would you benefit from?
What outside training opportunities have you sought out, if any?
NETWORK & NATIONAL SERVICE: Do you feel connected to the other ORCC AmeriCorps team members?
Do you feel connected to the AmeriCorps community at large and that you’re part of a national service movement?
What have been the benefits of working with the ORCC AmeriCorps Program?
What have been the challenges of working with the ORCC AmeriCorps Program?
Are there specific areas ORCC can provide you with further assistance?
OTHER COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, OR CONCERNS:
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Site Visit: Supervisor QuestionnaireTo be discussed with ORCC staff on day of visit
Supervisor Name:
Institution: Date:
DAY-TO-DAY SERVICE EXPERIENCE: Please describe the service the AmeriCorps Member is providing your organization.
What have been the results of the AmeriCorps Member’s work?
Is this on track with your expectations? Why or why not?
Has the Member’s initial role changed because of their individual skills, strengths, or any other reason?
Have you made any changes to the VAD?
PROJECT SUPPORT: Who on staff supervises, mentors, or works closely with the AmeriCorps Member?
How often does this team meet?
How often do you meet one-on-one with the AmeriCorps Member (When they started versus now, if different)?
What role do you play in assisting the AmeriCorps Member with project planning, access to resources, and reporting?
How often do you communicate positive and constructive feedback and what’s the most effective way you’ve discovered for communicating feedback?
One of the reasons for AmeriCorps Member attrition is that they don’t feel appreciated for the work they do. How do you ensure that the AmeriCorps Member
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realizes the strengths and contributions they bring to the organization and what practical means have you discovered for showing appreciation?
Have you had any problems, disciplinary or otherwise, with the AmeriCorps Member?
Do you have any policies or procedures to ensure the Member’s safety (i.e. the AmeriCorps Member provides their calendar when they travel to different project sites, has a cell phone in case they break down when traveling for business, is trained in the campus vehicle protocol, is aware of escape routes and lockdown procedures, etc.)?
SERVICE RESULTS & GOALS: What benefits do you feel the AmeriCorps Member is receiving from this year of
service?
Who benefits from the AmeriCorps Member’s service, both directly and indirectly?
Have you received any specific campus or community feedback on the Member’s work?
Do you feel that the service the AmeriCorps Member provides is unique and it would not otherwise be accomplished?
TRAINING: When the AmeriCorps Member started, do you feel they were prepared to serve the
community and meet the goals of their VAD?
What training have you provided or procured for the AmeriCorps Member?
What specific training would the AmeriCorps Member benefit from at this time?
FEEDBACK: Do you plan on applying for an AmeriCorps Member next year? If yes, what
questions or concerns do you have?
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What was your role in developing this AmeriCorps Member position/project? What changes do you anticipate making in the future?
Are there specific areas where the ORCC can provide you with further assistance?
OTHER COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, OR CONCERNS
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Site Visit: Project GoalsTo be completed beforehand and discussed with ORCC staff during the site visit.
In the table, please include a short overview of your institution’s goals for the AmeriCorps project and a brief description of how you currently utilize and plan to utilize AmeriCorps resources for the remainder of the service year.
Describe how your project fits with the following VISTA Guiding PrinciplesAnti-Poverty Focus: The goals of the AmeriCorps VISTA project should address helping individuals and communities out of poverty rather than focusing on making poverty more tolerable. How has having a VISTA at your site improved your school’s ability to prevent
individuals and families from entering poverty and/or helped people and communities transition out of poverty?
Site Goals/Accomplishments:
Capacity Building Endeavors: AmeriCorps VISTA achieves its mission by assigning members to organizations in order to expand the ability of those organizations to fight poverty.
How has hosting an ORCC VISTA mobilized campus resources and/or increased the capacity of your organization to better address the needs of the community?
Site Goals/Accomplishments:
Sustainability: It is crucial to the concept of local self-reliance that organizations plan for the eventual phase out of AmeriCorps VISTA Members and the absorption of their functions by other facets of the organization or community. What specific organizational strategies have you put in place to sustain the results
of the project? What is your plan for transitioning from VISTA resources?
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Site Visit: Member Goal SettingTo be completed beforehand and discussed with ORCC staff during the site visit.
To be completed by Site Supervisor and the AmeriCorps Member before the site visit. List three areas where the Member could benefit from additional growth. The outlined areas can be personal or professional. Please include a brief description of the area and a short plan for how the AmeriCorps Member plans to achieve the growth and development in these areas and how the site will support the Member in this effort.
Area 1:
Area 2:
Area 3:
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