Chapter 3: Working at Your Project
INTRODUCTION
Before an AmeriCorps*VISTA member is assigned, a sponsoring organization develops an AmeriCorps*VISTA project to address identified needs of a low-income community. The community and sponsoring organization work collaboratively to design the project. A member's assignment is designed so that when the project is completed, the low-income community is better equipped to solve its own problems, and the systems, services, funding, and personnel remain in the community to continue the efforts initiated by the project.PROJECT APPLICATION
The project application details the specific problem the project will address in the low-income community, provides a set of goals and objectives for the overall project, and includes a project plan that describes the activities the member will undertake.
The project application serves as an important assessment and recruitment tool. The performance measures portion of the application is the basis of subsequent Project Progress Reports, which are used by Corporation staff to monitor the achievement of project goals. The assignment description portion of the application is used to recruit and assign AmeriCorps*VISTA members and to summarize their required duties and skills.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S APPROVAL
The AmeriCorps*VISTA project application must be submitted to the state or territory's governor, chief executive officer, tribal chairperson, or chief or governor of an Indian nation for approval. This endorsement is sought to help ensure federal resources are allocated in an appropriate manner within a state. If the governor, tribal chairperson, or chief executive officer disapproves of the project, the project cannot proceed. Members may not be placed until the governor or another chief executive approves the project or a 45-day response time lapses.
SUPERVISING AMERICORPS*VISTA MEMBERS
The sponsoring organization designates a local supervisor to oversee the AmeriCorps*VISTA project and the work of members. Your supervisor provides day-to-day direction and guides your work as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member. You do not, however, have an employment relationship with the sponsoring organization. You are an AmeriCorps*VISTA member and are accountable to the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. You are, nonetheless, required to act in a professional manner and conduct yourself with utmost decorum in accordance with the sponsoring organization's workplace policies and procedures.
It is not uncommon for AmeriCorps*VISTA supervisors to have significant job responsibilities other than those related to AmeriCorps*VISTA. Part-time supervision still results in successful projects and member experiences, but, at the same time, it is critical that you and your supervisor are clear regarding oversight, communication, and operating expectations. The opportune time to address this issue is during On-Site Orientation and Training.
In preparing to support you in your role as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, your supervisor should consider all aspects of your assignment, including:
- Your day-to-day tasks on the project
- The relationship of your tasks to the work of staff members of the sponsoring organization
- The sponsoring organization staff 's understanding of your role
- The target community's expectations of you and for the project
- The resources, facilities (e.g., reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities), and supplies needed for your assignment
Your duties cannot supplant those of paid staff or existing volunteers.
Your role as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member in the project should be made clear to community members and sponsoring organization staff well before your arrival. Much of your supervisor's role is to anticipate your needs and reactions, as well as those with whom you come in contact while working on the project.
Your supervisor is responsible for structuring assignments so that your health and safety are not jeopardized during your AmeriCorps*VISTA service.
