VISTA: Volunteers in Service to America

For more than 50 years, VISTA members have been on the forefront of ending poverty in America. Administered locally by Opportunity Council, we help match volunteers willing to make a year-long, fulltime to commitment to local non-profits with anti-poverty programs that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Become a VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service that places people for one year, full-time, with nonprofits that are working to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. VISTAs work exclusively through indirect service, which means they’re working to build capacity more behind the scenes. Capacity building is tasks and activities to create, expand or strengthen systems or processes in order to increase an organization’s ability to function effectively and meet its mission.

VISTA Benefits:

  • Biweekly stipend
  • Relocation allowance
  • Loan forbearance
  • Medical Allowance & food benefits
  • End of year service award OR education award
  • Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment
  • Valuable skills, training, and work experience
  • Be a part of a national movement working to alleviate poverty

For more information about the VISTA program contact: VISTA Program Specialist, Celine Parton, celine_parton@nulloppco.org

Current VISTA Openings

OCRC Community Building VISTA (Remote or In-person)

Application Deadline: December 18th, 2024

Orcas Community Resource Center provides essential services for Orcas Island community members facing economic and social challenges, addressing areas like housing, healthcare, financial literacy, and mental health support. The Community Building VISTA will work to improve OCRC services, foster community partnerships, and create pathways to economic stability.

Read More & Apply →

WDRC Development & Outreach VISTA (Hybrid or In-person)

Application Deadline: December 18th, 2024

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center in Bellingham is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit with a vision for Whatcom County to be a community in which people approach conflict in creative and healthy ways. The focus of the Development & Outreach VISTA position is three-fold: to 1) increase low-income clients’ access to conflict prevention and intervention services by building and promoting awareness of the organization, 2) increase the WDRC’s capacity to secure and leverage financial resources, and 3) increase the WDRC’s capacity to engage and retain valuable volunteers.

Read More & Apply →

Readiness to Learn Capacity Building VISTA (Hybrid or In-person)

Application Deadline: December 18th, 2024

Readiness To Learn is small but robust human service organization on South Whidbey Island that works to create opportunities for students and families to thrive despite their financial situation. The Capacity Building VISTA will collaborate with our staff and Board of Directors to create our fundraising calendar and practices, to understand and augment our internal data processes and to create a robust framework for volunteer recruitment, placement and retention.

Read More & Apply →

For Partner Agencies

How to Apply:

  • Step 1: Complete the Concept Paper Narrative
    • This paper introduces your organization and summarizes the proposed project.

Once Accepted:

  • Step 2: Complete the VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)
    • This will break down the goals you have for the project and the activities that comprise each goal.

Program Costs: The total cost for 1 year is $7,404.79. The non-refundable payment includes $5,704.79 which covers the living stipend reimbursement and an administrative fee equal to $1,700.00 for the project year. Costs are subject to change and are based on fees charged to the Opportunity Council from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

For more information or to receive application materials contact: VISTA Program Specialist, Celine Parton, celine_parton@nulloppco.org