Service Opportunity Post-Graduation

Interested in serving others for the greater social good after graduation? Consider the opportunities at AmeriCorps VISTA:

http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista

Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend after completing their service. About 8,000 VISTAs are placed each year in more than 1,100 projects in low-income communities around the country

VISTA members generally do not provide direct services, such as tutoring children or building homes. Instead, they focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic develop, and otherwise assist low-income communities. VISTAs develop programs to meet a need, write grants, and recruit and train volunteers. As a VISTA, you can:

• Create an adult literacy awareness campaign and recruit volunteer tutors.
• Set up transitional housing dedicated to helping the homeless turn their lives around.
• Expand programs to help low-income families obtain affordable health insurance.
• Recruit mentors for children of incarcerated parents.
• Organize shelter and job opportunities for victims of disasters.