| ||||||
Americans Urged to Fight Poverty by Joining AmeriCorps VISTA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Washington D.C. -- As the holiday season brings thoughts of giving back, a new public service campaign was launched today to enlist Americans to "fight poverty with passion" by joining VISTA, the AmeriCorps program that fights poverty. It encourages Americans to dedicate a year of their lives to fight poverty by joining VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Bilingual television PSAs and print ads drive potential recruits to visit AmeriCorps.gov or call 800-942-2677 to learn more and apply. Join VISTA and help tackle one of America's hardest problems," said David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps VISTA. VISTAs raise funds, recruit community volunteers, and design sustainable programs that get to the heart of the problem. VISTAs serve with large national nonprofits -- such as Habitat for Humanity, ACCION, One Economy, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America -- as well as with very small community and faith-based organizations. Last year AmeriCorps VISTA members served more than 10.7 million hours, raised more than $152 million in cash and in-kind resources for their anti-poverty projects, and recruited or managed 517,000 community volunteers -- an average of 75 volunteers per AmeriCorps VISTA member. "VISTAs channel their ideals and energy into becoming poverty-fighters who build successful and sustainable programs that help people and communities lift themselves out of poverty." In return for a year of service, VISTAs receive a variety of benefits, including a modest living allowance, health care, and relocation expenses. While VISTAs appreciate these benefits, many say the most attractive part of VISTA is the skills and leadership they gain and the deep sense of satisfaction they feel when they know they've made a difference.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
