This overview is meant to provide a basic understanding of the terms of AmeriCorps*VISTA service.  For a far more detailed tutorial of the terms, conditions, and benefits of service, please go to www.tcb.net.

 To search the AmeriCorps*VISTA Handbook click here

1.  Mission of VISTA:  To start, strengthen, or expand programs, systems or services that help people move out of poverty. 

2.  To serve as an VISTA member is to make a commitment to national and community service.  VISTA service is not considered employment, nor is the living allowance considered wages. 

3.  The term of service is for one full calendar year and requires a full time commitment. 

4.  VISTA members may not hold a full or part-time job while serving.

5.  The current living allowance for all locations in Maine is $906/month.  This works out to $418.32 gross every two weeks.  The living allowance is subject to state and federal income tax.

6.  VISTA members are eligible to receive either the end-of-service cash stipend ($1,200) or the Segal Education Award ($4,725).

7.  All VISTA members are entitled to an exclusive health care plan designed by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and administered by Seven Corners Inc.  Please be advised that this plan has very limited coverage for expenses related to pre-existing conditions.

    To access the VISTA member Health Care Guide Click here 

8. Childcare benefits are available if you have a child under 13 years of age in your care, you meet the income threshold, you need childcare assistance to complete the A*VISTA assignment, and you have a financial liability to pay necessary childcare expenses.

9.  Participation in college courses is prohibited, except with prior approval from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS - The federal agency that manages VISTA).

10.  In addition to the position posting each VISTA placement has a specific Work Plan and Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD).  These documents are meant to give greater structure and clarity for candidates considering serving. 

11.  All new VISTA members must attend a Pre-Service Orientation (PSO), at the end of which members are sworn into service.   The VISTA year of service officially begins the next day.  Travel expenses to and from PSO, as well as room and board costs during the PSO, will be paid by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

12.  VISTA members are not considered an employee of the sponsor agency or of CNCS (Federal government).  The only exceptions are for purposes of (1) the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), which provides Workman’s Compensation if an injury is a direct result of service, and (2) the Hatch Act, which prohibits partisan or non-partisan political activities while identified as an A*VISTA or in your capacity as an A*VISTA, including election activities, voter registration activities, and providing transportation to the polls.  As an A*VISTA, you retain your rights as private citizens, but you may not engage in political activities that may be construed as representative of the sponsor, the CNCS or fellow A*VISTAs.

13.  VISTA members are prohibited from engaging in any religious activity as part of their duties, or which could be perceived as part of your duties by members of the community.