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What's a PeaceJam AmeriCorps VISTA Leader?
Posted 6/1/2009 at 2:04 PM by Amber S
It seems to be my lot in life to work for organizations and have job titles that render "the elevator speech" nearly impossible. Take my current job title "PeaceJam AmeriCorps VISTA Leader." Whoa, I know - let me break it down for you with the use of some handy links.

PeaceJam - You probably know all about since you are reading this website, but in case you think it has something to do with music festivals or tasty peach fruit spreads please read: http://www.peacejam.org/about.aspx#top

AmeriCorps - This is the federal government's national service program. It is like a domestic PeaceCorps. Learn more

VISTA- Stands for Volunteers in Service to America. This is a branch of AmeriCorps where members work full time in a non-profit or government agency in programs that aim to alleviate poverty. Learn more

Leader - A "VISTA Leader" is someone who coordinates and supports a team of VISTA member. At PeaceJam we currently have 12 VISTA members at affiliates around the country. I do things such as having regular individual check in calls with VISTA member, plan conference calls for the whole team, plan trainings, go visit people in their sites, etc. Pretty much I just want to make sure all the VISTAs are on track and working together and supporting each other as a team. The VISTA members are awesome and I love working with them!

Uh oh - I have to go get on a conference call...next time I'll write a little more "day in the life" stuff.
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Penpa D wrote:
That sounds like fun. I think I am gonna apply for a Vista position next year! :)
posted 6/1/2009 at 3:05 PM
Keely W wrote:
Hey Amber, you forgot that a VISTA leader should be an awesome beatboxologist and love people who snore! LOL!
posted 6/1/2009 at 3:29 PM
Dawn E wrote:
Hey Amber, you also forgot to mention that VISTA leaders are always super cool and really great humman beings!
posted 6/1/2009 at 4:29 PM
Michael A wrote:
A VISTA leader is someone who yells at their subjects(VISTAs) and uses their power to create a VISTA Army of personal servants.
They are also spokes-models.
posted 6/3/2009 at 12:35 PM
Michael A wrote:
I joke, VISTA Leader Amber is amazing, deserves a gold star or at least a piece of pie.
posted 6/3/2009 at 12:36 PM
Amber S wrote:
Yeah - bring me pie. And we know who the true spokesmodel is around here.
posted 6/3/2009 at 4:56 PM
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