Soooo What Do You Do?

"What exactly do you do?"

I get that a lot when I tell people that I am an AmeriCorps VISTA and, fortunately for them, I don't mind explaining my job because it is something I think is necessary and something I can be proud of. So, these are the basic facts about my job:

1. My main goal is to build capacity. Basically, I don't do the hands on work. I do the behind the scenes work. I help to develop, organize, and implement programs that will continue to exist (hopefully) after I leave. I also do things like research and write grants or meet with influential members of the community to discuss concerns and potential projects.

2. Even though it says "Volunteer", I get paid. I think? Kidding. I do get paid, but it is such a minimal amount that sometimes I don't even notice my checking account balance has changed. There is, however, a reason for this. While working as an AmeriCorps VISTA, they want you to understand the living conditions of the people you're serving. With that said, they pay you, but you fall below the national poverty line. You can't be a VISTA and be fancy.

3. I work full-time (at least) for one year. At the end of my year I get an education award that will be used to pay off student loans and I will have non-competitive status for federal employment for one year. Not a bad deal.  

Live extremely cheaply for a year while you serve a community in need and get a little somethin' somethin' at the end. That is what it means to be a VISTA in a nutshell.

If you have the opportunity to be a VISTA, do it.