About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.

AmeriCorps' mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. VISTA Members get involved in a variety of projects and efforts to:

Unite – Bridging divides by bringing people together, connecting individuals and organizations to help communities tackle their toughest challenges.

Strengthen – Providing resources and people power to organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities.

Impact – Enriching the lives of those they serve and those who serve.

Lead – Empowering an entire ecosystem committed to the improvement of communities across the U.S.

To be eligible for the Program you have to be 18 years or older (no upper age limit) and hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state. Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

MENTOR Virginia’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service of America) is a volunteer program for individuals 18 years and older who would like to make meaningful impacts in their communities. Each MENTOR Virginia VISTA Member is placed with a partner organization located in the state of Virginia. A VISTA project consists of indirect service work, such as program development or volunteer recruitment. VISTA Members are restricted from direct services, such as serving food at a food bank. Instead, a VISTA Member would recruit a volunteer to serve the meal. Host sites prefer volunteers who can work in-office or in a hybrid setting. The AmeriCorps Program requires all VISTA Members to live in or near the communities they serve. AmeriCorps VISTA projects are year-long, full-time service commitments. A typical week of service is between 37-40 hours.

Update: After 10+ years, MENTOR Virginia's AmeriCorps VISTA program has run its course. Many thanks to all volunteers, staff members, and partners who made this program possible.