Host a VISTA Member
with NC Campus Engagement

What is the role of a Host Site Supervisor?

Supervision ensures that every member has the right conditions and requirements to perform their service, including a full understanding of the project’s mission, goals, and vision, as well as a solid understanding of the community they are serving. 

Although supervisors provide day-to-day direction and guidance to the VISTAs, they are not employees of the host site. One of the challenges of hosting members is ensuring that everyone who interacts with them understands they are with your organization for a very specific purpose and not as “general help.”

Some ways in which supervising members is different from supervising employees: 

• Members are often early in their career and may need extra guidance and support in adjusting to the organization’s workplace norms and establishing professional working habits. 
• As part of service, members have access to limited benefits and are often interested in cultivating an experience that is meaningful both professionally and personally. They may be interested in more coaching, mentoring, and professional development than the average employee. They also may have a deeper appreciation for recognition from your organization and community. 
• Members may need extra support integrating into the organization and community quickly and effectively. They need to transition quickly in order to make a difference during their one-year term, and this can be a bigger adjustment for members who are from outside the community or new to the field in which they are serving. 
• Each member has a specific assignment with a capacity-building focus. Other staff in your organization may not recognize the distinct member function, and supervisors play a key role in helping other staff and partners understand both the nature of VISTA service and each member’s specific assignment. This includes supporting members in setting and maintaining boundaries when others ask the member to help with activities unrelated to the VAD. 
• Members may be anxious about finances, as well as what their next step will be once their service year ends. 
• Members cannot be terminated by the site or sponsor, but the sponsor may request the member’s removal from the project by providing documentation and details to the AmeriCorps field office. 
• Some members may have years of experience in the workplace and see their service opportunity as a way to transition to a new career field or give back after retiring from employment. 

Who Can Apply to Host a VISTA?

NC Campus Engagement member campuses may apply OR 501(c)3 non-profit organizations or governmental agencies may apply in partnership with a member campus partner.

Host Site Proposal Process

Our Request for Proposals (RFP) period begins in January each year. The RFP will outline the proposal requirements and host sites submit their proposal through an online proposal link.

What do VISTAs do?

• An AmeriCorps VISTA member serves full-time (35+ hours/week) for one year to develop or expand programs that fight poverty. VISTAs cannot provide direct service; instead they build the capacity of host sites and partners to better serve low-income people and address poverty-related needs.
• Campus Engagement VISTAs build on or off-campus community service programs by taking on different capacity-building activities such as: recruiting or training volunteers, writing grants and soliciting donations, creating publicity and outreach materials, conducting needs assessments and asset profiles, establishing sustainable systems and structures. The specific activities of the VISTA depend on the particular goal and objectives of the project site.

If our site currently hosts a VISTA, do we need to re-apply?

We ask host sites to re-apply each year.

How long is a VISTA placement?

VISTA projects typically span 3 years. In years 2 & 3, host sites may submit a continuation application. At the end of year 3, the VISTA resource is usually phased out. Receiving a VISTA in any year does not obligate a host site to seek a VISTA in subsequent years, nor does granting a VISTA in any year obligate Campus Engagement to award a VISTA placement in future years.

How long can a VISTA member serve?

NC Campus Engagement VISTAs serve a one-year term (365 days). Individuals may re-enroll with site and NC Campus Engagement approval. Individuals may serve as a VISTA for up to 5 years, but may only take 2 full education awards.

How much does it cost to host a VISTA?

• To support a VISTA placement, 4-year institutions and community-based organization host sites must pay an administrative fee of $5,000.00 and 2-year institutions must pay an administrative fee of $3,000.00 (2023-2024) . A payment schedule will be provided to selected sites. Host and partner sites may share this fee, or not.
• Host/partner sites should also provide housing support to the Corps member ($250- $550/month), either as a monthly stipend (paid to the landlord or rental agency) or as in-kind support (such as on-campus or reduced-rent housing). More info about housing support.
• Host sites must also reimburse Corps members for service-related travel (not commuting) at the organization’s standard mileage rate.
• Host sites must also provide office space, computer, email, phone, and supplies necessary for VISTA’s work.