Published: February 12, 2008 09:07 am         

City groups seek VISTA volunteers

• Applications being accepted for three positions

Applications are being accepted through Friday to become an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer for the Stillwater Children’s Museum and Smart Start Payne County.

Last April, these organizations received a grant through AmeriCorps to begin a VISTA program in Stillwater. AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America provides full-time members to community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs to help raise low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

As the Stillwater Children’s Museum and Smart Start Payne County prepare to begin year two of the AmeriCorps VISTA grant, they are seeking to recruit three additional VISTA members, who will help with grant-writing, resource building and program development.

“Over the past year, VISTA members have played a large role in the expansion of public awareness campaigns, grant research and development, volunteer recruitment and management and program expansion for both organizations,” said Regina Hall, executive director of Smart Start Payne County.

VISTA members receive professional development, on-the-job training, a living allowance, health insurance and an education award.

Stillwater Children’s Museum and Smart Start Payne County VISTA members have participated in national training concerning strategies other organizations use to combat poverty and strengthen communities.

To learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA, visit www.americorps.org or contact Hall at (405) 377-2786.

     

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