The Mission
The mission of AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is to eliminate poverty by creating permanent, sustainable, positive change in communities and the organizations that serve them.
VISTA requires organizations sponsoring VISTA members to develop multi-year programs with clear and sustainable objectives, and with the VISTA members assuming key roles.
What VISTA Service Can Do For You
Becoming an AmeriCorps*VISTA member enables you to do a great service for a community while you gain knowledge, work experience, skills, and earn money toward a college education OR a cash stipend. VISTA asks you to make a full-time commitment during your entire one-year term of service, no schooling outside the program or other employment.
VISTA members receive the following benefits:
- Living Allowance: $865 monthly
- End-of-Service/Year Award: $4,725 educational award OR $1,200 cash stipend
- Health Plan
- Child Care (if eligible)
- Training & Travel Costs
- Relocation Allowance
- Baggage/Shipping Allowance
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about joining VISTA.
The RCAA VISTA Project
RCAA recruits, trains, and supports VISTA members and coordinates their placement at service organizations or government agencies in Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino Counties.
RCAA did extensive research with the goal of identifying the needs and assets of low-income communities and residents of Humboldt County. Then, with the assistance of the Volunteer Center of the Redwoods' North Coast Regional Network of Service & Volunteerism and the broader community, RCAA and other local service providers developed strategies for creating positive change.
Our local network identified the following areas of need:
- Raise community awareness of the identified needs and solutions
- Increase resources available to address the needs
- Improve systems for delivering service
- Improve shared activities among service providers
VISTA members spend a year helping to meet these needs in a variety of ways.