Community service and volunteerism have always been a vital force in American life.

Throughout history, our nation has relied on the dedication and action of citizens to tackle our biggest challenges.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy envisioned a national service corps “to help provide urgently needed services in urban and rural poverty areas.” Less than two years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson realized Kennedy’s dream by launching the “War on Poverty.” Johnson welcomed the first group of 20 VISTAs (Volunteers In Service To America) by saying, “Your pay will be low; the conditions of your labor often will be difficult. But you will have the satisfaction of leading a great national effort, and you will have the ultimate reward which comes to those who serve their fellow man.”

The VISTA program, like Head Start and other lasting antipoverty programs, was created by The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to serve the needs of the poorest Americans.

Remember together we can make a difference!

Every day across the nation AmeriCorps VISTA members are tackling America’s toughest problems in:

• Disasters Services
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healthy Futures
• Veterans and Military Families

Georgia 4-H is also very active in all of these areas, making the partnership between Georgia 4-H and the AmeriCorps VISTA program an ideal situation.

VISTAs give at least one year of service to Georgia 4-H in areas of volunteer development, marketing, and fundraising.  Their services are leveraged to extend the great benefits of 4-H positive youth development to additional youth. VISTAs receive a small living allowance and a health benefit plan from the Corporation for National and Community Service.  They also have the option for an education award or cash award at the conclusion of the their successful year of service. Together these VISTAs have developed more than $600,000 in cash resources and over $66,000 in non-cash resources helping Georgia 4-H to “make the best better.”

Keri Hobbs

Office:(706)542-4H4H
Fax:(706)542-7373
klgandy@uga.edu

OR

Melinda Miller

Phone:229-386-3414
Fax: 229-386-7139
mdmiller@uga.edu