The Up2Us VISTA Program is a full year, full-time AmeriCorps program that provides a service member to eligible partner organizations. Below are five key things an eligible organization must supply in order to host a VISTA member.
- Year-long, full-time supervision and support
- Require a VISTA position with no direct coaching or service
- Reimbursement for travel conducted (outside of their commute) on behalf of your program
- Resources needed to complete their project, as MINIMUM: phone, desk/office space, laptop and wifi (computer is expected to be given to VISTA working in or outside the office)
- $11,500 cost share in the form of four quarterly payments over one year to Up2Us Sports with the first payment being a non-refundable deposit
- Optional - Additional support from your program in the form of rent subsidy or transportation assistance
As a subgrantee of Up2Us Sports, all partners must follow regulations around supplementation, non-displacement and non-duplication of employees.
Please read below carefully and certify you understand before continuing.
A VISTA may not perform any services or activities that would otherwise be performed by an employee as part of an employee's assigned duties. In other words, a VISTA cannot replace a full time employee. They can join a team to support the effectiveness, efficiency and capacity by integrating into the team. They should not take on administrative tasks like answering phones, keeping calendars for other employees, or other office administrative tasks. They should complete the projects designed by each organization to move the mission forward. An employee may not be replaced, in whole or in part, by a VISTA member.
Further, the services of a VISTA may not impact:
- the hiring of a worker
- the possible promotion of an employee
- Nor may VISTAs perform services or duties that have been performed or were assigned to any:presently employed worker; employee who recently resigned or was discharged; employee who is subject to a reduction in force or who has recall rights pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or applicable personnel procedures; employee who is on leave (terminal, temporary, vacation, emergency, or sick); or employee who is on strike or who is being locked out
VISTAs candidates must meet the eligibility requirements outline below:
- Be a US citizen OR a permanent resident
- Be 18 years or older
- Pass a background check facilitated by AmeriCorps
- Nepotism is fully restricted. A VISTA cannot be related to any member of staff at your organization
Recruitment Expectations
All Up2Us partners are expected to recruit their own VISTA members. The Up2Us Sports VISTA program provides support and all positions will be posted on the AmeriCorps portal. Active recruitment requires organizations to develop and execute recruitment plans to find individuals who meet the requirements of the role and are committed to a year of service. A strong recruitment plan is critical to hosting a VISTA and to a successful year.
When recruiting your VISTA, it is critical to find individuals that live within a commutable distance from your organization. While VISTA may work in a hybrid model or completely from home, they must have the ability to come to your events with requested. The work schedule should be expressed during the interview process.
VISTA Management
VISTAs are often recent college grads or individuals young in their career. Depending on the individual, more or less supervision and support will be necessary. Each organization should have a supervisor who has the capacity to offer guidance, individual support, one on one weekly meetings and, at times, micromanagement.