Recruitment and Placement

• Develop a Recruitment Plan
• Identify Your Recruitment Needs
• Advertise and Market Your Position
  • Recruiting for Retention
    • Providing Site Descriptions
    • Differentiating between VISTA and AmeriCorps
    • Using Targeted Screening
    • An Early Introduction to the Living Allowance
    • Serving a Second Term
  • Recruiting for Diversity
  • Choosing Outreach Channels
  • Creating Marketing Materials
  • Helping Partner Sites Recruit
• Screen and Place New Members
• Prepare for New Members

Home > Recruitment and Placement > Advertise and Market Your Position > Recruiting for Retention > An Early Introduction to the Living Allowance

An Early Introduction to the Living Allowance

Members apply for food stamps BEFORE Pre-Service Orientation

If VISTA applicants have a realistic idea of what it's like to survive on the living allowance, there's a greater chance they'll stick with the program. Dustin Speakman of The Ohio Benefit Bank (Columbus, OH) encourages new recruits to apply for food stamps, if appropriate.

Members see how food stamps may help them stretch their stipend

First, Speakman gives new members a Sample VISTA Monthly Budget with and without food stamps. He explains that applying for food stamps before PSO can increase the amount of their total benefit.

Click the play button to hear Speakman describe how this process gives new members insights into their clients and their VISTA service.

Members reflect on their experience applying for assistance

Members fill out a survey about applying for food stamps. At their first meeting after PSO, they talk about what they experienced. Click the play button to hear Speakman discuss what a typical debriefing reveals.

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