This document provides an orientation for supervisors of MCC*VISTA members. It outlines the principles of anti-poverty, community empowerment, and capacity building that guide the VISTA program. It details supervisors' responsibilities in supporting their VISTA member's work in focus areas like education, veterans services, health, and economic opportunity. Supervisors are responsible for oversight, professional development, and involvement if issues arise. The document also reviews VISTA members' status, financing, reporting expectations, and available training resources.

1. MCC*VISTA Host Site OrientationRachel KlegonMCC*VISTA Program Manager

2. (Corporation for National and Community ServiceCNCS)

4. VISTA PrinciplesAnti PovertyCommunity EmpowermentCapacity Building

5. Capacity BuildingTasks and activities to create, expand or strengthen systems or processes in order to increase an organization’s ability to function effectively and meet its mission.When is direct service ok?

6. Focus AreasEducationVeterans and Military FamiliesHealthy FuturesEnvironmental StewardshipEconomic OpportunityDisaster Services

7. EducationSupport and Facilitate access to services and resources that contribute to improved educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged people, especially childrenImprove school readiness for economically disadvantaged young childrenImprove educational and behavioural outcomes for students in low-achieving elementary, middle and high schoolsImprove the preparation for prospects of success in post-secondary education institutions for economically disadvantaged students

8. Supervisor’s roles/responsibilitiesEducate Community & Staff about VISTAEnsure Adequate ResourcesDevelop VAD—Review, Revise, UtilizeProvide regular supervision, guidance and feedback to the VISTAProvide regular feedback to the grant Program Manager Quarterly ReportsSupervisor Meetings & Conference Calls

9. Supervisor’s roles/responsibilitiesMaintain oversight for the overall sustainabilityEncourage & Provide Opportunities for the VISTA’s Personal and Professional Growth/ Find a MentorAttend Supervisor meetingsSupport the integration of VISTAs into your organization and the communityBe your VISTAS Greatest Support

10. Involve Program Manager If. . .Getting close to using sick vacation days up (10 allowed for each) Leave taken without approvalBehavioral problems after receiving written or verbal warningsChange in WorkplanChange in address of VISTA or project site Change in supervisor

11. What if the placement isn’t working out?Supervisor issuesVISTA Issues

12. VISTA FinancesCNCS/MCC BenefitsLiving AllowanceRelocationHealth BenefitsChild Care (for VISTAs that qualify)Mileage Reimbursement (CNCS/MCC required events)Professional Development

13. VISTA Finances continuedHousingTransportationTravel/MileageStudent LoansAdditional TrainingBe aware and responsive

14. VISTA: am I an employee or a volunteer?Use Workplan to stay on trackFollow same rules of conductQuick learning curve need to leave their legacy. Need recognition and feedback“not getting rewarded with grades or money-need recognition”

15. ReportingQuarterly reportsSend timely accomplishments and storiesMNA Blog

16. CNCS monthly reports to DC

17. MCC website/ Monthly Feature

18. Share best practices

19. Multi MediaMonitoringSite visits (2 per year) Quarterly Reports, Calls with VISTA Leader, 6 month review and End of the Year Evaluations, Return phone calls in a timely manner

20. TrainingPre Service Orientation, CNCSOn site Orientation, CampusAugust 10-12 training, MCCNovember training, MCCJanuary training/Service Learning Institute, MCC. March Training, MCCOngoing professional developmentEnd or Year Celebration, MCC

21. MCC CommunicationWeekly e-mailsCheck in calls with VISTA LeaderMonthly poverty conference callsProvide support, resources and look for any concerns