AmeriCorps marking years of service, seeking array of volunteers

AmeriCorps includes AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), Senior Corps, Experience Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).

AmeriCorps Week is also a recruitment event to engage more Americans in service. More than 500,000 men and women have participated in AmeriCorps by dedicating a year or two of full-time service. The experience has transformed lives.

For the past 15 years, the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona has been a national model for AmeriCorps programs. It has recruited and supported hundreds of national service members — including VISTA members..

AmeriCorps VISTA was started in 1965 with a mission to fight poverty in the United States. 

VISTA volunteers serve at agencies across Tucson including at the Volunteer Center, Pima County/Tucson Women's Commission, Interfaith Community Services and the Jewish Refugee Resettlement of Southern Arizona.

Open positions fill quickly. Currently, VISTA volunteers are needed as Experience Corps program coordinator, Amphitheater coordinator, young women's leadership coordinator, volunteer coordinator, development coordinator, resource coordinator and more.

The Volunteer Center is also recruiting AmeriCorps VISTA candidates for the community-based Volunteer Development Project. The project goal is to develop replicable volunteer-management programs for schools and community organizations.

When these are in place, schools or groups will have the knowledge and skills to engage volunteers to meet critical needs in society. VISTA members give special emphasis to disaster preparedness, literacy, leadership and youth development. 

VISTA positions are open to citizens 18 and older. Ideally, candidates have a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Benefits include a living stipend, health-care plan, child care and education award upon completion of service.

For more information or to apply, contact Courtney Jordan at cjordan@volunteersoaz.org or 881-3300, ext. 102.