The are Responsibilities and Expectations for participation in the CTC VISTA Project. Please read and understand them as they are designed primarily to ensure for a healthy and productive relationship between supervisor, VISTA and the the CTC VISTA Project. Because of the distributed nature of the CTC VISTA Project, we are reliant upon local VISTAs and supervisors to be aware of these responsibilities and contact us in the event of a problem. Please help us help you.
All CTC VISTAs are expected to do the following as part of their service...
- Be knowledgeable of your Member Assignment Description and Work Plan. Inform your VISTA Leader of any significant changes to these duties.
- Work with your supervisor towards completing your goals and tasks as outlined in your Member Assignment Description and project Work Plan.
- Communicate with your supervisors about the progress you are making, the challenges you face, and the support you need.
- Regularly communicate with your VISTA Leader and Project Staff.
- Complete all required reporting. These include filing Online Field Reports every two weeks and quarterly reviews of Work Plan progress and challenges.
- Participate in discussions with fellow CTC VISTAs that are applicable to your project work and your own future plans.
- Develop shared resources for fellow CTC VISTAs from the knowledge and experience you gain as part of your service.
- Provide feedback and assistance to fellow VISTAs and Project staff.
- Be knowledgeable about and respect VISTA restrictions on lobbying/political activities, formal course enrollment, outside income/work, and direct service as opposed to capacity building.
- Attend a national community media or technology conference—CTCNet, NTEN, ACM or NAMAC conference or an equivelent conference to be arranged with CTC VISTA Project staff.
- Complete exit forms.
All CTC VISTA Supervisors are expected to...
- Submit the required Memo of Understanding, Project fee, and Program Progress Report(s)
- Attend and participate in supervisor's training when requested.
- Have a full and working knowledge of the VISTA proposal, its expectations and objectives, and the VISTA work plan.
- Provide each VISTA with a copy of the Work Plan, expectations and objectives, along with a copy of their Member Assignment Description.
- Ensure that the VISTA has a functional workspace and is given a proper organizational orientation and introduced to the people they will be working with: let people know what a VISTA is and what your VISTA will be working on.
- Be aware that VISTAs may require training to perform all necessary duties as listed in the Work Plan if they do not already possess those abilities and skills. Work with them to make a training plan to compliment their work plan.
- Understand what is required of your VISTA: Ensure that your VISTA volunteers serve the project on a full-time basis and that they have no additional income—no outside employment or additional direct compensation from your organization is allowed. If rent and living expenses are an issue, be sure you know agency options for legally subsidizing VISTA's housing.
- Provide VISTA management/supervision based on Work Plan and Member Assignment Description, personnel policies per agency and assistance with future plans.
- Provide adequate time and resources for your VISTA to fulfill their additional CTC VISTA responsibilities.
- Talk to your VISTA often and share your needs, expectations, and how they are being utilized. Recognize that supervision involves communication and training.
- VISTAs require continuous supervision. Contingency plans are advised in the event of supervisor role interruption. Contact Project staff if the VISTA's direct supervisor plans to leave or is otherwise replaced.
- Hold regular meetings with the VISTA. This should be quality time (no interruptions) in order to problem solve as a team.
- Participate in CTC VISTA Project supervisor discussions, surveys and evaluations. Communicate successes and address challenges with Project staff.
- Supervisors are responsible for the overall direction and support of VISTAs. VISTAs are eager to learn new skills. What are your expectations for the VISTA? How will the community benefit from their service? Do not take for granted that the VISTA understands the big picture.
- Arrange for travel and hotel arrangements for VISTA attendance at a national community media or technology conference--—CTCNet, NTEN, ACM or NAMAC conference or an equivelent to be arranged with CTC VISTA Project.
- Supervisors should be prepared to assist VISTAs with career planning. Particularly as the end of your VISTA's term of service approaches, talk to them about options and plans.
- Progress reports and additional documentation as required by the project should be filled out as requested generally in April and October. Deadlines are firm.
- End of service forms must be received two months prior to the VISTA's last day of service.
- Promote interaction, reflection, and closure at the end of the VISTA's year of service. Formally acknowledge the VISTA's service with announcements and perhaps a special event.
If you are having problems...
- Look at the situation and ask if the VISTA has been receiving the proper instructions, supervision, training, etc. to get their job done. Again, talk to your VISTA. Ask the VISTA if there are any things that you can do to assist them in doing their work.
- If after trying generally recommended approaches, you are still having problems, talk to us. Call or email a CTC VISTA staff member. We are available to help you resolve the problem.
- A VISTA supervisor cannot terminate a VISTA without talking to the VISTA Project Staff. If things seem irresolvable, we can decide together if a transfer to another project, temporary administrative leave, dismissal, or some other option is the best solution to the problem.
- Immediately contact Project Staff in the event of any change in status of the VISTA, e.g. early termination, arrests, AWOL, hospitalization.