Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

Title 45: Public Welfare
PART 2556—VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA

Subpart G—VISTA Leaders

§2556.600   How is a position for a leader established in a project, or in multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region?

(a) At its discretion, CNCS may approve the establishment of a leader position based on the following factors:

(1) The need for a leader in a project of a substantial size and with multiple VISTAs assigned to serve at that project, or the need for leader for multiple projects located within a contiguous geographic region.

(2) The need for a leader to assist with the communication of VISTA policies and administrative procedures to VISTAs within a project, or throughout the multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region, as applicable.

(3) The need for a leader to assist with the professional development of VISTAs within a project, or throughout the multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region, as applicable.

(4) The need for a leader to assist with the recruitment and preparation for the arrival of VISTAs within a project, or throughout the multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region, as applicable.

(5) The capacity of the VISTA supervisor to support and guide the leader.

(b) A sponsor may request, in its project application, that CNCS establish a leader position in its project.

§2556.605   Who is eligible to apply to serve as a leader?

An individual is eligible to apply to serve as a leader if he or she has successfully completed any of the following:

(a) At least one year of service as a VISTA;

(b) At least one full term of service as a full-time AmeriCorps State and National member;

(c) At least one full term of service as a member of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); or

(d) At least one traditional term of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

§2556.610   What is the application process to apply to become a leader?

(a) Application package. An eligible individual must apply in writing to CNCS to become a leader. The sponsor's recommendation and related materials, described in paragraph (b) of this section, must be included with the individual's application to become a leader.

(b) Sponsor recommendation. A sponsor where an individual is seeking to serve as a leader must recommend in writing to CNCS the individual to become a leader. Included with the recommendation must be an evaluation of the individual's performance while in previous service, a description of specific tasks, responsibilities, qualifications, and other relevant information that justifies the placement of the individual in a leader position, and if appropriate, the establishment of a leader position.

(c) Selection. CNCS shall have sole authority to select a leader. The criteria for selection shall include consideration of the individual's application and the sponsor's recommendation described in paragraph (b) of this section.

§2556.615   Who reviews a leader application and who approves or disapproves a leader application?

CNCS reviews the application package for the leader position, considers the recommendation of the sponsor, and approves or disapproves the individual to serve as a leader.

§2556.620   How does a leader differ from other VISTAs?

The application process to apply to become a leader, as described in §2556.610, is separate and distinct from the application process to apply to enroll as a VISTA in the VISTA program:

(a) A leader may receive a living allowance computed at a higher daily rate than other VISTAs, as authorized under section 105(a)(1)(B) of the DVSA.

(b) A leader is subject to all the terms and conditions of service described in §2556.625.

§2556.625   What are terms and conditions of service for a leader?

Though not exhaustive, terms and conditions of service as a leader include:

(a) A leader makes a full-time commitment to serve as a leader, without regard to regular working hours, for a minimum of one year.

(b) To the maximum extent practicable, a leader shall live among and at the economic level of the low-income community served by the project and actively seek opportunities to engage with that low-income community.

(c) A leader aids the communication of VISTA policies and administrative procedures to VISTAs.

(d) A leader assists with the leadership development of VISTAs.

(e) A leader is a resource in the development and delivery of training for VISTAs.

(f) A leader may assist the sponsor with recruitment and preparation for the arrival of VISTAs.

(g) A leader may advise a supervisor on potential problem areas and needs of VISTAs.

(h) A leader aids VISTAs in the development of effective working relationships and understanding of VISTA program concepts.

(i) A leader may aid the supervisor and sponsor in directing or focusing the VISTA project to best address the community's needs.

(j) A leader may serve as a collector of data for performance measures of the project and the VISTAs.

(k) A leader is prohibited from supervising VISTAs. A leader is also prohibited from handling or managing, on behalf of the project, personnel-related matters affecting VISTAs. Personnel-related matters affecting VISTAs must be managed and handled by the project and in coordination with the appropriate CNCS State Office.

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