AmeriCorps VISTA

It is hard to believe that one year has come and gone. It is hard to believe that just one year ago I was entering my role with the Decatur County Development Corporation wondering how I would build relationships and complete just one project. Today I am amazed at how I was able to complete so many projects, build so many new relationships and learn so much more about people I already knew. The past year has proven to be so much more than a year of service to my country and to my community. It has proven to be a year of service to myself.

As I prepare to leave my position, I want to ensure that you know how to remain in contact with the Decatur County Development Corporation and how the programming DCDC is working on will continue.

At this time, Executive Director Shannon Erb will be the main point of contact. You may reach Shannon by phone at (641)442-6511 or by e-mail at serb@dcdciowa.org.

A new AmeriCorps VISTA member will be appointed soon, this individual will be working hard to continue the work I started as well as assist with some great new projects.

If you are part of a program that will continue during the 2018-2019 school year, Shannon or the newly appointed VISTA member will be in contact.

If you have not had a chance to watch my end of service video, please take some time to take a look!

Thank you again for being part of a wonderful year!

In service,
Dr. Jesse O. Bolinger

What is AmeriCorps VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) is one of many programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service.  Unlike other National Service programs, VISTA members are unique in that they only serve in communities with poverty issues and only engage in capacity building activities.  Capacity building activities are those that create programs and make positive changes within a community.

Activities

Career Readiness Classroom Presentations

  • Available to 4th-8th grade classrooms
  • Local professionals volunteer their time to give short presentations.
  • Presentations based on classroom interest.

High School Internship Program

  • Students and host sites will be able to search a database for matches.
  • Internships will be designed on an individual basis.
  • Internships may be able to count for school credit.

Financial Literacy Programs

  • Workshops on topics such as goal setting, changing thought patterns and negotiation (under development).
  • Working with community groups to enhance the lives of individuals in Decatur County.
  • Student financial aid workshops (Click here to access handouts for the 8/4 Your Course to College workshop)
  • Lamoni Public Library technology workshops.
  • Resource directory accessible via the web and mobile application.
  • The Financial Minute, weekly financial tips released each Monday at 8:00AM on Facebook.

Volunteer Management Training

  • Developed volunteer application and handbook for Decatur County Development.
  • Available to provide customized trainings to Decatur County nonprofits and groups.  Please e-mail Dr. Bolinger for additional information.

Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service Requirements

As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, in addition to those projects designed by the Decatur County Development Corporation, I am required to complete projects outlined by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service.

During my service I have recognized the following days:

  • 9/11/17 Day of Recognition and Remembrance
  • 1/15/18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
  • 4/26/18 National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Disability Inclusion

All VISTA members are asked to complete a disability inclusion project.  As an individual with a disability, this is something that I am excited to do and want to complete in several ways.  At the present time, my plans for completing this project include:

  • YouTube video discussing the benefits of voluntary service for individuals with disabilities and the associated benefits for nonprofit organizations. This video can be found here.
  • Redesigning the Decatur County Development Corporation website to be compliant with internationally recognized W3C web design standards.

VISTA Collaboration

As part of the year of service, each VISTA member is asked to find ways to collaborate with at least one other member.  In an effort to foster collaboration, and provide information to others, I have partnered with Benét Conlin, a VISTA serving with the Iowa Community Action Association.  Our project centered around the creation of a podcast, VISTA Life, a program that provides information and discussion about various elements of VISTA service including why service is important, how someone can become a VISTA member, a comparison of the face-to-face and online Preservice Orientation options and more.  The podcast can be found here.

AmeriCorps Week

  • 2/13/18: Graceland University career fair: provided information on the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
  • 3/12/18, 3/14/18, and 3/16/18 from 11:00AM to 12:00PM each day: Webcast regarding VISTA experience and projects and host agency. These presentations can be viewed live from the Decatur County Development Corporation Facebook page.

Additional Links