MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Program Frequently Asked Questions
How many MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA members are there?
MCC AmeriCorps*VISTAs are placed at different host site campuses across the state of Michigan. In 2008-2009, MCC AmeriCorps*VISTAs will be placed at up to16 host sites across the state.
When do MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve?
MCC AmeriCorps*VISTAs must attend pre-service orientation (PSO) before they begin their year of national service. The MCC VISTA year of service begins the day following PSO and extends for 365 days. This year’s PSO will be held in Massachusetts from July 20th-July 25 2008. In some cases, VISTA members may be able to begin living and serving at a host site prior to pre-service orientation, but these days do not count toward the year of VISTA service.
How do I apply to become an MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA member?
To apply, complete the AmeriCorps online application during recruiting periods by following the instructions on this website.
When will MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA members be interviewed and placed?
Interviews will take place as MCC receives qualified candidates. The sooner a candidate applies, the sooner he/she will take part in a 30 minute telephone interview with MCC. Following this interview, candidates are then forwarded to campus host sites based on their preferences and qualifications.
Do candidates have a choice in where they are placed?
We encourage applicants to keep an open mind about campus host site location. We cannot guarantee that there will be an available position at a specific institution when someone applies. However, applicant preferences, as well as qualifications, will weigh heavily in our decisions to interview applicants for particular institutions.
Is an AmeriCorps*VISTA opportunity considered employment or volunteerism?
Neither, actually. It is national service - a commitment to serve community and country.
How many hours per week does an MCC AmeriCorps* VISTA work?
An MCC AmeriCorps* VISTA position is a full-time, twelve-month commitment without regard for regular business hours. AmeriCorps* VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. It is not a 9 to 5 job. Each host site may require different working hours, which may include evening and weekend responsibilities. VISTA members are expected to be available for the needs of the community and project at all times.
May I have another job while I'm an MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps* VISTA members should not have outside employment.
May I go to school while I'm an MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA?
VISTA members should not take classes unless they directly relate to their service and they have approval from their MCC and Host Site supervisors. These situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Do MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA members receive any time off during the year of service?
Time off is negotiated with each host site supervisor. Many vacations will coincide with the academic calendar of each particular institution. At minimum, VISTA members are entitled to 10 personal and 10 sick days over the course of their year of service.
How is the living allowance calculated?
The living allowance is the amount of money provided to each AmeriCorps* VISTA member to cover basic living necessities during the year of service. It is set at approximately the poverty level of a single individual. It varies based on the county of each program.
When and how are AmeriCorps*VISTA members paid?
VISTA members receive a portion of their living allowance every two weeks. It will be deposited directly into a bank account. During pre-service orientation (PSO), VISTA members complete a direct deposit form.
Do AmeriCorps*VISTA members pay taxes?
Federal taxes are withheld from the living allowance. State, local, and Social Security (FICA) taxes are not withheld. AmeriCorps* VISTA members are responsible for including their living allowance on their state and local tax returns.
May AmeriCorps*VISTA members collect unemployment compensation?
Even though AmeriCorps* VISTA service is not considered a "job," Michigan does not allow the collection of unemployment compensation because VISTA members are not available to look for a job.
How do I use the End-of-Service Education Award?
Upon satisfactory completion of a full year of service, VISTA members are eligible to receive a $4,725 education award paid in the form of a voucher for education expenses. After the completion of a full year of service, the AmeriCorps Trust Fund is notified to establish an account for the VISTA and to mail an Education Award voucher to the VISTA . The Education Award can be used to 1) repay qualified student loans or 2) pay all of part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education. The Education Award is not transferable to a spouse, child, or other family member and must be used within seven years of the date the VISTA finishes service.
What if I do not want an Education Award?
VISTA members may elect a $1,200 cash stipend instead of the Education Award. VISTA members must choose either the Education Award or the cash stipend during pre-service orientation.
How do I postpone the repayment of my student loans?
If VISTA members elect the Education Award, they are eligible for "forbearance" on student loans based on national service. The AmeriCorps Trust will pay interest on the VISTA ' s behalf upon completion of service after receipt of an Interest Accrual Form. The interest payment is not deducted from the Education Award. If VISTA members elect the cash stipend, they may be eligible for loan "deferment" based on criteria such as economic hardship at the discretion of the lender. The type of deferment will depend on the type and date of the loan.
What do I need to know about AmeriCorps*VISTA health coverage?
Health coverage begins on the first day of AmeriCorps*VISTA training and ends at midnight on your termination date. Coverage includes payment for most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision, and maternity care. Some medical costs not covered include: routine physicals, dental exams, and eye exams; medical costs associated with pre-existing conditions (except prescription medications); chiropractic visits and procedures; substance abuse; and allergy tests. Coverage only applies to the VISTA member. Dependents cannot be covered under this plan. A $5.00 co-pay is required for all medical office visits. For more information about coverage, please visit: http://www.americorps.sevencorners.com.
Does AmeriCorps*VISTA provide childcare?
VISTA members who have dependent children may be eligible for child care support administered through the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies. VISTA members must be income eligible to participate. Child care is limited to $300 per month per family regardless of the number of children. Forms and more information will be provided during pre-service orientation.
What do MCC AmeriCorps*VISTA members do on campus?
State Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA members have proven to be effective in several important areas: the building of relationships with community organizations; the development of a permanent position related to service; supplying the human-based resources and skill-based actions necessary for making service happen on campuses; their presence connects campuses to a broader network of service and service-related knowledge; and they act as representatives of a national service model that endorses and legitimizes community service.
Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps *VISTA Activities: Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA members coordinate and provide service opportunities for college students addressing the needs of the community. MCC *VISTAS build relationships with community organizations linking the colleges and universities to the community. MCC *VISTAS provide leadership in the community and on campus promoting community involvement, service, and civic engagement.
Example Projects:
- Recruit, train, and coordinate student volunteers
- Provide leadership development, training, and reflection activities to volunteers
- Recruit new student and community volunteers
- Participate in service learning and co-curricular service
- Present to local businesses, community, and campus events on service opportunities
- Match community organizations with appropriate college or university resources, projects, or personnel
- Educate students and campuses about community needs and poverty-related issues
- Develop partnerships with community agencies focusing on children and youth living in poverty
- Work on creating sustainable programming and partnerships
To give an idea of the kinds of things MCC VISTAs do, below are the overall program goals. The objectives of each individual campus host site will fit into these goals.
Goal #1:
MCC AmeriCorps*VISTAs will create and sustain effective partnerships between higher education institutions and community organizations that address the needs of those in poverty in Michigan communities, with special emphasis on those impacting children and youth.
Goal #2:
MCC AmeriCorps*VISTAs will provide leadership for and coordinate community service and/or service-learning initiatives to connect those on college campuses with community organizations that address the needs of those in poverty in Michigan communities.
Goal #3:
MCC AmeriCorps*VISTAs will promote and document effective partnerships between higher education institutions and community organizations in order to build public awareness of the needs of those in poverty in Michigan communities and the responsibility of all to address these needs.
Still have questions? Contact Katie Richlick at mccvista@micampuscompact.org or (517) 492-2436 for more information.