Training AmeriCorps*VISTA site supervisors through regional trainings
Abstract
AmeriCorps*VISTA programs often place members at multiple sites and rely on site supervisors for the day-to-day supervision of members. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) State Office in Tennessee held regional meetings in the state specifically for site supervisors to train them in AmeriCorps*VISTA policies, procedures, and objectives. By providing regional trainings, a majority of site supervisors were able to receive training cost effectively and to meet directly with CNCS staff. This effective practice will be useful for other staff in state offices who are looking for training ideas.Issue
When an AmeriCorps*VISTA project places members at multiple sites, the site supervisors need to understand AmeriCorps*VISTA policies, procedures, and objectives. However, the information is not always communicated at the site-supervisor level or it can be miscommunicated.
Action
The CNCS staff organized three regional trainings in the state, which were attended by AmeriCorps*VISTA site supervisors and program supervisors.
Prior to organizing the trainings, the staff held a conference call with five statewide AmeriCorps*VISTA supervisors for input on who should attend the trainings, the training curriculum, priority issues, training strategies, who should conduct the trainings, and scheduling considerations.
The CNCS state office enlisted the help of grantees in organizing the trainings, which reduced costs and provided logistical assistance. By conducting the trainings regionally, the state office was able to make the training available to more people and did not incur lodging and dinner meal expenses for the attendees.
The trainings were conducted by the CNCS state office staff from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which allowed time for attendees to drive to and from the training.
Training agenda:
9:30 to 10:00 Sign-in and Social Time
10:00 to 10:15 Introductions
10:15 to 10:45 From the National/State Perspective
- Congressional Mandate - War on Poverty
- AmeriCorps*VISTA Philosophy - Capacity Building/Sustainability
- Structure of the Corporation for National and Community Service
- Terms & Conditions of AmeriCorps*VISTA Service
- What AmeriCorps*VISTA Members Expect to Get (in addition to subsistence allowance, education award)
- Thorough Orientation
- Functional Work Space
- Clear Work Plan - Member Assignment Description
- Quality Supervision and Respect
- Capacity-Building Activity
- Opportunity to Be Heard
11:45 to 12:45 Lunch (provided by Corporation for National and Community Service)
1:00 to 1:45 From the Project Perspective
- Memorandum of Agreement
- Bi-weekly Verification Forms
- Site Development - Assurances
- Recruiting/Retaining - Sign-Off
- Communication with the State Office
- On-the-Job Orientation
- Handbooks
- Getting Started - Asset Mapping
- Work Plans
- Career Development
- Streams of Service - Collaboration
- AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Development
2:30 to 3:00 Q & A and Evaluation
Context
The CNCS state offices oversee the AmeriCorps*VISTA and Senior Corps programs in their state. To ensure the site supervisors were receiving the same information as the AmeriCorps*VISTA program supervisors, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) State Office in Tennessee held regional trainings specifically for site supervisors. The regional trainings in Tennessee were attended by approximately 80 AmeriCorps*VISTA site supervisors.Outcome
Feedback from the attendees was positive. Site supervisors who had been supervising AmeriCorps*VISTA members for several years reported learning new information. By providing the training in person rather than through a mailing, the state office staff was able to answer questions about unique situations and the site supervisors were able to share effective practices with each other. Also, it showed the site supervisors appreciation for their efforts and helped to motivate them.
The training demystified the AmeriCorps*VISTA program for site supervisors and helped them understand why policies, guidelines, and prohibited activities exist and why certain information is collected from them.
Posted On
September 24, 2001For More Information