ONEIDA — During the week of May 9-16, the Red Cross will celebrate the third annual AmeriCorps Week in the United States. AmeriCorps is a program run by the Corporation for National and Community Service as part of the three main National Service Programs.

The Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program has been in existence since 1964 and works to “strengthen and supplement efforts to eliminate and alleviate poverty” in the United States by encouraging and enabling persons from all walks of life to perform meaningful and constructive volunteer service and to strengthen local agencies and organizations.

Starting in summer 2009, the Madison-Oneida Chapter of the American Red Cross will sponsor an AmeriCorps VISTA position with the New York State Emergency Preparedness VISTA Program. The chapter is currently seeking applications from interested individuals to begin service in the summer of 2009.

In New York state, more than 95 percent of the services provided to the community by the Red Cross are delivered through trained volunteers. On any given day, Red Cross chapters in New York respond to more than 13 local disasters and provide critical support to those impacted by disaster. AmeriCorps VISTA members serving with the New York State Emergency Preparedness VISTA program will focus their efforts on building the capacity of the Red Cross to recruit, support and retain such volunteers. Activities may include outreach to increase knowledge of the local Red Cross, recruitment for all age cohorts, working with the youth and college population to promote civic engagement and building relationships with local organizations for partner opportunities.

VISTA is a full-time, 12 month opportunity where members must fully commit to AmeriCorps service. VISTA Members may not attend school or hold a job during this time period. In return for service, members are given a small living stipend, and are offered benefits such as basic health care, child care supplement and at the completion of their service, the members are given a choice of a cash stipend ($1,200) or an education award ($4,725).

To learn more about AmeriCorps Service, visit: www.americorps.gov.

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