This blog post has been written by Jillian Lopez, Volunteer Engagement Manager

The Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service is currently recruiting for the 2022 – 2023 Serve Philadelphia VISTA cohort. 

Serve Philadelphia VISTAs are AmeriCorps members who fight the injustices and causes of poverty facing individuals and communities by serving in City departments full-time for one year. With over forty positions to fill, this will be our biggest cohort yet. Applications are open through April 1, at 11:59 p.m. If you are considering a year of service or perhaps a career in City government, you can apply here.

Why should you consider serving with AmeriCorps?

As a member of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps, you can grow personally and professionally. Working within City departments, you will have the opportunity to serve in the areas of economic opportunity, education, healthy futures, homelessness and affordable housing, and opioid emergency response. 

Current Reentry Workforce Development VISTA, D’esha Abernathy shared, “serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA allows me to extend beyond myself. It gives me the opportunity to work with organizations that support individuals who are vulnerable. I love to volunteer; and as someone who grew up in Philadelphia, I know that there is still a need for more or better access to resources. Through AmeriCorps, I accomplish two goals: living with purpose and increasing the sustainability in my region.” 

Ali Hanson, a H.O.P.E. VISTA thinks that “any individual dedicated to impactful work that unleashes the potential in their community will enjoy the work of a VISTA. My year of service so far has taught me countless skills in building programs and policies from the bottom up to fight poverty. I have spent much of my time coordinating, researching, and conducting community outreach to develop my project to best support my community. By the end of my service year, my work could contribute to a lasting impact in the community for years to come. A service year as an AmeriCorps VISTA member is an excellent opportunity to grow not only your personal and professional skills but also your community’s resources.”

To apply for the main VISTA program, you must submit:

  • A brief essay about you and your reasons for applying to become a VISTA.
  • A description of your volunteer experience.
  • Your resume.
  • Your five preferred VISTA positions, along with a description of why you would be a good fit for each position

More information about the application process for full-year VISTA positions can be found online.

If you are still unsure of applying, here are Seven Reasons to Serve with AmeriCorps VISTA from one of our Serve Philadelphia VISTA alums. 

Apply to be a Serve VISTA. Applications are open through April 1, at 11:59 p.m.

Apply to be a Serve VISTA