AmeriCorps VISTA members of the North Mississippi VISTA Project commit to a full-time yearlong term of national service to fight poverty and build capacity for organizations working to improve educational attainment, provide economic opportunities, promote healthy lifestyles, and increase food security among underserved youth and families.
Our members are placed at school districts, non-profit organizations, and at the University of Mississippi working on projects to promote capacity building, sustainable solutions, actionable partnerships, and community empowerment. Yearlong AmeriCorps VISTA members complete 40 hours of indirect service work at their host site each week during the normal workday, but actual work hours and project activities may vary across partner sites. Activities may include but aren’t limited to:
- Developing outreach and marketing campaigns
- Building a social media presence
- Creating and strengthening community partnerships
- Developing program databases, forms, processes and templates
- Writing grants (training provided)
- Expanding fundraising activities
- Managing programs to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
- Recruiting and managing volunteers
Members of the North Mississippi VISTA Project have the opportunity to network with other passionate changemakers across partner sites and communities to brainstorm new ideas and collaborate on joint initiatives.
Partner site locations in Mississippi include:
- Clarksdale
- Hernando
- Holly Springs
- Jonestown
- New Albany
- Oxford
- Pontotoc
- Rosedale
- Sardis
- Southaven
- Sunflower
- Tupelo
- University
Benefits:
- Living allowance of approximately $1,100 per month
- End-of-service education award of approximately $6,300 OR a cash stipend of $1,800
- Networking and professional development training
- Health care benefits
- Childcare benefits
- Relocation allowance if moving a distance of 50 miles or more to service location
- One-year noncompetitive status for a federal government job
Eligibility Requirements:
Per AmeriCorps guidelines, requirements for VISTA service are:
- Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
- Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state. Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. (https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-vista)
Required Materials:
- Resume and cover letter, which includes a motivational statement stating why you are interested in service with the NMVP and how VISTA fits into your future plans.
- AmeriCorps VISTA application which includes two professional references from former supervisors or instructors.
How to apply:
- Complete an AmeriCorps application at https://my.americorps.gov
- Scroll down and click ‘Begin Your Search.’
- Search under ‘Program Name’ by entering ‘North MS VISTA Project’ and apply to our listing.
- Email your resume and cover letter to vista@olemiss.edu.
*Start dates are available each month year-round until program is full.*
