West Virginia’s Promise-The Alliance for Youth, AmeriCorps VISTA Project is currently accepting applications from non-profit organizations, schools and state agencies to gain a VISTA resource to focus on developing, enhancing and sustaining educational programs focusing on fulfilling the Five Promises of America’s Promise to strengthen and supplement efforts to eliminate and alleviate poverty, and to increase funding resources to support your programs.

All VISTA candidates are required to participate in PSO (Pre-Service Orientation) training. The projected 2016 PSO’s could be in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and November; the RFP is due to the office 10 weeks prior to PSO month. Candidates completed applications and Site recommendations are due 8 weeks prior to PSO dates. Existing Promise VISTAs that reenroll do not attend PSO.

To expand the VISTA Project each year an Administration Fee of ($5,000) per VISTA, is requested to be paid by each Host Site along with a signed Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, the Host Site agrees to provide office space and supplies (computer, phone, postage) travel and other administrative cost. If your site is not able to secure the fee contact Pam Dugan, state director at

147 Possum Trot Lane Kearneysville, WV 25430; phone 304-661-1460; email: pdugan@frontiernet.net, www.fivepromises.wv.gov. Limited assistance is available on a case by case basis, though preference is given to sites in at-risk/distressed counties as defined by the ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission).

Those interested in having a VISTA member placed at their site should contact Dugan. Each potential site will be required to advertise, interview and select the applicant of their choice. All applicants must apply on-line at my.americorps.gov/mp/member/registration.do.

VISTA members do not do direct service.

A brief description of the member’s duties will include one or more of these topics:

Getting Things Done achieving demonstrable results in meeting Americans’ educational, public safety, human and environmental needs.

Strengthening Communities uniting citizens from different backgrounds and bringing together diverse institutions in partnerships to transform communities in need.

Encouraging Responsibility strengthening the spirit of citizenship through service, education about service and understanding of communities.

Expanding Opportunity offering education awards in return for service and providing invaluable life and job skills to members which they will carry through the rest of their lives.

For more information, contact Dugan at the above location.