AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders are a select group of former AmeriCorps VISTA members who help recruit, mentor, and coordinate teams of members serving with large projects or within a given region.
Only if you have demonstrated leadership skills and qualities during your initial term of service and want to accept a new level of responsibility, should you consider becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader. In return, you will gain access to valuable training and develop a portfolio of skills and experiences that will help you achieve your professional goals.
You must serve a complete term of service and perform in a successful manner before becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader.
Benefits of Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
In addition to the benefits all AmeriCorps VISTA members receive, AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders earn an increased subsistence allowance, participate in an intensive weeklong training, and gain access to skills that will help them pursue their long-term professional goals. Below are descriptions of the benefits provided to AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders.
Professional Development
AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders participate in a weeklong training designed to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to help recruit, coach, and coordinate teams of AmeriCorps VISTA members. Through training and their hands-on experiences, Leaders gain transferable skills in the following areas:
- project management;
- marketing and promotion;
- conflict-resolution and coaching;
- and fundraising and development.
Increased Subsistence Allowance
Every current Leader is eligible for a $200 per month increase in their subsistence allowance, effective beginning the date of their Leader assignment. If, however, the $200 per month increase raises the subsistence allowance above the federal or state minimum wage (whichever is higher), the Leader must be given the option of:
- retaining the lower subsistence allowance in order to retain public assistance payments, see 42 USC. Sec 5044 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act); or
- accepting the allowance increase, with an understanding that it may jeopardize eligibility for, or the level of governmental assistance including public assistance payments.
Health Care
All AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders receive health benefits in accordance with the provisions of the administrative contract between the Corporation and the benefits provider.
AmeriCorps Education Award
All Leaders who have not already received two AmeriCorps Education Awards may opt for the $4,725 Education Award, which can be used toward repaying outstanding qualified loans or toward future higher education programs.
End-Of-Service Stipend
Leaders who have completed terms of service as AmeriCorps VISTA members and do not choose the AmeriCorps Education Award accrue a $200 per month stipend, which they receive upon completion of their full year of service.
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