KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Recruitment
There are four approaches to recruitment, face-to-face recruitment, networking, media, and the national AmeriCorps referral system. Face-to-face, and networking are the best approaches on university campuses. Because these approaches require much verbal communication, one must be prepared with answers to the following questions.
- what your program does (the specific program the VISTA serves at their site)
- how it affects the lives of people
- what you’re looking for in new recruits
- what they will be asked to do (be specific)
- what past members have gotten out of the experience.
If you can master the answers to these questions, you can lead an effective face-to-face recruitment campaign [You also want a quick-read handout that reads immediately what your program is doing and what KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA is about. Also provide contact and website information].
How to navigate a university campus with regard to recruitment: Your recent graduates are your best candidates. Think about where you can target these students…
- Career Office
- Career Fairs are they best places to grab potential candidates
- Campus employment office and web page
- Grad classes and Grad organizations/clubs
- Graduate study advisors
- Target local non-profits that have similar interests as your project and ask if they host dedicated volunteers from the university
- Speak to those partners of your program to ask how they can help you recruit
- Student government
- Sometimes departments have listservs targeting students in a specific discipline. Ask to submit info. on their listserv
- Do you have list of service-learning classes? Ask to speak to relevant classes or just ask the instructor to provide a handout
- Ask people if they know of dedicated volunteers
- Use an on campus or off campus volunteer clearinghouse
- Ask influential town members to talk about the VISTA position
- Talk with key leaders on campus (Fraternities/Sororities, club presidents, etc.)
Check out the Kansas Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA website to gather general information about the VISTA member position such as general duties and qualifications, and application instructions.
Below are resources to assist you with your recruitment campaign:
- Brochure insert (add your contact information)
- Podium sign available at your site
- Brochures available at your site (contact your VISTA Leader for additional brochures)
- Applicant evaluation form
Use this form when you interview a potential candidate. This information is required by the Corporation state office.
