Wednesday, September 17, 2008
CONTACT: Anne Bentzel
Phone: 202-606-7576
Email: abentzel@cns.gov
Washington, DC - The Corporation for National and Community Service launched new radio public service announcements today at the National Association of Broadcasters’ annual Radio Show in Austin to enlist Americans to "fight poverty with passion" by joining VISTA, the AmeriCorps program that fights poverty.
The "Fight Poverty with Passion" campaign draws attention to the more than 37 million Americans who live in poverty and to the changing face of poverty, which today is often hidden and found within working families. It encourages Americans to dedicate a year of their lives to fight poverty by joining VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).
VISTAs tackle poverty by giving individuals the tools they need to rise above poverty and providing organizations with they capacity they need to expand their reach and operate more effectively. VISTAs raise funds, recruit community volunteers, and design sustainable programs that get to the heart of the problem. VISTAs serve with large national nonprofits -- such as Habitat for Humanity, ACCION, One Economy, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America -- as well as with very small community and faith-based organizations.
"A VISTA is a catalyst for change," said VISTA Director Jean Whaley. "VISTAs channel their ideals and energy into becoming poverty-fighters who build successful and sustainable programs that help people and communities lift themselves out of poverty."
The "Fight Poverty with Passion" bilingual (Spanish) radio spots drive potential recruits to visit AmeriCorps.gov or call 800-942-2677 to apply. The two spots are titled:
- POVERTY FIGHTER NEEDED, which features two college-aged students talking about the benefits of joining AmeriCorps VISTA and the need to fight poverty in America.
- POVERTY RUNS DEEP, which talks about the sometimes hidden faces of poverty in America and encourages volunteers to join the fight against poverty by joining AmeriCorps VISTA.
In return for a year of service, VISTAs receive a variety of benefits, including a modest living allowance, health care, and relocation expenses. At the completion of their term of service, VISTAs also receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to use toward college or to pay off qualified student loans, or VISTAs can choose to receive a stipend of $1,200. While VISTAs appreciate these benefits, many say the most attractive part of VISTA is the skills and leadership they gain and the deep sense of satisfaction they feel when they know they’ve made a difference.
To download the radio spots, live announcer copy, or related web banners, visit http://www.americorps.gov.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The mission of the Corporation is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement though volunteering and service. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov.
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