MCC*VISTA Host Site Orientation Rachel Klegon MCC*VISTA Program Manager

AmeriCorps State and National VISTA NCCC Learn and Serve Senior Corps RSVP Senior Companion Foster Grandparents (Corporation for National and Community Service CNCS)

Corporation for National & Community Service National Office (D.C.) CNCS State office Detroit Office, Program Director: Evan Albert Program Officer: Kevin Murphy Project Michigan Campus Compact, Lansing Rachel Klegon-Program Manager Host Sites Campus VISTA Supervisors

VISTA Principles Anti Poverty Community Empowerment Capacity Building

Tasks and activities to create, expand or strengthen systems or processes in order to increase an organization’s ability to function effectively and meet its mission. When is direct service ok?

Focus Areas Education Veterans and Military Families Healthy Futures Environmental Stewardship Economic Opportunity Disaster Services

Education Support and Facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged people, especially children –Improve school readiness for economically disadvantaged young children –Improve educational and behavioural outcomes for students in low-achieving elementary, middle and high schools –Improve the preparation for prospects of success in post-secondary education institutions for economically disadvantaged students

Supervisor’s roles/responsibilities Educate Community & Staff about VISTA Ensure Adequate Resources Develop VAD—Review, Revise, Utilize Provide regular supervision, guidance and feedback to the VISTA Provide regular feedback to the grant Program Manager –Quarterly Reports –Supervisor Meetings & Conference Calls

Supervisor’s roles/responsibilities Maintain oversight for the overall sustainability Encourage & Provide Opportunities for the VISTA’s Personal and Professional Growth/ Find a Mentor Attend Supervisor meetings Support the integration of VISTAs into your organization and the community –Be your VISTAS Greatest Support

Involve Program Manager If... Getting close to using sick vacation days up (10 allowed for each) Leave taken without approval Behavioral problems after receiving written or verbal warnings Change in Workplan Change in address of VISTA or project site Change in supervisor

What if the placement isn’t working out? Supervisor issues VISTA Issues

VISTA Finances CNCS/MCC Benefits –Living Allowance –Relocation –Health Benefits –Child Care (for VISTAs that qualify) –Mileage Reimbursement (CNCS/MCC required events) –Professional Development

VISTA Finances continued Housing Transportation Travel/Mileage Student Loans Additional Training Be aware and responsive

VISTA: am I an employee or a volunteer? Use Workplan to stay on track Follow same rules of conduct Quick learning curve – need to leave their legacy. Need recognition and feedback –“not getting rewarded with grades or money- need recognition”

Reporting Quarterly reports Send timely accomplishments and stories o MNA Blog o CNCS monthly reports to DC o MCC website/ Monthly Feature o Share best practices o Multi Media

Monitoring Site visits (2 per year) Quarterly Reports, Calls with VISTA Leader, 6 month review and End of the Year Evaluations, Return phone calls in a timely manner

Training Pre Service Orientation, CNCS On site Orientation, Campus August training, MCC November training, MCC January training/Service Learning Institute, MCC. March Training, MCC Ongoing professional development End or Year Celebration, MCC

MCC Communication Weekly s Check in calls with VISTA Leader Monthly poverty conference calls Provide support, resources and look for any concerns

Preparing for your VISTA Set aside first couple weeks for orientation Creating a welcoming workspace Touch base with VISTA prior to PSO –Confirm starting date/time, dress, parking, lunch Ask VISTAs what they learned at PSO

TUTORIALS & TRAINING VISTA Member Forms

RESOURCES VISTA member handbook, book/chapter1.html book/chapter1.html VISTA Campus, Rachel Klegon, Program Manager VISTA Leader,