Supervisors use the Volunteer Assignment Description (or VAD) at many stages of the member's service year:

• They review the VAD with the applicant during the initial interview
• They Provide VISTAs with a copy of their VAD to bring to PSO
• They refer to the VAD during OSOT to set member goals and expectations

A clear understanding of the VAD helps avoid confusion over what's expected of your VISTA. Use it at the beginning of the term to see what the year ahead should look like. Go back to it every few months to develop short-term plans.

If used right, the VAD provides direction for the member and allows supervisors to talk about what's working and what's not.

Read these tips about ways to use the VAD in planning.

Go on to VADS: A Problem-Solving Tool