Understanding what you expect your members to be able to do and what they will get out of the position will help you find and evaluate candidates.
Start by identifying:
- The number of members needed
- The role of each member
- Service dates for each member
- The skills, knowledge, attitudes and aptitudes needed for each position
- The opportunities and benefits a member will get through the assignment
Then use this information to create a position description that clearly identifies the tasks and responsibilities of the member. For VISTA programs, this is called the VISTA Assignment Description (VAD).
Basic requirements
As you're planning your recruitment effort, keep in mind these basic member requirements for your program.
| AmeriCorps | VISTA |
|---|---|
| • Members must be at least 18 years old. (Some programs allow 17-year-olds to serve, with parental permission, or 16-year-olds if they are out of school and participating in a youth corps program.) | • VISTA members generally serve full-time for 12 months. Members must be at least 18 years old. |
| • Members must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Members must have a high school diploma/GED or be willing to earn one while serving. | • Members must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Some programs require VISTAs to have college degrees or at least three years work experience. |
| • Most AmeriCorps programs require members to serve a minimum number of hours (commonly 1,700 for a full-time member), participate in trainings and service projects, and successfully complete their term to be eligible for an education award. | • Members generally serve full-time for 12 months. Because they must be available to their communities regardless of regular work hours, VISTA members are also prohibited from accepting outside employment. All VISTAs attend a Pre-Service Orientation prior to enrolling, and must successfully complete their service terms to be eligible for an education award or stipend. All VISTAs must also be fingerprinted at their Pre-Service Orientation and have a background check completed. |
| Click here for a sample of one AmeriCorps program's placement requirements and recommendations. |
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