Hours and Leave
Can I work from home (teleserve)?
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, AmeriCorps is allowing members to teleserve as long as their Teleservice Request Form is signed by their NC Campus Engagement supervisor (Christina), and is accepted.
The Teleservice request form can be found on the Forms page.
This is subject to change outside of pandemic times.
See pages 108-109 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
How many vacation days do I get?
VISTAs are permitted 10 days of personal leave and 10 days of sick leave. Make sure your time off is approved by your host site supervisor, and mark your time log with a "P" or "S" to indicate which leave you are using.
If you reenroll or extend your service with the same project without a break in service, you are entitled to use any unused personal or sick leave earned in the previous term of service.
See pages 72-75 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
How many hours should I work per week?
VISTAs are expected to be in service “full-time” according to the work hours and customs of the host site. This typically means 40 hours a week, however, service day is equivalent to the number of hours your host site considers to be full time.
See page 74 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
When can I use Comp Time?
If VISTAs serve more than their required service hours, they could be granted comp time by their host site supervisor, but it is not required.
If you are granted comp time (must be properly reflected on time log), the comp time must be taken in the same month it is earned or within 2 weeks if earned in the last week of the month.
VISTAs may not “bank” comp time to take extended absences or to finish their service year early.
My host site is closed for Labor Day. Do I get the day off as well? What about Fall/Spring break?
Typically, VISTAs are off from service for the same holidays their host site observe, except extended holiday breaks in November, December, and January (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years).
For those holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years), VISTAs are granted holiday leave on the day of the holiday, and the day before OR after.
For example, you have Thanksgiving Day off, and you may chose to take off the day before Thanksgiving OR the day after Thanksgiving for your holiday break. If you'd like to use personal leave to extend your holiday break, that is perfectly fine. Just make sure it is okay with your host site supervisor!
VISTAs are not granted Fall/Spring break. If you'd like to use personal leave during the time that your host site is closed for Fall/Spring break, that is perfectly fine. Just make sure it is okay with your host site supervisor!
See pages 72-73 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
What if I get really sick and use up my sick days?
You may be authorized up to 5 additional days of sick leave in emergency situations.
If you get COVID-19, please let the VISTA Program Coordinator (Christina) know. You may request emergency leave of 14 days if you are unable to teleserve.
See pages 72-76 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
What other circumstances could I be granted emergency leave?
You may be authorized up to 5 days of emergency leave for the death or severe illness of a family member or if a natural disaster occurs.
See pages 73-75 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
Outside of Service Activities
Can I volunteer with an organization that is associated with my host site?
Of course! As long as you are not being paid for your position, you are welcome and encouraged to join any clubs or organizations that you'd like as long as it does not interfere with service.
For example, a VISTA may serve as a mentor or advisor for a club on campus.
Political Activates
Can I attend a political protest or rally during service?
You may NOT attend any political campaigns, voter registration drives, protests or rallies, lobby, raise funds for a political candidate, or be perceived as partisan when you are "on the clock" or displaying any VISTA or AmeriCorps gear.
For example, if you have completed your work day or have the day off, you are more than welcome to participate in any political activities. Just make sure you are not wearing any AmeriCorps or VISTA gear, do not bring your VISTA water bottle, and do not talk about your role as a VISTA.
See pages 123-127 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
The request form and policies for outside employment can be found on the Forms page.
What if my host organization asks me to post something about the upcoming election on our social media page?
VISTAs may NOT provide social media content pertaining to voting and voter registration, political fundraising, advocating for or against political issues, or any other content that could be perceived as political in nature.
Ask someone else from your organization to create and/or post the content.
Can I, personally, post politically natured content on my own social media?
If a VISTA posts photos in VISTA gear or identifies as an AmeriCorps VISTA member anywhere on their social media platforms, it is a best practice to refrain from posting any personal political content.
If you are going to make political posts, make sure to disclaim that those view are your own and not associated with any organization that you work for or represent. It is common practice to put a disclaimer in your social media page's bio.
See page 124 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
Outside Employment
Can I get another job to supplement the living allowance?
You may submit a request for part-time outside employment, but it cannot be at your host site or sponsoring organization, and it must not interfere with your service.
You must have your host site supervisor’s permission. Accepting outside employment without prior authorization from your supervisor is cause for termination.
See page 109 of the VISTA Member Handbook.
The request form and policies for outside employment can be found on the Forms page.
Taking Classes
Am I allowed to take classes during my service year?
Enrollment is allowable with pre-approval from NC Campus Engagement.
You must demonstrate that your classes will not interfere with your service.
You must have your host site supervisor’s permission. Enrollment in courses without prior authorization from your supervisor is cause for termination.
The request form and policies for taking classes can be found on the Forms page.
See page 110 of the VISTA Member Handbook.