AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program specifically dedicated to fighting poverty in the United States. Each year, AmeriCorps VISTA places 6,500 members in more than 1,200 projects throughout the country. VISTA members commit to one year of full-time service and provide capacity building support for organizations working on poverty-related issues.

AmeriCorps VISTA members at Rural Action serve in the low-income, rural communities of southeast Ohio. They work with local farmers, landowners, and cooperative groups to increase market opportunities; develop environmental education and restoration projects; coordinate youth leadership programs; link volunteers to service projects; and increase the capacity of the organization through member development and media projects.

Rural Action is currently hosting 15 VISTA members, working in the following programs:

  • Sustainable Forestry
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Youth Act
  • Monday Creek, Sunday Creek and Huff Run Watershed Groups
  • Organizational Development, including: media and design, fundraising development, and volunteer and event management

VISTA members educate youth and adults, mobilize community volunteers and program committees, facilitate public meetings around community concerns and ideas, and raise money to support sustainable development programs.

Rural Action also partners with other regional nonprofit organizations to provide VISTA member support, including Stuart’s Opera House and Community Food Initiatives.

Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA service:
  • A living stipend to cover rent and expenses – currently set at $833/month
  • An education award of $4,725 upon completion of one year of service, to be used for future education or school loans OR a cash award of $1,200
  • Health benefits
  • Ten days each of vacation and sick time per year of service
  • Deferment of select student loans and payment of accrued interest on loans during the term of service
  • Optional low cost life insurance
  • Relocation allowance if moving more than 50 miles to serve
  • Childcare assistance, if eligible
  • Access to non-competitive hiring in the federal civil service for one year after service
  • Opportunities to meet new people, develop networks, and experience a distinct culture
  • Access to professional training and personal development resources